Autonopedia

A

Take a NEAR WELDING heat on the end of one bar and upset to about 1^1/4 times the original size. This can be done by tamping as shown here

Place the upset end on the anvil face and, holding it at an angle, forge to a blunt chisel end leaving the edge ^5/16" thick.

B

Take a fresh heat and split this end by cutting into each side in turn with the hot chisel.

Force the ends apart as far as possible with the chisel.

C

Take a fresh heat and open out the cleft end over the edge of the anvil to a little less than a right angle. Then lay it on one side of the fire to retain the heat while the other piece is being prepared.

D

Take a NEAR WELDING heat on the second bar and upset the end a little less than the first bar.

Forge to an abrupt chisel end which fits into the cleft and then close tightly together at a BRIGHT RED heat, like this -

The weld can be made in two ways.

E

First method. No assistant available

If no help is available, heat the two pieces side by side as described in Lesson 30.

Take a FULL WELDING heat and drop one piece into a suitable hole in the swageblock with the cleft end uppermost. Place the wedge end in the cleft and drive down hard with a couple of quick hammer blows.

F

Replace the partly-welded bar in the fire, take a fresh welding heat and continue welding by jumping the bar vertically on the swage-block like this -

Weld in the lips on the anvil face and then finish off with a hand hammer in a bottom swage.

G

Second method. With assistance
If help is available, set the two pieces together as shown in D above and place them carefully in the heart of the fire without disturbing the set-up.

Take a FULL WELDING heat and, without removing the bar from the fire, drive the cleft into the weld until it feels solid while your assistant holds a sledge hammer or heavy weight against the other end of the bar.
Lift out of the fire immediately and weld in the lips of the cleft, finishing off between swages.