Wrought Iron

[Robby]

This is a picture of a small section of fencing given to me by a descendant of a family that is largely responsible for the settling of this valley. It is very old, I'm not sure and neither was he, but it is thought to be pre-civil war. The stiles are one inch square. I guess my question is for Mr. Everett, seeing how he works with this material routinely, but anyone with information is welcome to add whatever they have.
Is the rust removed before you start with any forging, or does it fall off as scale? I have plans to forge this into many different things as well as a small caliber pistol barrel.

Robby

[James Wilson Everett]

Robby,

Thanks for the question, it is great to see your interest in using the original material.  No, you do not need to remove the rust before forging, only remove any really loose corrosion.

Caution!!!  If the material has been painted, it was probably painted with lead oxide based paint.  It is best to remove the paint first before forging, otherwise you end up breathing lead fumes which is not good for your health.  Remove any paint with that chemical stripper stuff, if you wire brush or grind the paint off you again end up with the airborn lead.

Let me know how everything turns out.

Jim

[Acer Saccharum]

Hmmmm, 1" square pistol barrels... I see what you're thinking Jim! HAhahaha.

Great find. I have Iron Envy.

Tom

[Robby]

Thanks Jim!
Yes Acer, I'm sure that is the case.
Robby

[LURCHWV@BJS]

Robby,
   Good thread, I also have found some wrought iron.  Can't wait till cooler weather come around.  Found the original flat iron bar's from the town jail,just waiting for someone like me to use them.  Planning a few hawks myself.  While in Oklahoma I've been befriended by the local blacksmith association. Way cool, been learning alot and have found many hard to find tools.  Also learning a little about coppersmithing.

  Rich