Locket77

I just tried uploading a photo of my efforts, but I can't seem to get it to work just now. I'll have to have another go. But, after a few attempts I got a result I was pretty happy with, though practice will further refine it. So thanks for all your contributions, I was really grateful you took the time to respond.

Thanks everyone, that's fired me up to have a proper go. Useful advice, and great book link, I've not seen that before. If you never hear back from me assume I'm weeping in a corner of the shop after 50 failed attempts, but hopefully I will be able to report success... Thanks again.

I don't mean to weld the cockshead hinges if they shouldn't be, but the butterfly ones. The reason I need to weld them and in the fire is that they're replacements for originals from a really old house, and they would have been welded, I think. I know they'd probably be strong enough just rolled, and I generally do that for small hinges, but the customer has specified he wants them welded.

Hi everyone, This is my first ever post, I hope someone can offer advice, you seem to be a bunch who know most of what there is to know and are generous about sharing your knowledge. I want to make some proper, welded, butterfly hinges for a restoration job. I'm still a little bit hit and miss with my welding and have very little experience working with thin stock (1/8"), so thought I'd ask if anyone has any tips? Is it more tricky than welding larger stock, my instinct says yes, but I'm trying to stay positive... I'll be using a coke fire and just regular mild steel, with borax for flux. Any hints would be much appreciated, I'm trying to convince myself it'll be a FUN CHALLENGE and a useful addition to my skill portfolio, but I can't help secretly anticipating frustration and disappointment. So, what are your secrets? Also, once I've mastered those...cockshead hinges: presumably forged from straight bar and not just cut out from sheet, right? Thank you