herchammer Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 I've run across a fellow that has several wagon tires. I was curious what type of steel they might be. I found the table on this site, that lists the RR, and junkyard steel values, but didn't see that item characterized. Would it be similar to a harrow disc? I also came across several hay rake teeth, I think I'll try to snag those this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Usually old wagon wheels are worugh iron, nice find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herchammer Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 Wrought iron eh? I've never worked with it. Any tips? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Work it hot, enjoy the heck out of how easily it forge welds, and make some nice things from it, it's semi rare to get anymore. Grind it clean when you are done, and etch in acid to bring out the pattern(really only a technique used when making blades or fittings on blades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herchammer Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 Thanks for the info ApprenticeMan. I can't wait to get to that point! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Wagon Tires are indeed Wrought Iron, usually the worst wrought iron that was available, If you start working it real hot, (a yellow or white) heat and hit it hard it will just crumble and explode, if you work it at a red heat it will crack and split. the trick is to get it to an orange and work it under a power hammer just a little a couple of times to destroy the grain, then you can work it normally. I used to use it to repair old antique Woodworking tools from the 1800's as it is easy to forge weld and the repairs are done with almost the same metal the tools were made of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmercier Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Depending on how well refined the wrought is, you'll need to work it at a bright yellow to near welding heat or it wlil crumble apart when you start hammering on it. The better quality it is, the lower temp you'll be able to work it. It works MUCH easier than modern steels under the hammer, feels like hammering on clay even if you're used to working tool steels =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Note NOT ALL WAGON TIRES ARE WROUGHT IRON! I have worked with several that were mild steel; of course this was in areas where wagons were used a lot longer than some places. Anytime you make a catagorical statement the gremlins of the junkyard will go out of your way to prove you wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseff Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Go for the rake harrow teeth, they are excellent spring steel. Joseff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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