Modifying Old Anchor Chains

Chain Retriever

 

 

 

It started with this 12 link section of Wrought Iron chain I bought at an antique store. About 5 feet long, it weighs about 50 pounds. I saw the grain in the metal and bought it, almost certain that it was wrought iron. I wasn't sure though, and if it wasn't I would have an expensive 5 foot chain.

 

"Fetch the chain Gracie!"

Good dog.

After Etching

 

First thing I did was cut apart a link and drop it in acid to etch the surface and bring out the grain. I used a simple acid based toilet cleaning product and a coffee can. I left it in for about 4 hours, then rinsed it and cleaned it with dish soap and hot water.

Next, the cold bending test. This shows the outer fibers of the iron breaking. That assured me I had bought the right chain.

First Modification

 

I make buckles right? So I cut a 3 inch section to flattened it the hard way. I welded a 3/8ths round rod onto to chunk of iron to use as a handle. Using a holdfast in the hardy hole, I held the rod tight so I could use both hands on the 6 pound hammer for full force blows. The iron works much easier than steel and I had this chunk down to 5/32nds thick in three heats.

The finishing consisted of 120 grit flap disc in the angle grinder, then 220 on a 1 inch belt sander followed by buffing with green compound.

Second Modification

 

I used a 4 inch section, flattening it to 3/16ths by hand. I put some chisel marks down the length of it about a half inch in from the side and broke it off with the grain, cold in the vise. Then after running it through the rolling mill down to 1/8th inch, I wrapped it around a ring sizing mandrel. Finishing it much the same way as the buckle in the photo above.

I should say, I've never worn any jewelry, but having a ring that I made myself is tempting to wear... nahhh.

Third Modification

 

The remaining strip of iron was also rolled through the mill to about 1/8th inch and formed over a silversmith's stake into what would generally be considered a bracelet size.

The material is really a pleasure to work. Hot, you can do anything to it, and even cold, I was using a planishing hammer on against a stake without doing much damage at all to the iron. One thing to improve upon would be easing some of the crisp edges that happen at the edge of the grain. A lady would not be happy if the bracelet un-wove the sleeve on her sweater!

I may use a cleaner belt buckle version on some of my repousse buckles because the grain pattern adds a level of detail that steel can't equal.

All in all, a fun day with an anchor chain. If you find some wrought iron out there in the wild; bring it home and hit it when it's hot.

Go Cubbies!

 

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