Scarf for chain welding
Link ready to weld the end
Directions: The drawing shows the size of each link in this chain. Heat the 6-in. piece in the middle. Place it on the horn of the anvil and bend it U-shaped, as you did the piece for the staple. (See [articles in welding] for chains.) The two ends are the same length. This is perhaps the only weld that is made without upsetting. When the scarfs are made like the drawing, bend the ends so that the scarfs overlap. Now it is ready for welding. Place the link in the fire. Be careful to have the link well covered both above and below with hot coals. Let there be just enough blast to increase the heat of the fire. In a little while the sparks will flow up from the iron. At this time the link should be turned upside down in the fire without changing its position. The hottest part of the fire being underneath, the iron will heat there quickest. This turning it upside down finally brings all the parts to be welded in the hottest part of the fire. When these iron sparks begin to show, it is time to take the piece out. Place it on the anvil and lightly tap upon the joint. The iron is very soft on account of the intense heat and if the blows are too heavy the iron will flatten out until it is too thin. In that case it would be impossible to finish the piece and make the weld the size it should be when done. If you examine the links of any chain you will have difficulty to find the welded end. The process of welding is not easy at first, but a few trials with the heating of the iron and handling the tools at the critical moment will prove encouraging. Chains are usually made by making first one link, then putting the stock for the next link into the first, before bending the second end.
All hooks, swivels, or shackles are put on the chain when made, in the same way that you add a link in order to lengthen the chain.
WELDING
