[Figure 77] shows the link scarfed, lapped and ready to be welded. In welding, the heat is taken directly on the end of the lap and not on the sides, so as not to burn the stock above the laps. When the link has the welding heat, it is taken to the anvil and hammered on the flat sides, then set on the horn of the anvil, and hammered on the corners. See [Figure 78]. The shape of the link at the weld should be just a little pointed for a strong link.
Fig. 77.
In making chains, do not weld two single links and then one between them. Weld a link on the end of the chain and keep repeating until finished.
Exercise No. 9.
Fig. 78.
Punching holes thru hot iron is not a difficult exercise. For instance: A ⅜-in. hole is to be punched thru a flat piece of iron or steel. The piece is heated, taken to the anvil and a punch set on the spot to be punched. The punch is struck three or four blows with the hand hammer driving it into the metal as shown in [Figure 79]. The piece is then turned over and the punch is set over the dark spot which is caused by the former blows, and is driven thru. See [Figure 80]. Square and other shaped holes are punched in the same manner. Thin stock is punched cold. In doing this, the piece to be punched is set on the punch block and the punch driven thru the metal into the hole of the block. A punch-block is a round or square block of steel with one or more tapered holes thru it. See [Figure 81].
