56 MODERN BLACKSMITHING 



SPLIT WELDS 



Split weld is preferable when steel is to be welded, 

 especially tool steel of a heavy nature, like drill bits 

 for well drillers. 



If the steel is welded to iron, split the iron and draw 

 out the ends as thin as possible and make it the shape 

 shown in Figure 6, No. 2. Taper the steel to fill the 

 split made in the iron, when it fits perfectly cut beard 

 in it to catch in the lips of the iron when fitted in. 

 See Figure 6, No. 2. When finished heat the split end 

 and cool off the tapered end. Place the tapered end 

 snug up in the split and hammer it together with a 

 heavy sledge. If there is any crack or opening at the 

 end of the tapered end, plug it up with iron plugs, if 

 this is not done, these holes will be almost as they are, 

 because it is hard to weld a heavy shaft or drill, or 

 rather, it is hard to hammer them together so the 

 holes will close in. Now heat, but if you have tool 

 steel go slow, or your steel will bin*n before the iron is 

 hot enough. Weld the lips while the rod or drill is in 

 the fire. For this purpose use a hammer with an iron 

 handle in. When the lips are welded all around take 

 it out and let two good helpers come down on it with 

 all their might. When welded smooth it up with the 

 hammer or flat hammer. 



WELDING STEEL 



Welding steel is quite a trick, especially tool or 

 spring steel. The most important part to remember 

 is, to have a good clean fire, and not to oyer heat the 



