204 BLACKSMITHING 



angle shoulder. This operation is the same as the first one 

 described in forming the ring end of the hook. 



Now, grasp the tongs, as shown in Fig. 185, and proceed as 

 in forming the ring of the hook to bend the hook end in the 

 middle of the 2-1/2" portion of the L-shaped end to a half- 

 circle (Fig. 177) . Bend the point of the cone outward slightly 

 over the end of the horn of the anvil. Lay the hook flat on 

 the face of the anvil and straighten with a few light blows of 

 the hammer. 



If it is desired to have the hook twisted in the center (Fig. 

 177), heat the central portion of the hook to a light yellow 

 color, grasp the hook end with the tongs, place the ring end in 

 the vise, and twist or turn in one direction until the desired 

 number of twists are formed and until the hook and the ring 

 are in the same plane. 



Each of the projects in this group is made so nearly the 

 same as the gate hook, that they require no special instruc- 

 tions. The handle both for the hay hook and the stove 

 poker is formed of two half -circles joined by straight por- 

 tions of the handle. A little care on the part of the operator 

 after making the gate hook will enable him to make either 

 of these handles. The iron may need to be heated a few 

 more times, but this will not be serious unless the number 

 of heatings is sufficient to weaken it or unless the tempera- 

 ture approaches that for welding heat and the iron is burnt 

 in consequence. It is always desirable to heat iron as few 

 times as possible to secure the desired shape and form in 

 order not to weaken the metal or burn it, as well as to save 

 as much time as possible in the work. 



