Chain forging tools

How To Make Chain

1. Start with a straight piece of round stock 1/2 inch in diameter by 9 inches long.

2. Get a nice white heat in the middle of the bar and grab it by the end with the tongs.

3. Hit the bar in the middle over the point of the horn bending into the shape of a U.

4. On the next heat, center the bend so that each leg is equal in length, then begin drawing out each end to a nice thin 45 degree scarf joint on opposite sides, both pointing in.

5. Then it's time to shut the link by bending in each leg so that the scarfs over lap, completing the rough shape of the link.

6. Then bring the scarfed ends to a cherry heat and brush clean. Flux with Borax Mule Team 20 then back in the forge.

7. Bring it up to a welding heat in a clinker free fire and weld over the horn of the anvil.

8. Continue to shape over the horn until finished.

Borax Mule Team 20. Still one of the best flux mediums in use today for forge welding mild steel.