Wrought iron is strong, but it can still be bent into shape.
Wrought iron is an ancient material; the word "wrought" is the medieval past tense of "to work." Iron is heated in a fire or forge until it is malleable, and then hammered and drawn into shape before being left to cool. Unlike cast iron, wrought items can still be bent after they have cooled but considerable force may be required to bend a wrought iron stair rail. Applying heat to the railing makes it easier to bend. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Mark the center of the bend on the railing using a pen or pencil. Ensure that the point is clearly visible. Mark the ends of the section to bend if required. For example, if a particular section of railing is to be bent and the rest left straight, mark the middle and end points of the section to be bent.
2. Grip both ends of the railing, just outside the area to be bent, with wolf-jaw tongs. Align them so that they can be held comfortably when bending the railing.
3. Don goggles and thick, leather gloves. Apply heat to the center of the area to be bent, slowly expanding the heated section until the entire bend area is glowing a yellow-orange color.
4. Turn off the heat source and start to bend the railing. For a freehand bend, simply apply force to the tongs and twist the metal into the desired shape. To obtain a specific curve, drape the hot iron over a former, such as a metal block or anvil, and either pull it or hammer it into shape.
5. Apply more heat whenever the iron begins to resist and then continue with the shaping.
6. Allow the iron to cool slowly before handling it.
Tags: into shape, area bent, bend railing, still bent
