Forge welding - scarf theory and making chain

Lets continue our discussion on forge welding by looking at the basics of scarf making and then move on to making a short section of hand forged chain. The concept of a proper scarf is an import one for most forms of forge welding and while the exact nature of the scarf can vary, the theory remains the same. Forging chain helps to introduce a simple scarf as well as proving an excellent exercise in forge welding.
Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[@KR-hg8be]

I'm here because stuff you should know recommended this video!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for viditing

[@Pixel2523]

Same here!

[@Pineapple-fg3ml]

Same here! Josh and Chuck were fanboying this video, and I must say I experienced similar... satisfaction

[@Ricardo-gp6li]

Came for the SYSK recommendation. Stayed for the hammer clink noises.

[@matthewkeeven4553]

Same!

[@RC-Heli835]

I forged all the towel, paper towel and toilett paper racks in my house and have never needed another store bought one. Some of the stuff you buy in stores today you'll be lucky if it lasts one round, especially can openers. Can openers aint worth a darn no more. I can almost smell that coal burning now. Hi black bear forge! I really enjoyed the chain making tutorial. It takes a lot of work just to make a few links wow!

[@TomokosEnterprize]

What great memories of grandpa and I at the forge. He had a system that we could make 10 feet before lunch. We started at 0500. He would do 1/4 inch for the horse rigging. I stayed out of the way aside from running the overhead bellows. He had a smaller anvil he would wrestle into place right to the fire. Thanks again for the memories. I really enjoyed this.You and he are so much alike. You even look a bit like he did.

[@t.schneck8317]

A blacksmith who quotes classic literature. Great video.

[@alastairsnell8184]

Funnily enough your parting comment about Dickens and the chains Marleys ghost forged in life is exactly what popped into my head when you were making the chain. Great video thank you

[@argroas1613]

This man knows his job .Best wishes to the BLACK BEAR FORGE from FRANCE

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@alangriffin8146]

You’re a wonderful tutor. This video is great.

[@paulorchard7960]

Thanks John, chain is something I had thought of having a go at!

[@ProleDaddy]

I'm really enjoying your videos and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your knowledge and yourself with the world, so... Thank you, my friend.

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

Thank you for the video. I am still trying to learn how to run my forge and get the metal hot, I mean hotter than red hot. It is good fun to watch someone who does this with relative ease. Thanks again....

[@salsyou]

I have never seen chain forged before. I am new to all of this that is very very cool. I am certainly going to do that. thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

Its a great forge welding exercise

[@davidgobert9667]

Thanks Josh from SYSK

[@forgingmagick4470]

Great work

[@markmoreno7295]

I have always had trouble getting things hot enough. And sometimes too hot. I like the old sledge in the forge. It may be the ticket. Or placing two bars of similar girth and testing them for stickiness. Thanks.

[@isi.3emeEDG]

Je ne parle pas bien anglais mais tout est vraiment simple a comprendre !!! Merci...

[@mattwyeth3156]

Thank you for your reply ill give itba try and see how i go

[@ezracamel5757]

Thanks for the tip

[@billriley3347]

Great vid John! I really like your videos because I learn something in every one. Thanks a lot. I see your finger is getting better every day. Happy New Year! Bill R

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks. It is both getting better and I am adapting my technique to make up for some of the difference.

[@Uncle_Bucks_Forge]

Very helpful video. Your chain looks great.

[@BlackBearForge]

thanks

[@johndilsaver8409]

I was making a first attempt at making a chain link today, -- this video was very helpful. i've used a coal forge a little bit, but I just built my own, and just starting to learn about it. Lots of fun! Thanks for all your videos.

[@klkkylekin5948]

Very nice video thanks for sharing your skills with us

[@BlackBearForge]

You are welcome

[@Ricardo-gp6li]

This man has Ron Swanson energy

[@LowlanderNurse]

I can see how the repetitive process of making each link creates muscle memory with hanmering

[@dsmasynergy]

Blacksmithing hundreds of years ago, long before the age of electricity and instant communication/distraction, I can not imagine anything more zen and calming.

[@thestonefairy]

so much fun!

[@stantilton3339]

Great job!

[@BlackBearForge]

thanks

[@linkneverdies258]

Keep up the great work! How do you know what temperature to aim for depending on altitude? Im at roughly 4300 feet.

[@BlackBearForge]

The temperature remains the same, it can just be a little harder to reach at higher altitudes, especially in a gas forge.

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

What is a good way to dispose of coal? Is it safe for the environment to dump it in the woods or should it be taken to a landfill?

[@hughezzell10000]

I wonder how many times I've scarfed my finger tips on different things. Those old fingers certainly seem to have been heated too many times - stiff.

[@poesmadhouseextravaganza684]

Love the videos. Just took an introductory blacksmithing class and learned a lot in three hours. Don't have a forge at home yet, so I watch your videos and make mental notes of things to try. I feel like I always learn from you, and hey... You're entertaining, too!

[@robphone4895]

Thanks, very useful. Explains exactly were my problem was and how to solve it.

[@grayem76]

nice work john i read all about these techniques in an old 1902 book and its great to see it in practice thank you

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching

[@Nightman2152]

1000th like chicka chicka I don't know what's wrong with those 9 people.

[@stephenknecht7189]

Id like to see you make a bearded axe same size as a throwing axe

[@jasonvolkert1938]

Thanks for another great video!!!! I think I have watched every KZbin video on making chain and forge welding. Your is #1 in my book!!!!!

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad you like the videos.

[@leperejoe1536]

Very well explain. Best KZbin video on the subject.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@allenchancery4847]

Your good i enjoyed your lessons thanks

[@IgorG.Amaral]

Greetings from Brazil, love your videos, very instructive, thx.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like them!

[@xxxxxponchin]

Very good information, thanks for showing it 👍

[@TufStockdogs]

That welding video was awesome thank you for sharing.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rubbertire6608]

I love your videos man good stuff

[@advance9572]

Great tutorial. I watched Joey do what you did with the bar stock. I haven't done it yet but definitely on the list. Thank you for the video.

[@indoorsandout3022]

I'm here because I've never made chain and suddenly a project calls for 2 ft of chain.

[@SwitchbackXThunter]

I’m a bladesmith but I want to start with some traditional blacksmithing to break up the monotony. I watch your videos throughout the day to learn your techniques, but I have a question about material selection. When you use these steels, like the 1/4” round bar and the steel for chain links.... where do you buy steel for this and what composite is it? Tool steel? Mild steel? High carbon steel? In the knife shop, I work specifically with known materials of high carbon steel usually 1080, 1084 or 1095...

[@BlackBearForge]

Unless otherwise mentioned, such as when making a tool that will be hardened, everything is mild steel. I buy in 20 foot lengths from a local steel supplier. Look for the place welders and construction companies buy material.

[@SwitchbackXThunter]

@@BlackBearForge thank you sir!

[@michaelhayes1678]

I always love your videos. Your instructions and inspirations always prove useful. Also, the reference to Charles Dickins' writing was extra enjoyable. Thanks for this and each video.

[@lemix69]

Awesome chain, this video is full of little gems of knowledge. Great video, thanks! 😎⚒

[@bc65925]

A good project for a round ring is a belt buckle.

[@BlackBearForge]

It was making belt buckles when I started welding on the forge table.

[@bc65925]

My most recent (and the one I'm wearing now) is a troll cross belt buckle. Just waiting for some warmer weather to get out there and make some more. People really like it.

[@LolitasGarden]

Put some welding glass in front of the lens to show into the fire. Maybe.

[@BlackBearForge]

That might work, but it still wouldn't be the same as watching in person

[@LolitasGarden]

Black Bear Forge Yeah, watching forge on video just doesn't do it. What's obviously a normal forging temp color in your video would be sparkling hot fireworks in my shop. That ring was white! Just the way it goes. KZbin can teach us a lot of forging technique, but you have to learn color on our own.

[@mattwyeth3156]

The forge hood how dose it work and does it work will it work better than one directly over the top and is there anything that you need like a fully enclosed workshop for it to work properly

[@BlackBearForge]

side draft hoods tend to draw better than overhead forge hoods. Blocking wind does help considerably, but you still need plenty of fresh air to make up for what goes up the chimney.

[@whitebeard420]

Just straight up makes store bough quality chain in his shop in like 30min, that is awsome.

[@als8326]

I apologize for asking questions on old videos recently discovered your channel think it is great try not to ask questions on old videos occasionally I have to no question today just great video thank you

[@tompok76tompok76]

What a nice chain :) nice work, thank you. In your hands all seems so easy :)

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SSSmithing]

Good video you should do one for welding tong rains on

[@BlackBearForge]

That style of weld will be the next phase of forge welding I discuss.

[@SSSmithing]

Black Bear Forge ok can't wait

[@shadowcastre]

Very well done! I struggle a little with my forge welds, this was very helpful. I appreciate all the detail and hands on approach that you take. Thanks for the video...

[@BlackBearForge]

You're welcome. I am glad they are helping out. Of course the best thing is to find someone that is good at it and work with them to see what they are looking for and how they maintain their fire.

[@victormcox]

Do we need to talk about that left hand index finger?! 😜👍🤟

[@TufStockdogs]

Very nice buddy thank you for showing us this

[@bobbyclements8627]

Im here to learn starting out brand new loving ur video's thanks alot

[@1doorjumper]

does heating the metal up to a point of the metal being non-magnetic a sign of welding temp?

[@bryanwanek46]

Great videos! Love your channel!

[@gregsmith3289]

Great info. Gonna get after a few chain links tonight. Thanks.

[@seafurymike]

This was really informative- thanks, will need to go back through your earlier videos I suppose for this detail.

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you yes I do try to tell the heat level but thank you very much

[@joshking2998]

Hi john never forged in my life but keen to get into once I get a decent workshop. Quick question if you had two half inch bars could you fork both bars enough say 3/4inch from the ends then butt them together and then weld them?

[@BlackBearForge]

If they are shaped just right it makes a good weld. That is called a cleft weld

[@krystalvn6655]

Where the shop located

[@1873Winchester]

Is a coal fire more uh.... firey? Compared to coke fires anyway, they just seem to glow and have a little flame coming off

[@BlackBearForge]

I think so, coke seems to burn with a lower flame. But I am sure the blower setup also has some effect

[@WickedKingLycoan]

Haven’t heard these sounds in such a long time. Brilliant! Thank you SYSK and Black Bear Forge.

[@TufStockdogs]

So I am forging a chain and there scarf is made from there corner of anvil ps.. making using horseshoes drawn into the stock for chain lope.

[@kovarnaduben3399]

Hi id like to ask why you have chain around anvil is there some specific reason for it?

[@BlackBearForge]

Keeps it from sliding off the block and breaking your foot

[@kovarnaduben3399]

@@BlackBearForge Hi i have anvil glued witth silicone to wooden log and it holds securely for 30 years. Look at my videos from my forge.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

I'm really enjoying these forge welding video's. One time could you make some tongs for holding like 1" or larger round stock not horizontally but vertically so if you have to upset something on the anvil you can grab the stock and hold it while you hit the top of the stock, hope I described that ok.

[@BlackBearForge]

I certainly plan to do several videos on tong making in the not to distant future.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Thanks mate.

[@simonblack3910]

So glad I found your channel. Yep I'm one of them greenhorns just getting started so I really appreciate all the info.

[@groblerful]

It was great to see your vid. I have an old chain here which has been forged welded, but it is a double interlocking link chain( two chains in one) Besides this the links have a quarter twist, so the whole chain can lie flat in a channel built into a draught horses saddle. I think it was refered to as a back band, and took the weight of the dray shafts.What amaizes me is how they got all the links to bear equal strain. (With single links it doesnt matter if there is a slight variation in link length). Have you ever seen such a chain, and how did they do it?

[@adamhunt8776]

A mustache represents a man's accumulated knowledge and wisdom.

[@Michael-vp4zt]

Great length of chain. Very inspiring.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@xxxclampgodxxx5511]

Hey John I just got my forge up n running I don’t know how to forge weld but my question is. The brick in the bottom of the forge look like they are covered with glass is that a sign that I’m getting up to welding heat. I didn’t think fire brick would melt. When u keep it wide open I run throw a 20 lb tank of propane in 2 hours. So it whaling. Lol. I no I just have to try but I just don’t have the conference yet. Thx ...Paul. And it been over 90 degrees in jersey lately. Thx

[@BlackBearForge]

The brick will glaze over eventually, but it does happen faster at higher temps.

[@chargerhell]

Do you make your brushes yourself? Can't you make a video about that?

[@BlackBearForge]

I buy them

[@xrexc3179]

Will a charcoal forge generate the heat required to forge weld??? I've been told it will not. However, I know for a fact it will generate heat sufficient to burn the material up (I'm not a great multitasker lol)so I don't see why it wouldn't be hot enuff to forge weld. Correct??? Anyone?

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes, wood charcoal is hot enough to weld in. It is after all the fuel used by early iron age smiths for making wrought iron and most forging. Its still quite popular in many parts of the world. It does take a lot by volume because it burns quickly.

[@xrexc3179]

@@BlackBearForge yes sir I'm learning that. It's just what is easily accessable to me here in the panhandle of Florida. I think I need to go back to the drawing board on my fire pot design and that may help also. Thank you so much for your reply. Your videos are amazingly informative and concise. I just walked in the door from making my first set of tongs by using your "tongs without tongs" videos so again.... Thank you tremendously!!!

[@magispitt]

How long do you reckon it would take to make a chain about 10' long (maybe 2 lbs)?

[@BlackBearForge]

Maybe 10 or 12 hours, but you would get much better before it was completed

[@magispitt]

@@BlackBearForge Awesome, thanks!

[@caleblandry1780]

I’ve been wondering is it possible to weld some of your larger odd ends and bits of wrought iorn together and keep working it untill it’s back into even cleaner stock?? Thanks In advance for the reply & your videos help me a lot with your knowledge of forge welding and pretty much anything forging your a bob ross for young blacksmiths like myself thank you again

[@BlackBearForge]

You could, but it wouldn't be an efficient use of your time or fuel

[@caleblandry1780]

I didn’t even think about that, thanks for the info

[@ronthacker211]

Thanks for the lesson... enjoyed it.

[@tonybrumell8385]

I would like some information on how to buy stock and what kind of iron / steel are right for the starter

[@BlackBearForge]

it really depends on what you want to make. But for most non tool work, regular old hot rolled steel or A36 is ideal. I buy from a steel supplier in 20' lengths. Most cities have one or more suppliers asking a local welding shop where they get material may help. square and round bar 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" plus flats 1/8" to 3/8" thick and 3/4" to 1 1/2" would cover a lot of projects. This video talks a bit more about where I buy from kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWWzYoWGd7iXmbs

[@mattwyeth3156]

I've noticed in this video that the chole is very wet on the right side of your forge and was wondering if its always so wet

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes keeping the coal wet helps it coke better and helps keep the fire from becoming overly large.

[@TufStockdogs]

So I am forging a chain and there scarf is made from there corner of anvil

[@austindorris7066]

So my question is how do u keep the links from sticking together in the fire?

[@BlackBearForge]

The welding heat is only toward the end being welded, so the risk is low. Even if it is hot enough where the other links are, they need to be forged to make them weld.

[@gahtsno1]

just brilliant!

[@andrewhutchinson5490]

You make me feel disgraced as a welder. Lol I missed the vid where you switched over to coal.

[@volleybagwell3132]

Lemme ask a question. Price wise, is it more cost effective to use the 3/8 in. X 6 in. round than buy a chain from the store? If I had to buy the steel and make the chain or just go buy the chain i guess is what I am trying to ask. And I am a new subscriber, I love your videos, Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@BlackBearForge]

If the only issue was that you needed chain, I suspect buying it is the way to go. The material to make the chain may actually be cheaper, but tools, time and forge fuel all play into the mix. The reason to make chain is to develop skill or to make decorative chain to enhance other projects.

[@joeynighttrain1126]

Sir, thank you again👍🏼👊🏼🆒✨

[@EO-McLoud]

Can you do anything with the klinkers or is it just trash?

[@BlackBearForge]

Not much, I just throw it out on the drive to help keep the mud down

[@doughinkle3727]

Thanks John for a great video, my question is I have a hand pump blower with leather belt which keeps stretching and am considering changing to a electric motor, so the question is what size motor are you using and are you using a speed controller with it. Thanks again for all your help

[@BlackBearForge]

I use a vintage Buffalo Forge blower with speed control.

[@jackdawg4579]

cheers John, some good info there. If you remember I commented on one of the other videos I was surprised by the fumes when I first used borax. You said there were none to speak of, one of the other viewers said it might have some additives in my borax that caused the fumes. I checked my borax, nothing on the label, but the fumes are strong, and it is from china, so I'd say that is what my issue was. You wouldn't miss it if you had them as well!

[@BlackBearForge]

That is interesting. You can often buy anhydrous borax from an industrial supplier. Of course the commercially made fluxes work quite well, just a bit more expensive.

[@Nifmakr]

When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I watched my grandpa make chain for a logging crew. He was the last old time blacksmith in our county. I on the other hand was a machinist for right at thirty years. I wish I could have learned the tricks of the trade. He died three or more years later.

[@BlackBearForge]

We never know what there is to be lost until we have lost it. luckily there are lots of people out there making the craft main stream again.

[@garychynne1377]

thank yew

[@hendersonhandmadeironwoodc8881]

Another great video and one of the best explanations of forge welding especially scarf welds by far,left you a little something in the tip jar to show my appreciation. Thank You

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you very much, I am glad that the video was helpful.

[@TheLoneWolfForge]

Another nice video John. I enjoy making chain. glad you're back in the shop.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@Whipple1]

Hello John. Made my first Forge welded chain link last night at our blacksmithing club hammer-in. Took me a few heats and lots of flux, but it made a serviceable link. Cheers! Whipple

[@BlackBearForge]

Great work. Now you know you can do it and just need to refine the process.

[@Whipple1]

Black Bear Forge Exactly! I'm very fortunate to have found your site and have the advantage of several experienced smiths from Fort Allen Blacksmiths at my disposal for help, oversight and advice. I'm finding this hobby has some of the greatest participants willing to share their knowledge and help out a newer guy get set up.

[@BB_46]

Great info that should help me a lot. Do you think it would be possible to forge weld and then do a twist over the weld or do you think it would separate?

[@BlackBearForge]

People do it all of the time. But yes it does stress the weld. No big deal if its a good weld though.

[@MistoChristoful]

Love the tip with the poker. Just started forging still just learning my tools but that was a great tip.

[@MistoChristoful]

*Pun intended

[@jakobpetrov1750]

Last time i brought the iron to this welding heat right so it kind of melted i don' know whye is it mabey becouse the iron was old and oxidised let me know if you know

[@BlackBearForge]

I suspect that you just over heated a bit and had a good reducing fire that kept it from burning.

[@jakobpetrov1750]

@@BlackBearForge yeah i tought it could be that thanks

[@rosio0]

Josh and a Chuck brought me here and I am not disappointed

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for stopping by

[@lanesmun9224]

Josh sent me

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for checking it out