Forging the Chamfers

The chamfers are forged using a small hammer. Since the stock cools so quickly it takes two heats to do this.

Heating the Hinge

The hinge is pulled quickly out of the fire, transferred from the special tongs to a pair of pliers and the second heat is taken to forge the chamfers.

Working the Joint

While the hinge is still hot, the joint is worked back and forth. The hinge will then be taken to a steel block to be flattened.

Wire Wheeling the Hinge

The hinge blank, after cooling, is tested to make sure it operates correctly, and that it lies flat. Then, it is placed under a treadle wire wheel to remove loose scale.

Usually it takes several heats to get the hinge properly flat and with a good layer of scale to hold the finish.