[Illustration: Crow-bar]
Crow-bars are made by welding a piece of round No. 2 flat steel into
the end of a wrought iron bar any length or any size, depending upon
the use to which the bar is to be put when made. This drawing shows
a bar for shifting rails for railroads. When the size is determined,
select the wrought iron to be used. Upset the end and split it with a
chisel 3/4 in. for a cleft weld. Re-heat the end to a white heat. Place
it upon the edge of the anvil nearest you and with the peen of the
hammer work the scarf out to a sharp point. Repeat on the other side.
(See picture.) Place the piece of steel selected for welding, in the
fire; shape this end down to a sharp point at an angle of 45°. With
the edge of the chisel placed on this scarf, strike on the top of the
chisel with a sledge hammer. This will cut a nick and at the same time
it raises up a sliver which will help hold the piece of steel in the
iron between the cleft. Cool this scarf off in water until it is black
hot. Heat the piece of iron (scarf end). Place the end of the steel
scarf between the cleft and close the scarf on to the steel by striking
gently. The steel will now stay in the end of the piece until it is
welded. Place the scarf in the fire and when it is red hot cover it
with borax. Get a welding heat on the wrought iron close to the joint
first. Gradually work this heat toward the steel till the borax begins
to burn, emitting a dark brown smoke. Take it out of the fire and place
it on the anvil. One or two sharp blows on the end of the steel will
drive it up into the crotch of the scarf. Now strike gently on the top
of the scarf. Increase the force of the blows when you are sure the
two pieces are welding together. If the pieces are not welding, which
will be readily seen by the points of the scarf opening while working
them down, place them again in the fire, put on borax and re-heat. A
few trials will teach you how hot to get it for welding. Flatten down
the end and shape it as shown in the drawing. Harden and temper the
crow-bar as you would a cold chisel. If the point is not quite sharp
enough grind it on the stone.