Wrought Iron Repair & Replacement

It is not always practical to weld wrought ironwork in the forge. Wrought iron can also be arc welded in situ. Due to the fibrous nature of wrought iron it is most important that any weld extends to the full depth of the material, to ensure that all the laminated elements of the original are connected. Surface welds have no strength as the weld relies on the thickness of a single laminate, which is often less thick than a cotton thread.

Both mild and stainless steel can be welded to wrought iron, and where fixings bedded in damp masonry have rusted away, the use of stainless steel tips are appropriate. However, this is an exception, and generally steel is unsuitable for the repair of wrought ironwork because the properties of the two materials are so different, that it affects both the appearance of the finished work and its performance.
All the work to an ancient piece should use the old techniques of forge welding, riveting and collaring etc. A high degree of blacksmithing skill is generally required in the process of repairs and replacements.