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How to Forge a Cross

The forging of metals is a time honored tradition that dates back thousands of years. Forging is generally a preferred method of shaping metals because the product is usually stronger than casting metal. This is because, in forging, the metal is beaten and manipulated rather than poured, as in casting. Metalsmithing is a fine art and can take years to perfect, but forging a metal cross is a relatively simple forging procedure.

Things You'll Need

Forge
Two metal pieces
Flat anvil
Blacksmith hammer
Hatchet
Forging pliers
Welding electrode
Welder
Welding mask
Welding gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Gather two pieces of metal of the same length. These are the metal pieces you will forge and join together in the middle to create a cross. Place the precut metal in a forge.
- 2
  Heat the metal until it is red hot. Remove the metal with tongs of appropriate size. Be sure to wear welding gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury.
- 3
  Place the heated metal one piece at a time on a flat anvil. Beat the metal into shape with a hammer until you have reached the desired shape of each metal piece. Submerse the metal into water or let it air cool.
- 4
  Place one piece of shaped metal over the other in the cross configuration. With a welder, touch the welding electrode to a corner of your cross joint and immediately remove it. Let the weld cool for a moment and repeat the weld in all four corners until the two metal pieces are joined together.

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