Is wrought iron worth saving if I can’t use it yet?

[Luna_Saix]

I’m brand new to forging, just got my setup running and only hit a couple pieces of steel so far. I came across a seller with two tubs of wrought iron... looks like old railing, pieces about 20–30 inches. I’ve heard people talk up wrought iron, but honestly I don’t know what I’d use it for yet. I’m tempted to buy it and stash it for later when I’ve got some skill, but I don’t want to waste money if it’s not really worth it. Would it make sense for a beginner to snag this kind of stock just to have on hand? Or is it smarter to focus on mild steel until I can actually do something with it?

 

[Jo Melon]

Wrought iron is no longer produced on any scale, so once it’s gone it’s hard to replace, which is why smiths value it for restoration or decorative work where the grain shows. For a beginner, mild steel is easier and cheaper to learn on but if the price is fair, stashing some wrought for later is not a bad idea. Do you know what the seller is asking per pound, since that’ll tell you if it’s worth tying up money now or waiting until you’re ready to use it?

 

[Dociron]

Have you tested it ? Do you really even know if it is wrought iron ? Old fencing is generally called wrought iron but calling it that doesn't mean that what it is made from!

 

[Ohio Rusty]

You need to bring wrought iron to almost a yellow heat. Real wrought requires high heat, almost to sparkling that a coal forge gives off. Most of what people call wrought iron is just mild steel. You should be able to cut half way through wrought iron and bend it to show the stringy slag and metal material making up the wrought iron.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Alan]

Real wrought iron is awesome for welding, no flux needed! It's perfect for making cool stuff like collars and scrolls, and for old-school joinery once you've got the hang of it.