Splitting cast iron rods - GIF

[Altair]

Splitting cast iron rods.




Previously:

Cast iron pipe cutting machine - GIF
1940s iron casting - video
Cast iron microstructure magnified - GIF
Cast iron repair using metal stitching

[IntheGroove]

Pre-scored perhaps...

[hemmjo]

I am wondering about pre-scoring also. But maybe not.

He always splits then in 1/2, then 1/2 again, then 1/2 again. I wonder what would happen if he started as one end and split them to that finished length each time?

That is a big hammer, cast iron is brittle, it might break like that. The dirt gives even support, but gives enough to allow the material to "bend" but cast breaks instead of bending.

[Frank S]

The square faced sledge is about the size to weigh 20 lbs. note though that every hammer strike one edge makes contact. instead of hitting flat faced. Just like trying to break a car window glass you can hit it with your balled up fist until you break your hand, or you can strike it with a sharp object and shatter it on the first blow.

[IntheGroove]

Harmonics...

[Jon]

Ouch. I wouldn't be able to make a fist after a day of that.