The shorter the projecting end or ends of any gudgeon, the greater is its capability of resisting the strains imposed during use; these are always at right angles to the length of the gudgeon; wrought iron or tough fibrous steel is therefore the suitable material for making the gudgeon.

To make a gudgeon shown by Fig. 123, the smith provides, if possible, one thick lump similar to that for a paddle or middle shaft; but if two pieces are to be used, the joint is made in the middle.

To make a gudgeon shown by Fig. 124, a little more care is requisite to make each extremity of the work of solid close metal, by reason of the intention to bore and screw a hole at the centre of each end. Much trouble of plugging up cracks is avoided by proper attention at the first forging.

The thickest parts of the gudgeon are fixed tight in the sides of the condenser, and should be fibrous ; but the bearings adjoining may be hardened with a final hammering, similar to that given to other bearings.