Links are of two principal varieties - slotted and solid. The forging of that which is termed a solid link is about equal to the forging of a slotted one, because both are forged without the slot.

The simplest class of links, and the easiest to forge, is that named solid, and having no bosses whatever in any part of the link. Such a link is almost as easy to make as a straight bar, until the curving commences, which may be carefully managed to leave only a small amount of iron or steel for finishing the link, or may be so carelessly done as to require a greater amount of shaping than should be administered. Consequently, at the time of reducing the bar, the smith leaves more or less metal for shaping, according to the amount of care he intends to bestow upon the curving.

Soft fibrous steel is exceedingly good for links of all varieties, and especially for those of the solid class. Such links may be produced by flattening a bar of steel until the required width and thickness is attained, after which the curving is effected by a series of heatings and hammerings while across a cylindrical shaper, which is supported by the blocks having angular gaps.

Two arcs are necessary for adjusting the link, and to ascertain if any needs cutting off with a trimming-chisel. These two arcs are marked upon a flat surface-table of large dimensions, which will allow the links to be laid conveniently to the arcs to detect any irregularity in the forging. A light radius-rod is used to construct the arcs, which are marked upon the surface-table through a layer of soft chalk or whiting that is spread evenly on the surface. The distance between the two arcs is an eighth of an inch greater than that distance across the link which is the width of it when forged; and when the link is placed midway between the two arcs, each one will be a sixteenth of an inch distant from the link, which will enable the smith to see clearly which part of it needs rectifying.

Heating the link for bending commences by heating a few inches at one end, and a small amount only of hammering will effect the small curve desired in that part. After a few blows are administered, the link is put between the two arcs to ascertain if more hammering is needed. As soon as the first few inches of the link-end is bent to a corresponding number of inches of the arcs, the adjoining portions are successively heated and bent in a similar manner. A succession of heatings are thus conducted until the curving is completed.