How do you tell the difference between iron and steel. I live at a YMCA camp that has old bits of metal lying around all over the place and was hoping some might be old fashioned iron. Any pointers would be appreciated.
Put a piece on a grinder, the sparks of high carbon steel should be bright orange.
that's good advice.. if you can take a couple of different metals to compare at the same time though.
You are probably referring to wrought iron. In addition to sparks, you can also sand it to a fine grit and then etch it for an hour or so in ferric chloride... which you get through electrical supply stores. Or try etching it vinegar or mustard. Just make sure it soaks long enough. Then look for linear etching patterns. From the side it looks like it is layered.
If you are equipped, heat it up to above non-magnetic and quench it. It won't harden even a little bit if its wrought.
Or.... send me a chunk.
You can cut it part way through with a saw or abrasive wheel and then put it in a vise and break it the rest of the way. It it's wrought iron, it will have a fibrous look almost like wood or straw where it breaks. Mild steel will have a creamy or sandy look without the fibers.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/Hogbear/001-4.jpg?t=1283297008)
Thanks Wampus, that is a great pictureshowing the detail. I'll have to go raid the piles of old farm equipment and start cutting into it.