Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching forging handles in the nature of studs to metal billets. The billets are passed in end-to-end relationship through a furnace following which the heated billets are individually delivered to a welding station where a welder welds a stud to the billet. The welder includes a welding head which is shifted by a translation mechanism from a feeding position where studs are successively fed to the welder to a welding position in which the stud is brought into engagement with the billet and electrical current is delivered through the stud to produce the weld.

Abstract: A housing including an open-cage type framework for a coreless induction furnace. The framework includes upper and lower horizontally disposed ring members. Each ring member is constructed of a non-magnetic metal except for an insulating fastener in each ring which closes the ring mechanically but prevents a continuous electrical path or loop in each ring. The upper and lower rings are joined by a plurality of vertical columns which are similarly electrically insulated from the rings. The framework thus provides a rigid structure for supporting the internal furnace components while at the same time insuring that deleterious current paths or loops in the framework are not created during operation.

Abstract: An induction heating system for reheating the end of a forging bar after a previously heated section has been forged and cut off includes a mechanism for bringing the entire bar end to a uniform temperature despite the existence of a hot spot at the end from the previous heat. A pusher rod which limits the extension of the bar into the axial passage of the heating coil is initially positioned beyond the end of the coil from which the rod is inserted so that the residual hot spot extends beyond the coil end. After a predetermined time sufficient to bring the bar section within the coil up to the temperature of the residual hot spot the rod moves the bar end back into the coil. After the bar end reaches forging temperature the pusher rod ejects the bar from the coil. A pair of fluid cylinders in back-to-back relationship control the motion of the rod.

Abstract: Transfer apparatus for performing heat treating operations on both ends of a hammer head includes a dial indexing table having work supporting fixtures spaced about its perimeter.