Anvil advice

Vendetta

Vendetta

Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
113
I know this question is probably beaten to death in this forum, but i need some advice. I am looking to start aquiring the necessary tools to forge some stuff. I would rather buy a large anvil than one I will grow out of. I was thinking anywhere from 150-220lbs.
I have done some light research and have a good idea of what qualities are required in a quality anvil that will last a very long time. I hear good reviews on the Peter Wright, Hay Budden, Trenton, Fisher anvils..
I live in northeast TN and have called around to some antique stores etc and have come up empty handed so far. So if any of you all have any reccomendation on where to look, what to look for in an anvil, etc.. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thank You!
 
My advice is not to do it!!!! Anvil buying is a disease second only to forging... :( 125# is on the light end unless you get a Sea Robin anvil, you never have a big enough anvil. I have a buddy that collects them and he just bought a 500# bridge anvil :eek:

The names you mentioned are top notch and won't let you down. Like I said in an earlier thread about anvils. A quality anvil is a tool that can be handed down through generations, a quality anvil is a joy to hammer on, a poor anvil is a good way to build big arms and a bad attitude :p

You're looking for a flat face with no "swayback". The edges should be nice and crisp and not beat to death or at least enough material there to be able to radius the edges. It should have a nice ring and plenty of rebound. You can check this by bouncing a 1" ball bearing or if they'll let you, bounce a hammer off of it. I can keep a 4# hammer going on my Sea Robin with the tips of my fingers, it's like a 90% rebound face.

Antique stores are going to rob you blind... probably worse than another smith. Look for a local blacksmithing group or come to a hammer in, Batsons is in a few weeks, it's near Birmingham, Alabama. There's a big hammer in in Georgia in May and a lot of tool sales there.
 
Craigslist is a good place to look. I found mine a 170lb Mousehole off there for a good price. There are a couple on there right now. I posted a wanted to buy ad in the tool section and had several replies and was able to choose the one I wanted.
 
There's a network of bladesmiths in that area. I would call Larry Harley (LonesomePine Knives) in Bristol or Len Landrum in Cosby (landrumknives.com), introduce yourself, and ask them where one can find an anvil locally. Ask after when Ron "Bowie" Claiborne is having his hammer-in in Knoxville this year and make sure and attend if possible. You'll meet a bunch of nice people from your area and come away with your head spinning about forging.
 
Thanks for the replys..

Will - Thanks, I've read about the ball bearing test... I plan on doing it, that is if I can find some prospects..

Burton- I already have a wanted on craigslist, so far I had a local blacksmith contact me telling me to come to the local meetup. I plan on checking it out and see if anyone has anything they are willing to part with.

I just know there is the perfect anvil in someone's barn down the road that has not been touched in 50 years.. The hard part is finding it! ;)

Any other suggestions?
 
If you're around horses much there's a chance you may know a farrier or two. These guys are a good source for anvils. I recently picked up a 141lb. Swedish anvil from one that is retiring. Another place to watch are estate sales. I've seen several listed for sale there too.

The advice about poor anvils building big arms and bad attitudes is right on the money. ;). I had a dog of an anvil when I started forging and almost gave up the sport for strictly stock removal. Now I have a good one I really understand just how bad that anvil was. This is one of those purchases that paying a little more can get you a LOT more. Be patient and choose wisely, you'll be much happier for it in the long run.

Good luck!
Rick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top