Anvil recommendations

[Fish30114]

I did the search thing on the forums, but didn't find much in the way of specific recommendations. I have decided I DON'T want to go with a cast iron anvil--I'm looking to do pretty basic stuff--texturing blades and basic forming is all really, not sure of how much weight I need/want, so I'm open for input on all of the above. I don't have a firm budget set yet, but I'm more of a cry once buy once type fella---I've been looking around on E-bay/Amazon, and I've basically learned what I already know--I don't know much about anvils.

Thanks for any input/feedback

 

[Greenberg Woods]

personally i forge on a JHM Journyman anvil. Its a farriers model so it has a slightly more narrow face and longer horn, but over all i like it. Its a mild steel body with a nice hardened steel face. if you dont plan on doing a lot of standard blacksmith work "bottle openers, punches, so on," you would probably be best served by one of the small block anvils. Basically they are a 35-75 pound block of hardened tool steel, you mount them either in a custom build steel stand, or by chopping a hole in a nice big log. They are the cheapest and easiest thing if you only plan on doing knives.

 

[Fish30114]

Greenberg, thanks for that feedback--I think that tells me what I want to do--there is a guy who repurposes Heavy Crane track into 'Anvilish' pieces--resurfacing the top and squaring the sides with a surface grinder as well, He is offering a piece which is around 60lbs for $140-delivered, so that's what I think I'm gonna do.

 

[NJBillK]

If you can get one for less from him without his work invested into it, do so.

Stand or upright and use the end (face) of that. You will end up with more mass under the work face and net a larger sweet spot.

While the face may be smaller than you are hoping for, it should work out well enough until you can find an actual anvil.

I got by on a section of railroad track stood upright on a 1'×6"×6" section of black locust laid on its side, and four pieces 2'×4"×6" black locust carriage bolted around the track to hold the webbing and add mass.
If you want any further info, send me a PM or email through the site.

I know this isn't ideal, but the locust should be able to be sourced from a fence company, you can get the rail already, carriage bolts are cheap (all thread, nuts and washers, go at least 3/8" but I suggest 1/2").

Good luck and keep us posted.