Anvil worth the Money?

That's in pretty rough shape. Don't know why he wouldn't picture the other side. It looks almost identical to my Trenton, which I paid $400 for but is in a bit better condition. It certainly appears to have a steel face.
 
The bottom anvil is pretty whanged-up. Looks like a crooked weldbead repair. (Superphone screen !)
Middle looks real good. Almost too good as if its been surfaced. small anvil looks pretty good too. Be aware that brand was never a top line tool. They are perfectly functional, especially for hobby level work.

Price, cant really comment. I been away from anvil prices a long time & it varies widely by region or just dumb luck.
 
That is a decent price for the weight and looks flat with good edges. I don't know nearly enough to speculate the mfg and a face plate could have been added or could be a original step. If it's local to you I'd check the rebound and see how it sounds.


Sent via telegraph with the same fingers I use to sip whiskey.
 
The large one looks like my 125# Vulcan. I wouldn't pay more than $200 in the shape it in.
 
Ordenrahl said:
I have ever been looking for an anvil for quite a while now.
I found this one on Craigslist list for $300, a 125#.

Most used anvils I find online around that weight are $500 or more, but this one does have some wear.
What do you guys think?

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/tls/5931734469.html
Click to expand...


Thank you for all the input, I called this morning and the anvil is sold. Might be for the best anyway.

The search continues...
 
I don't think you missed much. If I were looking for a deal, I'd skip any ads where the first word was "Antique". No doubt the guy grabbed it at an auction for $50 from a guy that dug it out of a muddy field somewhere. That hardy tool is probably rusted into place. Keep an eye out and expand your search to some more rural areas. You'll find one.
 
jrrector said:
don't know where you are but this is near Atlanta GA...This is the guy who alot of Georgia Knifemakers and blacksmiths use...
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/5889881575.html

I believe he does a lot of traveling around southeast US buying and selling
Click to expand...

There are a ton of those guys.

There are also those who buy every anvil they see and keep a shed full of them until they die.
No luck at their estate sales either, as all the others rush to pick his bones.



My point is, every good quality anvil at a reasonable price is snapped up within a few hours.

Just by posting it here, you exposed that add to hundreds of others in your area.



Educate yourself on anvils so you can evaluate it yourself.

Set google alerts so you get instant notification on your cell phone when new anvil ads are posted.

Set your standards lower.
For example, the corners on one side of that large anvil were pretty chipped, but if you could ignore that and work on the other side - no problems.


Forget trying to get a good deal and just buy one you can use.
If you find a small anvil in good shape, bolt it down to a big chunk of (couple hundred pounds) of scrap
I'd have don'e that with the middle one.



Look at the new ones, maybe you've got the $ to get one.
http://www.nimbaanvils.com/


Make an anvil from steel you buy at scrap price-it will get you by until you find the perfect one.
Hardened 4140, Chrome steel hydraulic cylinder rod.
See google images for Sea Robin Anvil, or Post Anvil, Fisk Bridge Anvil and pay scrap prices 10 cents a pound

Anvils are like sex.
Your first anvil doesn't have to be your only anvil.
Get what you can when you can, learn along the way and upgrade as you go along.
 
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jrrector said:
don't know where you are but this is near Atlanta GA...This is the guy who alot of Georgia Knifemakers and blacksmiths use...
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/5889881575.html

I believe he does alot of traveling around southeast US buying and selling
Click to expand...

I'm moving to Texas soon, and actually may drive through Atlanta. I've always wanted to get into hot metal & hammer thing, but need some equipment. The post says $3/lb. is that pretty common? also, what's a good size for a home hobbyist knifemaker? any in those photos stand-out as good "starter" anvils?
 
shamu said:
I'm moving to Texas soon, and actually may drive through Atlanta. I've always wanted to get into hot metal & hammer thing, but need some equipment. The post says $3/lb. is that pretty common? also, what's a good size for a home hobbyist knifemaker? any in those photos stand-out as good "starter" anvils?
Click to expand...

If you can get a clean anvil in decent shape for $3/lb, you're doing "ok" any more. Lately, I've seen a lot of guys trying to get up to $4 or $5 per pound. Even more in some cases. Antique dealers and "anvil hoarders" have all but ruined the chance for a good deal anymore, but they are out there if you're quick, or find something before it hits a public forum or classified section.

I've seen "decent" anvils for about $2 to $2.50/lb "semi-locally", but they get snatched quick. Less than that, and they're usually pretty chewed up.

I'd say a good starter weight would be at LEAST 120lbs. The heavier, the better, and the easier your steel will work.
 
There used to be several anvil manufacturers in and around Texas, LA, MO, AR and I hear the supply of anvils is good in that part of the country. You can get some anvils new at $3/# or close to that.
 
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