Better anvil option?

Fallbrook Forge

Fallbrook Forge

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
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I need an anvil. Please, please for the love of god don't suggest that I look around me for an old anvil. Everyone that I have found within a 500 mile radius people are asking $9 a pound for beat up junkers, 10-12 a pound for good shape. So finding an old one is out.

So now that that is out of the way, I've got a couple options in mind.

Old world anvils has a post anvil that's $100 its a 4x4x4 chuck that I could build a metal stand for, probably end up around $250-300 after materials

Or

There's the TFS or NC Tool 70 lb anvils for about $300

Or

Do I bit the bullet and go with the TFS 100 pound double horn for $600?

Thanks
Tyler
 
Get at a minimum 100-120lb anvil. you'll regret it otherwise. Nimba makes best new anvils in my opinion. Around $9 a lb for brand spankin new.

For cheaper go to blacksmith swap meets/gatherings. Can still find deals at em as its good honest makers not scalpers selling em. Seen many sub $500 100+lb anvils in decent shape the last year at events.
 
Just go to a steel supplier and buy you a chunk of steel. You will pay a few bucks per pound for new steel. Get the biggest chunk you can afford and stand it up. For exzample I called the local steel place and thy will cut me off a 36” long chunk of 7.5” 4140 round stock for $861+tax. That is one hell of an anvil.
 
I know you said don't suggest..... bu you are in socal so you have access to a large choice of anvils on CL,
I've bought two when I was in LA and I only paid around $5/lb each time
I won't pay more than that.
call them up, make sure you speak to them on the phone, not text
make an appt, show up with cash, look at the anvil, then make your reasonable offer with cash in your hand,
you will likely leave with an anvil at the price you want.
 
Your concerns are noted, and I've been discussing anvil designs with some well known bladesmiths. I'm working on getting some knifemaker anvils manufactured. Unfortunately, it looks like it will be Jan/Feb before they are ready to ship. The first ones will by ~65 lbs, hornless, and ideal for knifemaking. There is a 1/4" and 1/2" round bevel, 3/4" hardy hole, and places to bolt it down. The finish on this one is unacceptable so they are casting another sample.
anvil proto steel.jpg
 
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I recently made a quite serviceable post anvil by taking a heat-treated chunk of tool steel and welding a cage of rebar under it, and then setting the whole thing in concrete. I used a wooden outer frame, but a welded steel pipe like Rick Marchand's post anvil would be even better. I think that Old World Anvil cube would work well for this, or even a very large sledge hammer head.
 
Tenebr0s said:
I recently made a quite serviceable post anvil by taking a heat-treated chunk of tool steel and welding a cage of rebar under it, and then setting the whole thing in concrete. I used a wooden outer frame, but a welded steel pipe like Rick Marchand's post anvil would be even better. I think that Old World Anvil cube would work well for this, or even a very large sledge hammer head.
Click to expand...
What are the dimensions of these going to be? You going to heat treat them?
 
valknut said:
What are the dimensions of these going to be? You going to heat treat them?
Click to expand...

Mine was like 4” square, I believe. And I hardened the face. But for a $100, I think the Old World Anvil would work well. Already heat treated too. A large sledgehammer head from a garage sale, etc, would be even cheaper. The secret (and I’m stealing this from Rick Marchand) is that you want a good amount of rebar positioned vertically directly under the anvil. Leave enough space between the bars for the concrete to flow through completely. With a large steel pipe on the outside, this setup is quite solid and becomes a cheap, heavy anvil.
 
Main section is 4" x 6" x 8" high. Radius around the hardy hole is 2", .80" square hole. Base is 1" thick. Cast from C45 heat treated to 40 HRC. Although, a different foundry is offering a much higher hardness. Not a complicated design, just what a knifemaker needs.
 
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I just wanted to update this, I wound up going with Texas Ferrier Supply double horn 100lb anvil.
They were amazing to work with and the anvil showed up very quickly!

There’s been lots of life getting in the way, but it’ll be getting a 4x4 stand here shortly and then forging will begin again!
 
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