Building an post anvil

[flatgrind8]

I have finally started on a post anvil using forktruck forks. I have cut the fork where it mounts to the truck so now i have the long part and i cut the back peice in half. I stuck it in the ground to grind off the brackets and all sharp corners. I got my 2.5 pound hammer and checked if there was any rebound and there was about 10" of rebound with the hammer and a 2" ball bearing so i was happy with that. I plan on putting the fork in a tube of concrete for more mass. What i would like to here from you guys is the ideal height of a anvil and if i heated the face of the fork to try to heat treat it? any and all opinons are welcome

 

[Joe Calton]

All the books Ive read say that the face of the anvil should be even with your knuckles with your arm loosley hanging by your side.

On a blacksmith anvil I agree with that, as that gives you the most power from your hammer stroke.

On a bladesmith anvil, I like mine higher. mine is a couple inches higher than my wrist. dont normaly need all the power I can get while forging blades, and just a bit higher seems much more comfortable to me.

the hardened face, i like them either way. if it is hard, you dont need to dress it as often, if softer, it is easier to dress the ooccasional hammer mark.

 

[Brian Ayres]

Yup. I found knuckle height caused me to stoop. But I also have arms like an ape!

Wrist height for me.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It depends on the use of the post anvil. Some are 36" or higher, and used for small peening and hammering. Others are about mid-wrist and used for small blade forging and metal shaping.

I agree that the old "knuckle height of a hanging arm" rule is too low for most bladesmiths. Mine is about at the wrist joint....30" for me.

I have a 400+ pound post anvil with a 7" round face, that is 40" high ( section of a propeller shaft). It is useful for closer work and smaller projects. It is un-hardened.

Fork lift tines should already be hardened enough as they are.

 

[THE PUNISHER]

mine is at the top of my belly.

 

[Rick Marchand]

If I place my hammer face down on my post anvil, the handle pokes me in the bellybutton. I think it's around 38" high. I also have an old anvil that sits lower for heavy pounding.