Buying a used anvil?

D

dperk

Joined
May 16, 2006
Messages
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I'm thinking about buying an anvil...

I know there are good and bad anvils, but it is possible for a "good" anvil to go bad (excluding deformation)? Say I locate a Peter Wright anvil that has a flat top and nice edges... would it be a good anvil or could it go bad and still need to be tested somehow? I ask this because of possibly buying one via something like ebay/craigslist where you'd somewhat buy unseen.

How is it you test an anvil? Can you ping it with a small hammer or should you use a ball bearing? (not sure where to get a large bearing)

Thanks!
-darren
 
A "real" anvil usually starts with the "Vulcan" brand..They are bottom of he line as far as real anvils go but are serviceable...Good rebound is the hallmark of a good anvil..Then you should look for a flat face and good edges..You can test it with a small hammer or a ball bearing..Drop it from a certain height and see how far it rebounds to that height..A good anvil will rebound 75% or more.Always check the rebound, as some old abused anvils may have the face plate delaminating..That will be easy to tell as it will be dead as a sack of corn....Rebound and mass make the work easier to do..You dont need a huge anvil for bladesmithing..The bigger the work, the bigger anvil you'll need..Trying to forge a 20lb chunk of steel on a 100lb anvil is like logging with a pocket knife..;)
Peter wright is a good anvil..Some other good ones are Fisher, Arm&Hammer,Mousehole,Trenton,Hay Budden..More too..
 
If an anvil has been through a fire it would need to be re heat treated to be good again.

Wayne Suhrbier
 
......is possible for a "good" anvil to go bad (excluding deformation)?.......

While there can be all sorts of variables, the short answer to your question is NO. A Peter Wright that looks good in a close up photo will be a good risk. Use rarely damages the anvil beyond cracks and wear. If there are no cracks, welds, or swaybacking...I would say to get it if the price is right.

If it is an unknown brand, do more research or have someone go and check it for you.
 
Excellent advise guys, thanks for the replies!

I'm looking at a Trenton and a Peter Wright. They are between 125-160 lbs.
 
I have a Trenton 140 and a Peter Wright 172. I love 'em both. Rebound and ring are about the same between the two. Actually, I think the Trenton is louder. I have to wrap a large chain around the base or wear ear muffs when forging with it.
 
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