Today I was lucky enough to get a railroad car coupling to become an anvil. (No charge) I used to have a piece of rail, but I guess it got "lost" during my last move to our current house. All I had to do was ask. 
This is one of the anvils that Wayne Goddard has in the $50 Knife Shop. Wayne gives a weight of 135 lbs., but mine weighs 71 lbs. Does anyone know if he added weight to the coupling? It would be easily done by pouring lead into the coupling, or possibly the added steel on his for the hardy hole made up the weight? Then again, the rail here seems to be smaller than his, so maybe our railcars are too.
I also found a great 4 inch table vise at a great price. $23.99 for a 15.5 lb vise with removable jaws and lifetime warranty at Aubuchon Hardware. I looked everywhere for a vise as good or even for less, and couldn't find one.
So now I have the start of a couple of forges, an anvil, a couple of good vises, and the rest of the average tools. Now, I just need a belt grinder and all the little things. 
I'll be back, I've only read one of the books so far.
Keep em sharp.
This is one of the anvils that Wayne Goddard has in the $50 Knife Shop. Wayne gives a weight of 135 lbs., but mine weighs 71 lbs. Does anyone know if he added weight to the coupling? It would be easily done by pouring lead into the coupling, or possibly the added steel on his for the hardy hole made up the weight? Then again, the rail here seems to be smaller than his, so maybe our railcars are too.
I also found a great 4 inch table vise at a great price. $23.99 for a 15.5 lb vise with removable jaws and lifetime warranty at Aubuchon Hardware. I looked everywhere for a vise as good or even for less, and couldn't find one.
So now I have the start of a couple of forges, an anvil, a couple of good vises, and the rest of the average tools. Now, I just need a belt grinder and all the little things.
I'll be back, I've only read one of the books so far.
Keep em sharp.