Forging equipment questions.

[Mark Redmon]

Ok... time to ask the experts.

I'm planning on making the leap to forging blades in a few months...or whenever my finances allow, but as I've been thinking about equipment, I've also come up with a few questions... First, I was curious about anvils... specifically as to the function of the horn as it relates to knifemaking. Is there a downside to having a flat horn on an anvil? Is the horn used much anyway? There is a farrier supply company in my town (www.anvilbrand.com) and I see it as an advantage that I could just run down the road and pick up my anvil (with the help of a friend, of course..) rather than pay shipping. I was specifically looking at the NC Cavalry 112 Lb. unless I find good used one before then. I actually will probably start on a hunk of train rail and a large old anvil vice I have in my shop until I have the funds.

It seems that few bladesmiths here on the forum mention using a fly press. I was curious as to why (or if I'm just incorrect in my statement). I see a lot of talk about power hammers, but I'm not sure that would be practical given my limited funds and shop space, not to mention that my neighbors might not appreciate the noise. What are the drawbacks of using a fly press beyond production speed?

Thank you for your time
-Mark

 

[B Finnigan]

I use the horn alot for hawks, hatchets and other projects but not too often for knives. For working up the choil I use several smaller radius swages that go into the hardy hole.

 

[PIndelicato]

I'm far from an expert, but I've been using the horn to put the pre-bend into the blade...

 

[Mark Redmon]

Thanks for the input on the horns. I do love 'hawks, and would like to make some someday, but I think if I found that horn to be inadequate, I'd try to make or buy a hardy tool for that NC if that's what I end up with.

Anyone want to tackle the fly press question? It seems like they are really versatile tools, and I'm wondering why I haven't heard more about them from bladesmiths.

-Mark

 

[69camaro]

consider the weight of the heaviest hammer you intend to use then multiply it's weight by 50lbs to determine the size of anvil needed. A big anvil is easier to use than one that is too small.