homemade anvil question.

[ManRay]

how would you tell if a homemade anvil is decent? there is one near me that looks decent for $150. any other better options for that price range? its about 150 pounds.

Thanks ~ Hunter

 

[VaughnT]

I wouldn't pay $150 for that, and I doubt it weighs 150#.

For the same money, you can get a really nice chunk of mild steel or 4140 and have it shipped to your door. You don't need a horn, especially a square one, for 99% of any blacksmithing you might want to do. And if you do decide you want to make repeatable curls, you're better off bending around a section of pipe for uniformity.

 

[Lieblad]

Scrap steel is what nowdays ? .05$...
I think its quite steep pricewise...

At 150lb in that shape Its ok-ish & better than alot of what guys use for makeshift anvils.
Dont forget the cost of energy, abrasives & time to dress its top, Looks like its residue grooves of flamecutting.

 

[grumpy_grinder]

Yea ... I just got a scrap form from work and made one for free. I would stay away for 150$

 

[ManRay]

okay, thanks. any idea where to look for materials to make my own? any sites you like to use?

 

[grumpy_grinder]

Scrap yard , I used 2" thick steel , got a few slabs of it and welded them together. Got a piece of 3" pipe , filled it with ballast , capped it and weldds to slabs. Serves its purpose for my low budget operation. I just like to pound steel for fun once in a while

 

[PEU]

Here is what I use, milled the top of a rail, I don't forge, just use it for hammering a bolster and stuff.

Pablo