I'm getting me a proper anvil dagnabit!

Peter_E_Ryt

Peter_E_Ryt

Joined
Oct 26, 2005
Messages
1,179
Okay people- I'm sick of using a 2"x2" working surface- I'm ready for a real anvil. The only problem is that I'm constrained by money. My idea is to weld a hardened 4140 face on to a mild steel anvil, but the hf mild steel anvil is only 55lbs. Any links to something like a 125lb cheap, cheap, cheap anvil? What about my idea- anything that could make this go wrong?
 
See if there is a recycling facility in your area.

It's kinda like the first time you recognize an ugly old rock for what it really is inside. Suddenly you see them everywhere. You awaken with a new vision of precious stones from then on.

Makeshift anvils are the same. When you are out and about...anvil....anvil...anvil. :)
 
Harbor freight sometimes has an all steel 110 lb anvil made in Russia. Its not in the catalog..you need to check with the store. It list for about 90 bucks more or less. I have one in addition to my Peter Wright and it aint bad for the money.
 
Peter,
Go to your nearest steel supplier and see if you can get 3x3 or 4x4 square and a foot long. weld a couple of ears on it and you can use that. If your used to working hot and don't miss alot you shouldn't have much problem. I used one like this for a demo anvil. I beat out several swords and several dozen blades. no worries. Sometimes you can even find bigger blocks. If its a drop you can get it quite cheap.
Del
 
I have read somewhere on the internet about a guy that made his own anvil by purchasing a large block of steel at the scrap yard, then cutting the shape of the anvil with a cutting torch. Then welded the surface of the anvil with a "face hardening" welding rod and welded the entire striking surface of the anvil. Then the striking surface was ground flat. Of course this would require a good arc welder, oxy acetylene set and lots of time. I have no idea if you have any welding skills or not..
 
The last time I was at my local steel recycling center I saw at least thirty chunks that would make a great anvil. Thier used steel is .30 a Lbs, I bought a few chunks just to make some specialty anvils instead of trying use a hardy swages. Every piece I saw I had an idea for a tool or swage, it's a type of nuerosis.:rolleyes:
 
Grizzly stocks there own brand of anvils on there web site, pretty cheap, also check e-bay there are always $99 anvils (110#) for sale..
 
I checked out hf again and still got nothing heavier than 55lbs. I'm gonna visit my local steel supplier soon- so I'll see if they'll supply large enough steel. Mark- I'm visiting the scrapyard that same day. Thanks for all the suggstions guys!
 
dont get discouraged one will fall into your lap sooner or later.usually if you spend money on something like that ,the day after you will find 10 of them.Do check scrap yards,antique stores,even look in your phone book and call around steel fab shops just ask,ask,ask.I paid 225$ for a decent cast steel anvil 3 months ago its alot nice to work on than the 3x3 RR rail.The kick in the pants is last week a guy i work with has a 300lb fisher ,among other anvils "in the way" in his shop.just be patient:cool: and good luck.
 
Be careful with the HF anvils. Most are cast iron and not suitable. The 110 Russian seems to work OK. I know a few guys that have and use them.
I'm hunting down a 250+, had several near misses but the hunt is always on.
Half the fun.
Right now I do my bulk work on "Lil Debbie", 186# chunk of steel I traded Mark out of at Trackrock 1. It's set in a blacklocust stump and pretty much a permanent setup (think they got married by my three legged squirrel while I was in Florida). Have to burn her out at this point. Thing is she works just fine.
Tell the real Miss Debbie Hi for me Markerator.
Carl Rex
 
You're in TExas few Pete's sake. Find out where the farriers used to all hang out, near the big horse or cattle ranches. Keep your eyes out ar garage sales and visit as many as you can. Watch the local papers for estate sales with tools. There's a big ass Peter Wright or Hey Budden hiding out there with your name on it, you just have to look hard.
 
I agree with the others keep your eyes open and talk to evrybody you come across someone will know of one somewhere.

I Went on a 1200km round trip last week end to collect a 224lb forged anvil made around the turn of the centry I would expect.

I tried a few weeks ago and blew up my engine. $600 to repair. That time I only got 280km. So with fuel repairs and incidentals, my free anvil was quite expensive. I met an old mate in 1997, we became friends. Unfortunatley he died this year of a variety of illnesses but was able to tell his wife to make sure I got the anvil. I have others now but this one is a beauty and it will be my main anvil now. Price is not always the only consideration.

Seperate point while you are looking start a slush fund or big pink prorelain piggy bank throw in $10 bucks a week or when you can afford it. In a year you will have either found one or can afford to buy one.
 
Keep looking for a real anvil..they can turn up when you least expect them. Two months ago I ran across a large anvil with many coats of paint outside a welding shop. I tried to trade for it but the guy needed cash. After I got the anvil in the shop and stripped the paint and wire brushed it, I discovered I had a 300 pound Hay-Budden, made in 1907 (per Anvils in America). It makes a good companion to my 131 pound Peter Wright.
 
Peyton, have you contacted the local chapter of ABANA? They may be able to help you locate an anvil or Anvil Like Object in your price range. Search on "ABANA Chapters" and look at the TX listings in there, especially the "balconesforge" link.

Good luck in your search. :)
 
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