Post Anvil

D

Dixieblade57

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Jun 20, 2007
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I am thinking in the future a post anvil could be in my future! Check out this reference.

http://www.dfoggknives.com/Anvil.htm

Having said that I need to know more about the blocks of steel.

What are they used for besides the making of a post anvil? Are they basically billets of refined steel? I am trying to figure out where I might just find one here locally and I figure the more I know about the billets and there use(s) the better chance I have of finding one.

Can they bought as scrap at a scrap yard?

Where are you buying them from?

What type steel do I need to look for in such piece of steel (IE. 1090, 4140, etc. etc.)?

Typically what does a piece (for example 6x6x20) cost? Just trying to get a feel for the cost of making a post anvil.


I am asking all these questions because even though I have seen solid steel blocks like those used in a post anvil I don't recall seeing anything as large as 4x4 or even better a 6x6. So I figure if I am looking in the right places such an item might be easier to find! :D
 
A good bet might be to search that forum for a couple of good threads about that anvil. I believe it's a medium (.40%) carbon steel, but the 'good' part of that anvil is the heat treating that the fellow was able to do on those blocks. He shares the info freely and made a how to video.

Could be near free with a bit of luck, Craig

oops sorry Db, I think that original stock was military surplus
 
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Thanks Craig!
My post was about as much where to acquire such a piece of steel as anything. If I can get a feel for where folks are coming up with the chunks of steel then I will know where to be looking for them as well as what to be looking for!
 
Anyone want to throw me a bone and tell me where you are acquiring the steel to make up these post anvils?
 
I have a 3' tall 4" diameter chunck of round D2 that I got from crucible steel. I would suspect that most tool steel distributors would carry whatever you want.
 
While you can always order a piece of large round or square stock, a scrap source would be far cheaper on a couple hundred pounds of steel.
One great source is rail axle steel. A two foot section will make a superb post anvil. Along the same line are rail car couplers. A visit to the local rail maintenance yard may turn up some very good possibilities.
Next, a piece of rail set on end makes a great post anvil. Knives don't need much space to work on. The web can even be rounded to use for fullering.

After the rail yard, scrap yards turn up many good candidates. My post anvil is a section of 7" round shaft from the shipyard scrap.

Drive shafts from big trucks, axles, anything that is 3" or more should work.
 
Round stock is everywhere, as other posters are saying. Pre-HTd (to about 35 Rc) 4140, 4150, or 4130 round is readily available, cut to length.

6" square... I don't know.
 
Now you guys are talking and the light bulb is on! I got three places that just popped into my mind. The local swithching station and repair yard for the railroad, the local docks and a heavy construction yard I know of in the next town. Thanks that is just what I was looking for!!!!!!! :cool:
 
about what hardness should a post anvil be treated to? or any anvil for that matter...also when ppl use the rail road track for anvils are they heat treating those or using them as is?
 
Don't bother with buying new 4140, I'll give my buddy a call about the S7, A1, and D2 he recently got in 2x2-6x6. He also can get 8x8 D2, that's 435lb for 24" tall. :eek:

I believe I was talking to him about S7 and he wanted $200 for 90lb in 4"x4". Stores want $500+ for that size. :thumbup:
 
I can get 6" round 52100 in a post anvil length. The local scrap yard has it and they want .60/lb. Shipping would be a killer though. The piece I got weighed 250lbs.
 
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