Railroad track anvil

Brian Kessler

Brian Kessler

Joined
Jan 10, 2017
Messages
19
Good morning ladies and gentleman!

I'm just now starting to get into bladesmithing (literally brand spankin new) and I have a question about my "anvil".

I recently came across a 6" chunk of railroad track and have been thumbing about on how to use it. I've read that using it as a post anvil will give it more mass, and thus, better feedback.

Anyways, would a 10 gallon drum of sand work for the base? Would a log be preferable? A sand / concrete mixture? Or is the 6" totally inadequate for anything and just cut my losses and start from scratch with something else that may be found?

I appreciate any and all feedback and look forward to future correspondence with you all!
 
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I use a 30 gallon drum of sand for my anvil base. It works ok.
 
DENSER is better. You want the mass as concentrated as you can get it and you want your anvil firmly mounted so it doesn't bounce when you strike it. If your anvil is lose, you won't get as good energy transfer.
 
I found a 3 foot 4x4" chunk of steel at local steel yard. Weighs 160lbs and was about $50. I use it as a post anvil and rounded one of the sides. For the base, or sides to keep it upright (since the steel goes all the way to ground), i cut and stacked 2x4s up around it about half way. nice and sturdy....
Works great so far, good feedback. I'm new to this as well, but I've done a few projects with it and am happy with it, given my skill level, or lack there of...
 
For a small piece of track like that, try a 12-18" round log about 24" long. Cut it so it so the bottom sits flat on the floor. Bolt the track to the other end with 4"X1/2" lag bolts and large heavy washers gripping the foot. This will work good enough for a starter anvil.

56 years ago, a piece of RR track was my first anvil. I still have several track anvils sitting around the shop today.
 
Thank you all for your input! Will definitely take it to heart.

Got another quick couple of questions.

I have a couple of grandads old cross peen hammers (3# and 5#) and a couple of my own ball peen (8 oz. and 12 oz.).

Am i pretty set as far as hammers go or are there more i should check into for beating metal?

Also, would you guys recommend Royal Oak lump charcoal or another brand? Im supposed to be getting an old water heater in the next couple of months so i can start baking my own and was just wondering if there was a store bought favorite.

Thanks again for yalls input!
 
Got another quick couple of questions.
I have a couple of grandads old cross peen hammers (3# and 5#) and a couple of my own ball peen (8 oz. and 12 oz.).

Am i pretty set as far as hammers go or are there more i should check into for beating metal?

Also, would you guys recommend Royal Oak lump charcoal or another brand? Im supposed to be getting an old water heater in the next couple of months so i can start baking my own and was just wondering if there was a store bought favorite.
Click to expand...

You hammers are on the range of too heavy & too light. Your 12oz will probably be the most used. But you might keep an eye out for something in the 24oz range. Of course preference depends on personal work style & physical fitness.
Even on a big anvil, 3 & 5 are awful heavy for knife size work. An average minimum ratio is 1:40. Example, one pound hammer on a 40 pound anvil (or better).

Most any hardwood lump charcoal is ok. Its alot of work to maintain a charcoal fire. (at least its a very clean fire...)
If you can, (or just graduate to) use of coal. Its still a fire managing job but about 1/4 that of charcoal, yet dirtier.

There is no all encompassing answer, Its all a learning experience.
Good luck.
 
Thanks Lieblad! Any specific source you trust for hammers? Seems like anytime I buy one at the big blue or big orange stores they all get wobbly after a few good strikes.
 
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