Smithing stakes ???

[Phil Dwyer]

Hi Friends,

I've commenced teaching a couple of high school applied art classes on coppersmithing. We're making copper bowls. We've got heavy wooden dapping (swage) blocks, many raising hammers, some planishing hammers, and a few vertical ball/mushroom stakes....but no raising stakes.

Anyone know where I could get one (some) cheap? I could then fabricate others. (Centuar, Pieh and Blacksmith Depot are no goes.)

Thanks, Phil

 

[K R Johnson]

Phyl, the picture doesn't show up for me.

 

[Phil Dwyer]

I don't know what happen to the pic. Here it is again, I hope.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Phyl, Stake anvils , in many shapes,are plentiful at most blacksmith hammer-ins. I saw maybe twenty at the Pioneer Days this spring (one was HUGE). Try these chaps for a new one:
http://www.oldworldanvils.com/anvils/anvilstake_55.html

A larger stake anvil can be easily made from a piece of rail track and a welded on stake. It is exactly like making a RR Track Anvil, but you cut out the bottom along with the web, and weld on a stake. Sounds like a good job for the metal shop boys to take on at the School. Or,you could even have them make some tops up from 2X2" 4140 and weld a stake to them.

Some good anvil info here in the references and links below the stake anvil project.
http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/anvils/making/stake_stump.htm
Stacy

 

[birdog4]

mine rail might be a little easier to handle.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes, indeed. Small gauge would be graet...if you can find some.
Stacy

 

[Phil Dwyer]

Thanks guys! These are for light work, just for 18 ga (32 oz), or even thinner, copper sheet being raised into bowls. The stake only has to be an inch to two thick. I was hoping to find some cheap somewhere, but no can do. There is a fella on eBay selling something he welds up and peddles as a "U-finish". It's only about 6 inches long and high. Maybe I'll try and take that approach.