Steel for Anvil ?

E

ELROJO

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
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I am just getting started and trying to put a shop together. I have a friend that has a 12"x5"x4" chunk of D-2 that is annealed. Could I use this as an anvil if it were put on some kind of stand? How hard would it be to heat treat it? I have a client that could heat treat it for around $100.00. He said it would be close 60 RC. The anvil I have now was my Dad's and is in really poor conditon. I am not opposed to buying a new or used anvil, I just like to make my own stuff and have something different. All advice is appreciated.

Chad
 
For a while I used a chunk of steel as an anvil I didn't do anything to it and it seemed to work fine from what I've read most anvils are hardened some where in the low 50s.
 
I'm pretty sure that D2 in an annealed state would do alright for something to bang on. 60RC seems a little hard for an anvil, I'd be REALLY worried about chipping it and hurting myself. If it could be drawn back to something tougher (maybe high 40s RC?) it would probably be really nice.

-d
 
An appropriate steel might be 4140 and heat treated to about 45 Rc.
 
I've posted this answer before but it doesn't hurt to repeat it.
One of my anvils is a piece of kelly bar from a drill rig. 'Bout 8inches square and 11" high. Weighs in at about 100# and is 4140 steel. Really tuff stuff!
Ya see these rigs in places where they are drilling caissons for new buildings, bridges, cell towers, etc. They cut pieces off for different jobs according to depth, subsoil, etc. A box of donuts to a job superintendent might get ya a piece. The size is right and the 4140 can take a beating. bruce
 
deker said:
I'm pretty sure that D2 in an annealed state would do alright for something to bang on. 60RC seems a little hard for an anvil, I'd be REALLY worried about chipping it and hurting myself. If it could be drawn back to something tougher (maybe high 40s RC?) it would probably be really nice.

-d
Click to expand...

D2 peaks in toughness at HRC 60.
 
I went to a forklift place last week and the gave me a pair of forks that they had.Check your local forklift places Might be able to make something poundable outta them ??
 
Forklift steel makes killer power hammer dies. Im sure it would be great for an anvil face. You could MIG a piece to the top of your mild steel bar.
 
I have a 400+ lb. chunk of forklift material that works spectacularly. If you can find a forklift repair shop, I highly recommend making a friend.
-Mark
 
Thanks for all the replys. I think I will scrounge around a little before I committ to spending any money on this. I may try to stop by this forklift shop near my office and see if I can get lucky. Does anyone have a picture of of an anvil made by forklift forks?
Thanks.
Chad
 
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