upside down RR track anvil?

[fast14riot]

Have any of you set up a RR track anvil to stand upside down to get a better flat face? If so how did you mount it? The one I have (my only anvil type object) has considerable crown on the track surface making things difficult to keep flat and straight. Just looking to do the best I can with what I have. Even junk anvils are hard to come by here.


-Xander

 

[mete]

Best to just grind it flat. Otherwise you'll have a problem mounting it.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

I used a rr track anvil for a couple of years before the money became available to purchase a regulation anvil.
It was mounted on a stump with the rail side up. I found its radius-ed surface to be very useful. Turning the steel being forged length wise allowed me to draw the steel across its width. Turn it across the rail and striking it would draw the steel length-ways.
The side of the rail, which is flat, can be used to straighten the steel.
Don't underestimate their value.

Fred

 

[Ed Braun]

I'm in with Fred, and I feel your pain--I couldn't even find a RR chunk locally to make an anvil and been on my own hunt...and still hunting.
Until recently, I think the last chance I "had" was a Vulcan around the same time (and make) as you last summer. I know you probably keep a hawk's eye on CL and other local "flea-sites," but have you checked with Golden Anvil Ironworks in your region to see if they could help you source an anvil or grind a flat area for you to work. As Fred suggested, You could leave a section crowned to serve as a bick. And at the same time, if they do true ironwork, they'll at least be commiserate to your plight and charge a pittance (if anything) to do the squaring.

Good luck in your hunt brother. If you want, I'll set some google alerts to let me know of any anvil postings from the bay, to Modesto, to your Fresno, and L.A. (I've heard they crop up there every now and then). Otherwise, and so help me, if I find my holy grail (200# or better) I'll work something out with you for mine (a 70# Columbian).

 

[b_rogers]

Mount it on a stump or large log and grind a 6-8" flat area and on one end, and leave the crown on the other end for drawing or bending. The one i have didnt grind so easy..

Most metal recyclers have tons of RR track and steel drops usually, just go (in person, people are much more helpful face to face) and tell them what you need. The two local places gave me a hardhat and said "go find what you think will work"