What Kind Of Anvil Do You Have?

A very dead one!!!! I have no idea what kind of anvil it is, but it sure is dead. No ring, just a thud! It's like hitting a piece of lead. However, I did find a section of railraod track to beat steel on. It actually works pretty well for most things and I use the dead anvil to flatten things on. (It's just my opinion, but, I think reducing a 7/8" round piece of steel on a dead anvil is about the equivilent of reducing a 3" round piece of steel on a live anvil. At least if you're counting the number of hits with your hammer that is.)
 
I've got a mid nineteenth century 160 lb Mouse Hole - picked it up in upstate NY for $185. ...I like! I've been learning to forge from a blacksmith. He has provided 5 different anvils to work on - all old timers & they all feel good. He says any just about old anvil with a good rebound is worth saving - that is, if it looks ratty, bring it to a machine shop, have the top welded up and re-surfaced. Many smiths do this, sometimes more than once on a favorite anvil.

I would save yours and maybe get a larger one, too. For a new one word on the smiths' forums are that the eastern European ones are the best buy out there ...as markmarkmark has found out.

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top