Anvil and blacksmithing

[Code54]

I been finding I have some interest in doing some minor blacksmithing and learning about knife making. Nothing professional, nothing other than some fun home projects where I can make things for friends, family and myself.
I was thinking a Anvil would be the first thing I need to acquire but not sure what is good, bad or decent. I know I don't need a 250lbs top of the line beast, but not sure what is good enough or something that would last. I see places like Northern tool has 60lbs ones that are cast iron, others can be found that are steel and weight a bit more. Didn't really set a budget yet but don't want to sink a small fortune in it to start but want something that will last. What do you all suggest or think?
I can make or grab a big log to mount it on so that is not a concern, and figure I will also order a propane forge to start as I have two large outdoor tanks handy as well as several 20lbs available.

Also the other idea is I have a fork lift tine that is in good shape - is it worth making an anvil out of that? Read some stuff on the net that makes it sound like a possible idea to start with?

Any info about any part of the process is welcomed!

 

[groundcover]

Keep your eye on Craig’s list , I’ve seen a few on there but some of the prices are pretty steep.
Bought mine at an antique store many years ago, bet it could tell some tales.
Had both a hot and cold hardy made for it , smith made them out of jack hammer bit using an antique drop hammer. Not a tool that I end up using every day but I’d hate to be without it !

 

[kenmac]

Check out local scrap yards. I found an old anvil from the 1700's at an scrap iron recycling facility .
I can't remember the weight (over 100#) for about $20.00
They said someone came in and sold it for scrap. I paid scrap price for it

You might consider scrap RR track as well

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I been finding I have some interest in doing some minor blacksmithing and learning about knife making. Nothing professional, nothing other than some fun home projects where I can make things for friends, family and myself.
I was thinking a Anvil would be the first thing I need to acquire but not sure what is good, bad or decent. I know I don't need a 250lbs top of the line beast, but not sure what is good enough or something that would last. I see places like Northern tool has 60lbs ones that are cast iron, others can be found that are steel and weight a bit more. Didn't really set a budget yet but don't want to sink a small fortune in it to start but want something that will last. What do you all suggest or think?
I can make or grab a big log to mount it on so that is not a concern, and figure I will also order a propane forge to start as I have two large outdoor tanks handy as well as several 20lbs available.

Also the other idea is I have a fork lift tine that is in good shape - is it worth making an anvil out of that? Read some stuff on the net that makes it sound like a possible idea to start with?

Any info about any part of the process is welcomed!

If you're serious about knife making, you might consider buying some blanks and going from there. That would probably cover most of the skill sets you would need. I believe you might have to heat treat them, and of course you have to shape and sharpen them, and fashion a handle and a scabbard, but I don't think an anvil would be necessary. Also, if you are going to blacksmith the blade from scratch, wouldn't you need a furnace also?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I know nothing about anvils except what I saw on the Roadrunner show.

For a while a friend was going on about them (his kick at the time) and talking about a good anvil having a certain ring.

 

[Big Barn]

I know nothing about anvils except what I saw on the Roadrunner show.

.

 

[Code54]

Thanks all - I currently have a blank and scales i'm working on. As mentioned it is a good place to start.

Anvils do ring if they are good, good = expensive from what I saw so far. LOL I will check the scraps yards as mentioned, can't hurt to try.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

 

[Big Barn]

Friends who own one of our local scrap yards no longer allow sales partially due to liability issues. However a few years back they presented me with this little 66 pound anvil they came across.

It has a nice ring and excellent (90%) rebound.



IMO you would ideally have at least a 125 pound anvil for knife making. And a propane forge would be a good way to go. Won’t even need to use your big tanks. The 20 pounders will do just fine.

 

[kenmac]

want to know about anvils ? Just ask this kid !

Buying anvils 11 - YouTube

 

[Big Barn]

What a great kid