Anvil and blacksmithing

[stuckmotor]

I have a cast iron anvil 50 or 60 pounds. I can beat iron into shape on it, BUT, it doesn't take long before my arm feels dead from lifting the hammer. I also have a cheap steel anvil around 90 pounds that bounces the hammer nicely. This anvil is a pleasure to use, I suspect the top is hardened. Both my anvils came from Harbor Freight, sadly they don't seem to sell anvils as big these days.

 

[stuckmotor]

CHEAP ANVILS!!!! No More Craigslist JUNK! - YouTube

 

[Big Barn]

You probably already have done a bit of research, but it’s good know your anvil prices. This way you’ll be able to spot a deal or at least a decent price on CL used or wherever. If used pricing in your area is out to lunch, spend a few bucks more and purchase new.

Personally I lean towards older iron, and was extremely fortunate to acquire these two.



193 pound John Brooks Made in England



295 pound Peter Wright Made in USA

Having said that there’s no reason not to use any heavy metal object with mass and a flat surface to start your knife making hobby once you get your propane forge.

Here’s my ASO (anvil shaped object) that smiths frown upon. I use it for cold work and centerpunching etc. Just a 200 pound hunk of I-beam with horn shaped with O/A torch.

 

[Code54]

NICE - that is a great collection!!! Thanks for the advice.

 

[stuckmotor]

I consider my factory made cast iron anvil an ASO.

 

[zzvyb6]

It's a "Pritchel hole". Used often for punching the nail holes in horse shoes, etc. A pritchel is a punch.

I have several anvils and even one made from a piece of railroad rail for straightening windmill parts.

 

[Big Barn]

I consider my factory made cast iron anvil an ASO.

Yes. Maybe so but although I have and appreciate a “real” anvil I’ve pounded on a lot of whatever was handy for most of my life.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

It's a "Pritchel hole". Used often for punching the nail holes in horse shoes, etc. A pritchel is a punch.

I have several anvils and even one made from a piece of railroad rail for straightening windmill parts.

Yeah, I have one made from a RR rail also. Found it at my Dad's place after he died. It is rather crude and painted aluminum (My Dad painted everything aluminum that didn't get up and walk off), but I find it very useful for the odd times I need it.

 

[dieselcrawler]

About 25 years ago, I had a youthful intrest in blacksmithing, inspired by a very informative week and a half visit with Daniel Boone, a direct decendant of the one we read about in history books, and also a full-time blacksmith. Great guy, very talented, makes beautiful wrought iron decorative and useful items. Taught me a boat-load about metal working, and its manipulation both hot and cold, knowledge I use often to this day, frequently thinking as I work "Thank you Daniel Boone!"

As to anvils, I have one, about #175, with a nice 'ring' to it... it was pretty beat up when dad and I found it, cant remember what we paid for it, but not sure its even relevant now, but $1/pound has always stuck in my mind as a fair price for one in fair shape. Check local trade papers, classifieds, Craigslist, facebook marketplace, anything is possible...

As mentioned, an old chunk of railroad track works good for a farm beater "ASO", my dad had two for years. One 'right side up', with one end cut to a point, one end square, the other track turned upside down, so it was nice and flat on top, about 6-7" wide and about 18" long, also cut to a point on one end. Had flat plate feet welded on what was now the bottom so it could be lag bolted to a big chunk of sycamore stump as a base. Worked for farm use just fine.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Code54, on your behalf, and my own curiosity, I did a quick search on Facebook marketplace... guy in the northeast corner of ohio is having an open house type thing at his farm.. with anvils for sale, pictures had 50 or more, as well as other smithy stuff. But... its tomorrow! And, yes, he's calling it Black-smith Friday. Look up Andrew Palte in Ottawa, OH.