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

 

[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.