Smokeydog
Elite Member
When you find a anvil make a good stand. Often the most over looked and under appreciated shop tool. A chunk of wood on concrete floor is poor. A timber 6’ in the ground better. The anvil is not suppose to move when struck. This one is made from 8x16x0.31” steel tube. Inside filled with 8’ of railroad rail, and grout made with years of plasma cutting dross and drops, drill press sharps, 50# steel shot, 50# sandblasting media and cement. >700# before anvil. Solid attachment bedded in Vulkem gives great rebound and is quiet. Similar filled tube with large base for 6” leg vise. Note receiver hitch to hold other shop tools like benders or rollers. Use a leg vise as much as an anvil for my blacksmithing.
Anvil is loan from a friend. This area changed sides during the civil war several times. To hobble the other army anvils were either broke or dropped in deep water. His family had a story that they buried the anvil in the garden to protect it. Not knowing what happened afterwards till recently, 40years, a tractor plowing hit it. Lost the makers marks and a few pounds from rust from being buried. Now 136#. Would bring $800 around here as there is a surge of interest, family history priceless.
Looked for over 10 years for a good used anvil. Minute late or dollar short a couple of times. Beating on modern steel cold ruined many farm anvils. Bought a new Peddinghaus thru ZORO tool, 30% discount during one of their sales. Free shipping and tax exempt. Took 5 months to get it. Weight 275#. $4.54/#.
Lot of semi to professional smiths prefer an anvil with wear and a little saddle for smoother work.
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