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!!!! [Wanted] Blacksmithing anvil for Wheaton Labs

 
Mike Haasl
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Paul would like to improve the blacksmithing capabilities at basecamp.  They currently don't have an anvil so that's high on the list.  I'm watching for one in my area but if anyone has one, please let me know.  I'll be driving out there from Wisconsin this summer and other people travel there periodically as well so we can hopefully avoid shipping.

"Hundreds of years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the type of car I drove... But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that it becomes a tourist destination"

 
Silvanus Rempel
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I don't have an anvil. But I do have 4 feet of old railroad iron you could have.( I am currently making me one from the same peace of track) I live in Mississippi. Search rail road track anvils if you would like some ideas. Si
 
Mike Haasl
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I've seen those but I think they need something a bit beefier and more traditional.  Beefier meaning ideally 150 lbs or more and traditional so that normal hardie hole tools would fit it.  But thanks for the offer, in other circumstances that would be wonderful!

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How much are they going for now?

A piece of land is worth as much as the person farming it.
-Le Livre du Colon, 1902

 
Mike Haasl
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It seems to depend on where in the country you live.  Around here I'm hoping to get one for around $2.50 per lb but I see them on Craigslist for up to $5 per lb.

"Hundreds of years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the type of car I drove... But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that it becomes a tourist destination"

 
Silvanus Rempel
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Mike Haasl wrote:I've seen those but I think they need something a bit beefier and more traditional.  Beefier meaning ideally 150 lbs or more and traditional so that normal hardie hole tools would fit it.  But thanks for the offer, in other circumstances that would be wonderful!




Your welcome and good luck!!!
 
Devin Lavign
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Mike Haasl wrote:I've seen those but I think they need something a bit beefier and more traditional.  Beefier meaning ideally 150 lbs or more and traditional so that normal hardie hole tools would fit it.  But thanks for the offer, in other circumstances that would be wonderful!



Finding someone with an anvil is kind hit or miss. Plus anvils are expensive.

You can use railroad track in the short term. For weight you can use a heavy weight to tie down. Often it is nailed or chained down. Adding the weight your looking for, it is regularly done as track is fairly light. As for hardy holes, what you can make is the limit. People have made hardy holes in track anvils, so could you. Youtube has videos explaining how it can be done.

I understand wanting a real anvil, I just know how expensive they are. A piece of track could get you by until the anvil shows up, but most rails need a little prep to make ready. Like flattening the top or making hardy holes. However the train going over them hardens the top like nothing else will.

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Miles Flansburg
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A few on craigslist.  

Anvil 1

anvil 2

anvil3

anvil 4

and tools

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Robert Ray
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Mike,
Take a look at Centaur Forge I was able to pick up a new cavalry anvil for not much more than many of the used ones that were on Craigslist. It might help if we know just how big an anvil you are looking for.

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(Buckman)

 
Phil Stevens
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Devin gets major dad-joke cred for that comment about hit and miss.

My infrequent need to do low-precision metal banging has me content with standing a length of rail in a hole filled with sand.
 
Joshua Bertram
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Here is a 182#er for $200.  https://prescott.craigslist.org/tls/d/mayer-large-anvil/7069263279.html

It is not pretty, and is not traditional looking, looks to be homemade/cut with a torch.  It looks like there's a round hole in it.

I'm try'n. Rarely succeeding, but I'm try'n.

 
Kenneth Elwell
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Mike, Centaur or another farrier or blacksmith supply might be a good source for a farrier's anvil (smaller, lighter, meant to be transported to where the horse is...) at a decent price, and better than a R.R. rail anvil.

I'm making a stand for one of my anvils this week (going to loan it to a local, Boston area, makerspace). Using the Mark Aspery design from his "Skills of the Blacksmith, vol. I" book. In that section, he mentions "A loose anvil is a dangerous thing." meaning it must be securely mounted to whatever solid base you use.
In a thread about the ATC last year (maybe it was the podcast?) there was mention that Jen was holding the R.R. rail anvil down while someone else was hammering on it... no bueno! The stakes get even higher when the anvil goes from 25# to #200.

Get in touch with a blacksmith's association either in your area (you may already be) or in Paul's area (shorter distance to haul an anvil).
Us blacksmiths are hoarders of the tools and equipment, don't you know, and are a likely place to find an anvil that's possibly "for sale" to the right person, but not actively being sold (like on Craigslist).
There's also the chance that the intended use of "teaching blacksmithing" is looked on more favorably than just some guy wants an anvil for his shop.

Nails are sold by the pound, that makes sense.

 
Robert Ray
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I agree with Kenneth, reaching out to local craftsman might lead to those that want to see tools used. I personally would be more likely to sell off a jewel of a tool to someone that was going to use the tool. It might also lead to tutors.

"There is enough in the world for everyones needs, but not enough for everyones greed"
(Buckman)

 
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