[Wanted] Blacksmithing anvil for Wheaton Labs

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.

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

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!

How much are they going for now?

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.

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!!!

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.

A few on craigslist.  

Anvil 1

anvil 2

anvil3

anvil 4

and tools

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Try your nearest scrap yard! That is where I got mine! I just asked them to keep an eye out for one and I finally got it. It is around 70 lbs and sold for $50.00

Weird, I wasn't getting notifications for this thread.  Sorry for going dark on it.

I have already connected with a friend who knows all the steam power and blacksmithing folks in the area and he didn't uncover any.  Now I'm not going out to the lab this summer so maybe Paul will find one on his own.  

If I'm going back out there next summer, I'll start looking again (and of course I'll keep my eyes open in the meantime).  

Regarding a railroad anvil, I think we'd want a normal anvil for the lab so that folks can work and learn on something a bit more standard.  At least in a perfect world...

Thanks for the comments!

Staunton, Il
"Several large striking, forming anvils @ less than $1 per pound."



https://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/d/staunton-blacksmith-anvil-forge-cone/7106682378.html

I already have two but that picture makes me want more.

Wow, that's someone with a serious problem.  Wish it was a bit closer.  But if there are any permies who are headed to Wheaton Labs and traveling through St. Louis, pick up a few!