[yesteryearforge]

Stryder
I build my stands like a three sided box with the opening towards where I stand.
You would be suprised at how much more comfortable it is to stand at an anvil when you can put your leading foot slightly under the anvil.
just as a square stump allows you to stand closer to the anvil than a round stump an opening in the back allows you to stand even closer. the result is less strain on your back and legs as you dont have to be reaching over to hit.
an added benifit is a stand made this way from heavy plate almost allways deadens the ring from your anvil. the photo of primtechsmiths is a 260 competitor like yours