Anvil fabrication

[Dr Dean]

Because I'm being lazy and really couldn't decide where to put this thread here's the link to the thread I already started. Shop Floor Talk - Fabricated anvil
When I finish with all the welding I'll get a nice tidy thread going. Let me know what you think.

[Daryl]

After looking at the pictures on the link and thinking that you are manufacturing your own anvil rather than spend the money on one... have you considered the fact that you will definitely spend more money on rods, grinding wheels and electricity than what a decent used one is worth? I am including the fact that the base material is free! I am probrably just as 'thrifty' as the next guy, though we should still be pragmatic.

[bruce wilcock]

Last year 4 of us got togeather and forged a 160 lb anvil ,if several of like minded smiths got use of a bigish hammer you could make a anvil each ,we made it in pices the ,block with dog holes welded the feet on ,and then made the top section out of 5 in billet and welded at the waist ,the job needed little grinding .

[yesteryearforge]

i think you have entirely too much time on your hands

[Ron Hicks]

That looks like some heavy duty welding - could you tell us about the welding?
Do you plan on cutting to more of an anvil shape or leave as is?
Will you do any heat treating?

[ApprenticeMan]

WOW Dr Dean, you got alotta you-know-whats!!!!!!!!

[Dr Dean]

Daryl, I had been looking for a decent used anvil. Unfortunatly the only ones that I've been able to find seem to be priced like gold, big bucks a new one would be about the same price. The electric cost is a non issue to me. Welding rod, I've got an old 50Lb box that I'm using up, mixed 7014 & 7018. The way that the welds are flowing in I think that the amount of grinding will be minimal. I'm going with the it's ugly but effective rule here.
My welder is a recent aquisition it's a Miller CST-250 DC stick/tig rig. I'm running about 175 amps with 1/8 7018 and 7014. The 7018 is getting saved for building the face because it flows out smooth and work hardens with piening as it's cooling. I'm using 7014 for the body because it's a fast fill rod (iron powder in the flux). Both rods when the heat is right and a steady hand are darn near self chipping.
Yesteryearforge, It's more of a sanity break.

[ApprenticeMan]

Nice work man, keep at it. I'd loan yah one of my anvils if you lived closer, but it seems like you will have one of your own in no time!

[ApprenticeMan]

I made these, but they are a bit small for general forge work. I'll sell yah one if you want, for MUCH cheaper guarenteed than any other anvil.

[Dr Dean]

Thanks for the offer on the loaner anvil but I hate borrowing/loaning tools. The little anvils are just a bit small for me. I have been swinging 4lb hammers for years. I'm not sure but I think that I'll be going to a smaller hammer when this mass of iron is done.
WOW Dr Dean, you got alotta you-know-whats!!!!!!!!
Am I doing a bad thing by posting this or is it that I'm willing to try?