Anvils

[blkbear]

I have a question about the face of ananvil that I am considering purchasing. The anvil in question is brand new from a prominent manufacturer of good quality and reputation. The question I have is that the anvil face is marked and gouged. Enough so that it would leave marks on a piece of work were I to hammer on the piece over the marks and gouges.
Is this normal for a new anvil?? AShould I consider it and grind down the face to a smooth state??
Would the same apply to a used anvil??

Brian

[Hillbillysmith]

If it is a new cast-style anvil, then yes. It's the casting marks.

[Nolano]

It doesnt sound like a manufacturer of good quality to me, if they dont even polish the anvil face. I would pass on it, personally.

[Mills]

good quality and rep with out a useable face as is? It needs to be a real special price then, cause there is work and /or $ in cleaning up a face. How much? Depends.

[JWBIRONWORKS]

Not knowing the brand or specifics....Unless it is a real good price a person would probably be better of with a good chunck of scrap iron with a flat section, keep the rest of the money in your pocket for a better anvil, building a good forge or other tools. It,s been stated here many times and it is true an anvil doesn't have to be an anvil to get the same results. Don't rush into a "deal" only to be sorry later.

Only an opinion,

JWB

[blkbear]

Thank you for your replies. This helps immensely.

Brian.

[oakwoodforge]

Blkbear, here is a nice low cost option for an anvil, a 100 lb chunk of round or square steel 4-6 " in dia. set in a bucket of concrete.
Kinda like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4.../fullmoon2.jpg
or :
http://www.polarbearforge.com/shoptour.htm#

Hope this helps

Jens

[JWBIRONWORKS]

Oak,
Thanks for the links, I have been considering a second taller anvil for some work that I need to see better. That post looks like the answer.

JWB