Cutting Plate?

[Avadon]

I was reading a blacksmithing book and they mentioned having a cutting plate you can lay over your anvil to protect it anytime there is a possibility that you may damage the anvil surface with a hammer. They mentioned 1/4 copper.

Is "cutting plate" the correct term and does one use coppor or steel? I've dinged some ASO's by getting to close to the edge of the part I was forging but on my real anvil I want to have this never happen. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to build one?

[UnicornForge]

All of the cutting plates I have seen people use have been a piece of steel, either a simple plate sitting upon the anvil, or a stem that fits in the hardy hole, or edges that wrap around the two sides of the anvil.

[adam cyphers]

when i find some ill be using 1/4" copper plate till then i use 1"8 anealled mild steel plate bent to fit over my anvil.i would prefer copper as it is much softer and wont wear out my chisel as fast.

[John B]

Copper, Steel, Aluminium all work OK, be careful with the aluminium and copper as they retain the heat very well

[Dave Budd]

Originally Posted by John B

Copper, Steel, Aluminium all work OK, be careful with the aluminium and copper as they retain the heat very well

not 'alf !

I use 1/4" aluminium in the workshop, but when I'm demonstrating I've got a bit of old copper pipe flattened and folded across teh anvil. It's not thick but it does the job

[Pault17]

I had a few thin plates of aluminum that I left at the blacksmith shop at the state fairgrounds. I have a piece of very soft mild steel straddles the anvil

[dablacksmith]

ive used copper and steel ... anything that is softer than your chizel ! good luck

[Woody]

Or you might just try using the step on the anvil, cutting and chisel work is what it was designed for

[Avadon]

Originally Posted by Woody

Or you might just try using the step on the anvil, cutting and chisel work is what it was designed for

I don't get it, won't that area just get screwed up?

When hammering the sides of something where the hammer might hit the anvil face is that when a cutting place is also used? Or do people tend to use a stake for hitting on the edge of something?

[Pipeliner32]

Some good advice, I will make a plate to cover my anvil when cutting
Pipeliner32