Gunslinger

PM sent. Thank you again!

Thank You!

Not sure what seems funny, it's not hard to build a forge in the ground next to my seawall and the special handling equipment is one of my boat lifts and chain. Guys in the video used a truck, lol, it's not rocket surgery. No hydrants here, just well water and pumping trucks for a volunteer FD. They have more important things to do when not fighting fires. I gave no advise, just asked about a possible method in my case with what is available. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. Not every way is optimal but can still achieve acceptable results, if it's all you have you work with it, taking the proper safety precautions. Not saying this method is acceptable but we're not talking about a forge welded anvil at a foundry, it's a fork being welded to an anvil base in a manner not so common, more of a backyard shade tree method. It peaked my interest about the possibility of finishing the process in the same manner. The video posted may not be the right way to do it but it shows it can be done which answered my question, if it makes you feel better I'll ad a disclaimer: Don't try this at home, especially without a parachute. Hope that didn't hurt your head more. Haddockkl, apologies for the high jack. Cannot wait to see the welding results. Good luck!

I was looking into it as I peaked my own curiosity and it seems it has been done. Watched a YouTube video of an anvil being heated to non magnetic, put onto a type of modified hitch behind a pick up truck and driven into the lake. I wouldn't advise it but here it is: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b5noM1NnXeE TP, lifes too short to be cranky, I wasn't telling anyone to try this, just thinking aloud. I appreciate the more knowledgable pointing out the pros and cons. To me this seemed possible with what I have available if I was in a pinch. I only know the basics of heat treating which is why I asked. I'll research your suggestions.

Never done it, just thinking aloud. And it's "seems like it could work" not would work, bit of a difference. Are you saying it is not at all possible?

Watching this thread to see the outcome, not sure about not heat treating though. Speaking of heat treating, could you heat an anvil/top plate to non magnetic in a ground forge then dunk it in water to harden the top plate? I have a lake in the yard and a swivel lift/davit to move the hot anvil from forge to lake. Seems like it could work after welding it as you are. Either way, very ambitious project. Worst case it is a learning experience since you are not too invested money wise.

Pre 1910 as it's not stamped England from what I've learned on this site. Most likely late 1800's.

I like it. Heck, I may steal the idea, plenty of uses for an anvil in the kitchen.

By the looks of the profile pic I'd guess that was worn in over years of use of a specific hardy tool or process. The curve on the bottom of the rear shelf shows it took a lot of hammering. Since that area isn't used as much in general I'd look at it as a feature for future shaping. Great size anvil too.

Thanks guys. I'll most likely leave it for now and see what kind of hammering it'll take. Looks like they'll clean up nice.

Will welding a stand to an anvil cause any issues to the anvil? Picked up these 2 Peter Wrights and the smaller 130lb. is welded to the stand. Plan on using the 152lb. until I find a larger shop anvil but couldn't pass the pair for the price. The welded anvil is much quieter and I'll leave it welded, adding a brace or 2, if its not an issue otherwise I'll cut it off. Never used any other stand than a stump and chain so this is beyond my limited experience. Doesn't seem like it would be an issue but I don't know, I do like how quiet it is though.

Sent you the link. I can't wait for the day a deal like that finds me close by. Good luck.

Yup, North MI CL, says Frankfort.

If either of you north MI boys can get to the Traverse City area this Trenton is listed for sale for $300. I'm down in the Thumb and can't make the trip any time soon. Darn shame too, looks nice. Not sure of weight but it isn't tiny at 28" long.

Semi-educated guess based on overall condition. Looks like it had a fairly easy life up to this point. Either way I'm happy to have a second smaller vise and now have a pattern to scale up for the mount and wedges of my larger vise. Going in the electrolysis tank this weekend, I'll put up a pic after its cleaned. What do you think?