Homemade Anvil

Looking good! Gonna put a hardy and pritchel in? May I commend your attention to >This Link. I debated on a base (and feet) under the anvil as opposed to having the base integral to the anvil and feet to simply give lateral support. I chose the latter as it seemed I would have a more distinct ring and avoid the "stacked mass" dilemma. If you are going to put your base under your anvil, I recommend beveling the bottom as much as possible before welding. Personally I would bevel it 2" all the way around (So the bottom is a 4 sided pyramid) so that you get 100% penetration. Yes, it's a lot of welding, and it will get HOT, and the base will probably pull up a bit. However if you let it cool in between passes it will control some but you could also weld small shims on the bottom without sacrificing any ring (if that is important to you. The pulling was a consideration on my chosen method as well so I pre-angled the feet deliberately and tackled them slightly lower than the bottom of the body to help control the pulling effect. Hope this is helpful

Scott

Scott,

Thanks!  I am going to put two pritchel's in it due to the ease.  I do not think i am going to put a hardy in it, if i need to use a hardy tool i'll just go to my hay budden or wilkinson that will be sitting right next to this one.  I did ponder rounding up some extra heavy square tube and just welding it completely down one side, i know this is non traditional but it's just a thought. 

As for the base plate i agree on all accounts and am still undetermined.  The ring is not important to me and i feel i can maintain the current pitch even with the stacked mass dilemma.  I would cut the plate with half moons so it would look like yours with more mass in the front and rear.

You spent a much greater time on your horn and did a great job on your anvil!  What is the material grade in which you cut the plate?

I'll spare you the typing, After continuing to read i see it is mild steel. 

I agree completely on your words of wisdom for finding an anvil!  I first started on a piece rail road rail and simply lucked into a magnificent hay budden while over hearing a conversation at the local cafe, then just the other day the wilkinson found me (i was on a wine stroll and came home with it!!)  A buddy and I have just started on these homemade ones simply for the fact that we can.  We would also like to stamp them with a unique name and identification so that someday maybe someone will post a picture on here asking for advice!!  when they are both done i'll be sure to post a picture side by side.

Stamp BBB,, haha looks awfully familiar. still needs the pritchel. I just uploaded a pic.