RingingAnvil

Your looking for mass - not surface area. I have seen many many 100# + anvil go for about that many dollars and tons (literally) of 50-150# solid scraps go for less than that or even free.

The smith I apprenticed under has what I know as a bridge anvil. It must be over 300lbs and lives under one of the work tables. It's footprint is 11" x 35" and working surface about 8" x 32". It is about 10" high and 2" thick at the thinest point. The arch under the face is about 6" tall and 16" at the base. (Those are all very rough estimates based on what I remember byt the way) I have always wondered about this type of anvil as well. Only time I ever used it was to upset long pieces of stock. I would drag it out from under the table and upset on it while it sat right on the floor. Sure worked well for that. I have never seen one just like it. I would love to end up with it someday so I'll start saving now. I will take a picture of the beastly thing next time I vist the master.

What a neat hammer. No clue here but very interested in learning more.

ffd27f444eebbe61ea26dd6d10722bce

combo dies, almost never change them.

Looks like my lighting, 'UL Blacklisted' - I like it.

I would like to hear everyone's opinion on what is a good steel for kitchen knives and why.

That is one of the coolest little anvils I have ever seen! It has a sort of 'fighting' stance...I agree; don't ask too much of it. Best of luck working yourself into more work. Welcom to IFI. That was the funniest RR anvil joke yet....There is/was a well known blacksmith from the south named Bea Hensley. Could that be the same man who made your anvil?

I would dress the working surfaces and rock the thing till i'm dead. Call the rest of it hammer personality. Listen to Dan.....

I started my smithy after five years working for a smith who had a natural gas well on his property. He had a whisper daddy as well as a larger forge that operated on a virtually free fuel source. Because of this he used gas almost always. Obviously we don't all have a well so when I left I was forced to find a good fuel source. I began with only a coal forge and i burned only coal, then started using both coal and coke at some point: sometimes seperate and sometimes together. If I am using coal only or a mix I go with the hand crank or my electric blower with an air gate. When I burn coke only (different forge) I use a small electric hairdryer with the heating element removed and switch between low and high without ever shutting it off (that is great for fast paced production work that does not fit in the 'daddy). I lost my local coal/coke source and now travel a short way for it. I added a whisper daddy on a 100# LP tank (around $70 to refill) and now have two tanks. I use it most of the time and would love to get a larger outdoor tank that is filled by AmeriGas via truck so I don't have to haul my tanks downtown. I am not sure if it would be more economical per hour to hook up a forge to the natural gas line at the house? I have recently added a whisper baby (singe burner vs. 3 burner) to do smaller work like jewlry, tools, or blades. Say what you will about propane but that is instant, clean heat. Thats another way of 'making a smaller fire'! I like every forge that I have and I use them all. Fransis said it - they both serve thier purpose. Obviously I don't need them all. If I had to pick only one set-up I would pick a good solid fuel forge with a hand crank blower and burn coal or the mix. Glad I don't have to pick just one.

Hello, I live in billings and am a full time blacksmith. I have used and worked on several different power hammers. I have a little giant in my shop and am starting a rebuild. I am NOT an authority but I might be able to help get you set up and moving in the right direction. I also have Sid's rebuilding video and would be willing to let you borrow it. It is a great source of information and Sid is the man. I also just like to meet other blacksmiths/ironworkers. Just give me a call. Travis - four0six six7zero 3two5four

Wow, nice work. I am just starting a 100# rebuild. Old style (1918) with an all metal clutch. Are you running your hammer with 3 or 5 hp?

Thomas, I have read alot of posts and replies to posts on this forum and over time. i have learned to pay close attention to a few members who have more than just rice to throw. you are one of those. thank you. you were spot on with the clutch position. not sure which scap yard - forgive me but i will be deceased. deep fried mars bar sounds interesting but redundant. my health is great but my garage is only kinda clean. take care

I ordered the dvd with my parts and watched it right away. it was top notch. the credit given to Fred Caylor was top notch. Keri was extreamly helpful and honest with me on the phone. i think it is great to have people that really give a beep about what they are doing and understand that they are part of a big thing - sorry, a little giant thing. i spent countless hours in front of a 25# in my first years as an apprentice and what a great hammer. tried to buy it several times but no luck. ended up with 354. best of luck to you with your 'new' hammer and the rebuild! do you know its' history? please share. i will send some pictures of my journey for sure.

Good to know. Thank you. This hammer will go to the scrap yard over my dead body :)