Francis

Hi Stewart,

I am looking at the Hay Budden 300 Pound Anvil on e-bay. I am new to the sport and looking to buy my first anvil. I built a little brake drum forge and I have been using a chunk of railroad iron thus far.

Anyway the anvil looks pretty beat up. From what you can see looking at the pics is this anvil worth $300-$400? I have family up that way and I could pick it up from the store so I wouldn't have to pay for shipping. I am thinking I should go for it, just because I haven't seen a 300# anvil in this price range.

Anyway if you get a chance to reply before the auction ends I'd like your 2 cents.

By the way, thanks for posting all these anvils. It has been great to have so many links in one place.

Francis

hufe hay budden on ebay, looks pretty decent...........My link

Hello All,

This is my first post, but I have spent a lot of time reading other posts. That's where I saw someone's brake drum forge and decided to make my own. I am new to blacksmithing and wanted a forge without spending a lot of money. This forge cost me next to nothing although I did buy a blower.

Here are some pictures of the forge I built. I think the brake drum is from a ford F-150. I got it from my mechanic for free. I put it in an old metal table that was lying in a load of scrap iron ready to be taken in. I built sides on the table and attached the pipe and blower.

I just fired it up for the first time tonight and it worked just fine. Now I need an anvil, anyone know where to find one in southern Wisconsin? I am using a piece of railroad iron right now. I plan to make some tongs, chisels, and hammers so that I have some more tools and some more practice.

Feel free to make comments and suggestions about the forge or advice for someone new to blacksmithing.

Francis