robert hanford

Try books as well. The Backyard Blacksmith is a good one for beginners. Also Randy McDaniel's book is excellent and gave me my start! Good luck!

Good work!

It seems to me that there are many different ideas at issue here. One is simply etiquette. I am sure many people just lack basic good internet manners-on the other hand it takes a while to understand how a forum such as this works. This links with another idea-the concept that a forum such as this has mentors. These mentors are people who choose to make their experience available to whoever asks for it. They have both technical expertise and experience. But of course they feel dissed when a newbie (perhaps) does not understand that "please" and "thank you" are still essential even in this day of intertainment. I want to say thank you to the people that have not necessarily given me advice-but who have posted. I have read the posts often. Also to the runners of this forum who it is now apparent to me devote an awful lot of time to keep the whole thing going. Sincerely, Robert

Very nice!

I myself am a classical musician, and blacksmith only as an amateur. I also teach at a well respected academic institution, and I have to say that students who need to be spoonfed never progress like students who are on fire to learn. If you love what you're doing you can learn from anybody , even people in other areas of expertise, and also from other bodies of knowledge. I feel lucky to be a member of this forum, and I am sure when a member offers his knowledge he/she gives it freely, and mostly to people who genuinely appreciate it. That's just my two cents. Cheers!

My Peter Wright rings very little, but I get a lot of work done on it!

Yes, the smoke and smell are less. An oxy -acetylene torch would indeed make starting the fire much easier. Thanks for your replies.

I got a deal on this stuff and now that I am on my last two bags, I thought I would ask if anybody had tips on using or lighting this. I find it much more trouble than good old bituminous coal/coke. Even the clinker is harder to deal with. Lighting it, I have had to use briquettes or wood. Any benefits to using this that I am missing? Robert

I'm no expert. I like my smithy special 4 with it's shelf and upsetting block. It is the two horn version, which is also nice. But I think you will get a lot of help and plenty advice from more qualified people. Best of luck!!! Robert

Thank you Mr. Brazeal for the excellent advice. Robert

However, perhaps it is not a concern?

It was recommended on sites concerning putting a radius on he anvil. It made sense--,sharp edges can chip. Robert

Well, it's a brand new anvil - the edges are sharp so I'm trying to radius them with a file. (so as to prevent chipping.) I thought maybe a dremel tool or some such thing would help. Filing was excruciating, maybe a good brand new file would help.

I have a brand new anvil-- any suggestions as to dressing the hardie hole? I've been filing away but am making little progress. any suggestions appreciated! Robert

Moved my 400b. anvil this way: 2 pipes lashed together with chains could be ropes. Four guys- no problem. Use knees. ........

Thank you all! I did the two poles method! I used chain to lash the poles together, with three other people it was not hard to lift the anvil. I secured it to the lumber stand with the chain, sitting on a bed of caulk, which really muffles the ring. Thanks again! Robert

I am a professional classical musician. I totally understand your sentiments. But I do admire those who are able to market themselves well, and I also feel that we all deserve anything we can get. I might have another musician's talent or work ethic, but not be able to be a soloist because of family situation, funding, etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Many complex factors. I do not begrudge the soloists. They also pay a price for what they have to do. Maybe irrelevant but, Best wishes, Robert Bravo for what you do, and providing work in these times

Thank you, that's extremely helpful!

My Smithy Special 4 has arrived, and I am slowly getting my act together enough to put it in my backyard mini-smithy. I have always had the horn to my left, but this anvil has an upsetting block and side shelf, which would put the conical horn on my right if they were to be oriented so as to be in the front, near me. Should they be in front where i can easily get at the handy upsetting block? I saw a suggestion somewhere on the web that the side-shelf should be facing away from the smith however. Any thoughts appreciated. Robert P. S. What are the uses of the side shelf?

Well, it came, and the driver was extremely helpful and experienced in moving heavy things It turned out the truck did have a liftgate and the dolly worked well thereafter. Since then I laminated two by twelve pieces to make an anvil stand, and when I get some time I will move my huge concrete anvil stand out and the new things in. Thanks all for your help. It's nice to know I can get answers to my sometimes dumb questions, and the answers come so quickly! Robert

Actually due today!

My new 400 lb. anvil is due in tomorrow. A bit of a surprise, and as there is illness in my family, I have not had time to think about it. My question-- how do I get this sucker off the truck and into my backyard? How do you move something of this size? Any replies appreciated. ...... Robert

Thank you all! I went with the big one, couldn't resist. Now to figure out how to maneuver it when it arrives! Robert

Good points! Thank you!

Hello, I am wondering if there are any downsides to using a 400 lb. anvil as opposed to a 300lb. I am about to invest in a really nice anvil and am a little intimidated by 400 lbs having never experienced anything like it. Any replies appreciated!