Donnie

Just thought it might help hold it together.

Finished the anvil stand with the rest of my fingers intact!!

Very true, Mr. Powers.

At least I didn't have to reverse the drill. I yanked the bit back through my thumb instantly, reflex I reckon. If I had screwed my finger to anything higher than I could reach, I would no longer have that finger! I doubt it would hold 275lbs...............I sure do know that thumb is there this morning.

Don't think mobility will be a problem, after it heals up.  It went through at the base of the thumb nail and out the other side. I was surprised when the x-ray showed the bone shattered in a BUNCH of tiny pieces. Sometimes I'm just not as smart as I would like to be.

I decided to make an anvil stump like some I've seen. Connect a stack of 2x12's, with threaded rod. Band of iron around it top and bottom. Simple enough. Not quite. I was drilling 1/8" holes through flat bar with a dull bit. Putting a little weight on the drill and bit began to wobble. I told myself to move my left thumb before the bit broke. Didn't listen. Bit snapped, and the broke part still in the drill went through my thumb. Went to ER, thumb bone shattered. One big horse pill, one tetanus shot and three bags of antibiotics on an IV drip, two prescriptions, and an appointment with an orthopedic doc, finally home. Pay attention to what you're doing folks!

I like that one. Well done.

Well done. I made a bunch of those a few years ago. I only intended to make a few. My wife loved them, so did her friends. Sooooo, I had to make quite a few. Mine were not nearly as nice as yours. The wife, will never see yours!

If it is red, it is not hot enough in my opinion. Always let the fire, do as much of the work as possible.

Soak overnight in a bowl of vinegar.

Very clever design and use of material at hand. I think the suggestion of hidden, countersunk rivets would be the way to go. Nice work, no matter what joinery is used. Well done, sir.

Axe for a dwarf? Knife for a giant? Hog quartering tool? Doesn't matter what you call it, it should get the job done.

Nice anvil. I too, use a block anvil. I love simplicity. Could be due to my simple mind.

Fine looking piece of work. Well done.

Fine looking piece of work. Well done.

I meant the end not in the picture. The holding end, so to speak.

Those look good. I would prefer to stay on the other end of the poles!

Well done.

As far as anvils go, I  used a london pattern for years. I have used a sledge hammer head. I have used a section of 1 1/4" pry bar set in a bucket of concrete. For some time now I have used a "cube of steel", as Mr. Powers has mentioned above. I have seen no difference in any of them as to the work I can produce. The only advantage an "anvil" has, is the horn and hardy hole, of which I rarely used anyways. Both of those features could easily be reproduced if needed. Just my opinion of course.

Frosty, Thanks for the kind words. No lefty here. It just so happens that I was holding the cup you mentioned,in my right hand, when I placed the hammer and tongs.

Thomas, ain't it funny how our thoughts change as we age. I used feel ten feet tall, as most men do when younger. Nowadays, if it don't hurt, it don't work. Enjoy it while you got it!

I thought I would post a couple pics of my simple setup, for anyone who says they would like to get started, but, can't find an anvil.  I can no longer work with very big iron. I usually stick to 3/8" stock or less. I can no longer move my 100 lb. anvil around without regretting it. Soooo, this is what I use now. I have had no problems without a horn or hardy hole. I was taught to work off the edge of the anvil anyways. All I ever use is hammer, tongs, punches and chisels. My point being, use what you have. I would love to have all the big boy toys that could be had. Again, use what you have and get to forging. The chair, is an important piece of equipment too! Arthritis is a cruel mistress.

Good job on the forge. What part of Georgia do you call home?

Don't over think things.  Everyone has given good advice. Mr. Stevens, said it best.

Simply beautiful. I don't know any other way to say it.

One more thing. The gentleman who runs Old World Anvils, is an honest a man, as I have ever dealt with.