nutinauniversalshell

I figured it wouldnt be too special, but its small enough for my bench top and maybe I can use it for some small parts work (my little vise has a small "anvil" but its so small it would probably be about useless). Plus the top is somewhat smooth on this little guy. I updated the main post some with more info and pics. Thanks

1) Name....Anthony 2) Location....Middle TN 3) What type blacksmithing do you do, what do you make.....I dont yet as I am acquiring the stuff to do it, but I hope to make tools at first to help me with everything else along the way. Right now I build AKs and cast lead though. 4) How and when did you get started in blacksmithing. 1994-98 (age 8-12) range before my grandpa died. He would spend the winter in Florida and Georgia messing with blacksmithing and hit and miss engines (Tea Grove Plantation was one destination). In the summers I would spend time with him while my dad worked and I got to try many things out in the garage. Still have a railroad tie he turned into a knife as I was trying to do so and he showed me how. 5) What object or thing did you use as your first anvil,.....A BIG anvil. not sure of brand. my dad still has it and Ill have to inspect it better next time I am there. 6) Tell us about your first forge, hole in the ground, camp fire, brake drum, stacked bricks,. Hand cranked forge with coal (also what Im going to build up as I have a blower so far). 7) Who assisted you or encouraged you in the craft...my grandpa on my dad's side 8) What event changed your attitude about blacksmithing...my uncle started messing with cast iron cookware and I wanted an anvil for beating on stuff. We have been going to antique shops and I am picking up stuff here and there to build up my shop, from there I decided to get back into this stuff. 9) What tool has changed or made your life easier in the shop. Off the blacksmithing topic, but got a good air compressor which will help greatly and a 12 ton hydraulic press which should both aid in my current projects. 10-12) dont quite apply yet. As for other stuff, I have a masters degree in mechanical engineering, have worked on cars, motorcycles, guns, and about anything mechanical for years, love building AKs and computers. Recently have been working on home renovations for myself/wife and my uncle, so I am learning alot about carpentry (and woodworking since I also build a pan rack for my uncle). Since finding a job isnt going well for the area I decided to stay in, I am doing any kind of project that might make some spare money and its great asz I love building and learning about new things. Hopefully, once I get thins going I can use it to learn more, make some more money, and have some more fun.

I am very new to pretty much all of this. Years ago I did some blacksmithing with my grandfather and I am trying to get enough stuff to learn more/start again. Anyway, I picked up a couple anvils recently and wanted to try to find out more about them. The first is larger and needs a little cleanup (barn find sold to me CHEAP). Has some good rebound but I just tapped it with a couple hammers to see as I dont know the proper rebound test procedure yet. High pitched ring from it too. The second I bought today. Its something like 10-25 pounds (no scale but ill try to compare better soon too). Its small and had a thick layer of pale blue paint on it which chipped off with a tap from a hammer. It rings when struck while holding it but when on the bench has no rebound and just makes a thud...if that helps and I found no markings (also couldnt find one quite similar in pictures as it has a somewhat unique bottom). Anyway, I figured I would have something to use and both seemed to be good deals ($60 for the big one and $24 for the small one). If anyone can ID or tell a real value, I would appreciate it. So here are some pictures: (shown on a 12" tile) The bigger one: