CodyB

I have seen someone use an engine block for the basis of a power hammer. But other then that I am not sure how useful a block would be. The rods, camshafts and maybe the crank would be good steel.

Thanks for the info guys. The stand is included they may throw in the tong stand that was next to it(2 hoops with 3 legs). Going by there tomorrow to see if they contacted the seller.

Also found a 70lb anvil for $150 little bit of a drive but it might be worth it looks maybe steel cast says USA on side.

I made an offer on both of them and they are going to get back with me.I guess this place is set up in "booths" with individuals selling their stuff so they have to contact the owner. I was worried about it because the seem on the face is visible the around the entire face.

Found 2 anvils at my local antique store. Arm and hammer ($450 too much) not sure of weight and not sure of the brand of the other one but its 50lbs. ($100) I didn't buy either buy might if I can find out more about the small one.

OK here is the forge I built. The frame and wheels was a fancy mobile trash can that the door broke off so it was tossed into the trash. Perfect for my use! I torn all the wood on it off and had myself a mobile forge platform! The next find was the fire pot. I actually found 2 of these things not really sure what they were for (they say water grade something or ether on them) might be water main caps or something, but they were on the side of the road where they must have fell off a truck or been left behind. Cast iron with a 2" threaded hole in the center....PERFECT! They also had some 2" piping in them that I was able to cut up and re-thread to use. Next was the 120v blower I found in the trash. Bearings were froze up on it. I took it completely apart and cleaned up the shaft and bearings with emery cloth till it looked like new. Drilled 2 very small holes in the casing where the bearings are held so I can oil it whenever I want. I found a variable speed controller that manages up to 3amps ( motor is 1.54amps) Welded up a frame for fire pot to sit in to make it removable, sliding ash dump from some scrap, made a mount for fan, fabricated a clinker buster (red turn valve) threw on some hi-temp paint and taadaa! Took me a few months of keeping my eye out for suitable parts but this was all free. Just wanted to put this out there so people can see forges can be made super cheap. As soon as my "anvil" is all welded up I will be ready to go. Cody

There are a few nice metal recycling places in our area. Closest to you is off Fletcher Mt. Home exit called Hendersonville Metal recycling. Past them is a whole in the wall recycling shop across from the graveyard (my favorite place to go) then there's Biltmore metal recycling (second favorite) These places will let you roam around them. If your looking for stock you can get it from Jackson steel, Dave's steel. Also www.blacksmithsdepot.com is close to us as well just about 30-40 mins from you.

Hey all. I wanted to wait to introduce myself till I get into the "swing" of things and finish putting everything together, but what the heck. I live here in Asheville, NC and will be starting smithing as soon as I finish putting my anvil together or buying one. I have been searching for months for a good deal on an anvil here but people either think they are gold plated or they look like a cowboy was riding it hard and put it up wet. Here is a picture of the forge I have built with a grand total of $0.00 invested in it so far and picture of the anvil I hope will work till I can find an anvil. Not sure what the steel is (sparks bright orange so prob just mild steel) but its 54 lbs. and measures 9"L x 4"W x 6.5"H. It's plate steel 1 1/4"x 4". This is the best arrangement of the metal I could find to keep the mass inline. If its to soft I will weld a tool steel on top for now. Any suggestions, questions, comments, friends welcome! Cody