Extrasmack

Unforgivun, if you have any clue what the piece of steel you used in your anvil was originally or what it came out of I would really like to find out. I've been looking for just such a piece for many years now. My grandfather used to have one like that for use as a utility anvil. Almost identical, including the side holes for punching/bending use. The only difference being the length of his was about 16 to18 inches instead of 14. It also had radiused edges and was not polished. If anyone recognizes what this part comes from and/or what it is I would truly appreciate it. I hammered my first steel flattening and playing with used framing nails, and such) on a bar if steel just like that as a child. Learning how to acquire one holds great sentimental meaning to me, I've been trying to find out for decades. Thanks

My first time posting and I misfire. Twice! Lol.

Meant to thank Avadon for sharing. This is beautiful work. I'm looking for tools in order to begin learning and I believe you have just pointed me to my starter anvil. Thank you again kind sir.

****UPDATE**** 11/04/2009

I got to use it for about 4 hours and well i'm really quite impressed with the design. It's ~377#'s so it doesn't move a bit. The way the design is that Brian made it makes it really one piece, and not an anvil on a stand. The fact that there are through bolts through the anvil holding it as well as bolts on the ends makes it one giant mass.

It does not have a ring, so if your looking for that I wouldn't suggest this style. But it also doesn't have a thwack that you might get off of just working on some railroad rail. It actually just has a really good deep low sound. I can tell you though that TIG welding the S-7 shock resistant rod onto the top of the steel really is a nice touch. Couple times I missed with a 5lb sledge today and no damage at all. Plus it's not the worlds most expensive finish so you can always take a sander/grinder to the top and your not messing up an expensive name brand anvil. Like wise you can always weld in the dings if if they get bad over time.

Really happy I built this anvil and I think my neighbors are probably impressed that it's fairly quiet. Glad I went with the special order 4" plate though. That really gives some mass underneath. of course there is also about 50lb of sand in the legs or so which helps soak up some ring and vibration.

I think you can't go wrong building one of these. Great starter anvil. I think mine was about 400-500$ though out the door. Of course you could drastically cheapen that perhaps even by half by going with 2" or 3" plate and not hard facing the top.

I'll have to get a video soon of it for youtubers. :D

I know this is an old thread, but its what gave me the idea to build this anvil so I figured I'd post a pic.. Its narrow, not super tall, but it'll do

2" Thick
6" Tall
14" Wide
Base is hard treated 4x6 timbers (it measures 10 1/2" wide x 6" thick
held on there with 2" angle welded and bolted.

The holes you see on top there go clean through to the bottom