Tbates

I tried removing the flathead screws after a penetrating oil bath but to no avail. I don't want to strip them. I may just try to add some bar oil and see how that goes.

Also, it looks like the anvil is an ARM & HAMMER serial number 25640 as best I can read it.

Turns out what I thought said PATENTED actually says HAMMER. So it appears that I have an ARM & HAMMER anvil. Not sure of the weight. I have no scales to weigh it. I would guess around 100#. 

Thanks for the kind words fellas. I am very much looking forward to getting started.

I will definitely take it easy on the anvil. I hope to buy a replacement in the near future and keep this as a sentimental piece.

The blower does need a little grease. She turns fine and makes plenty of wind, hut she doesn't t windmill as you put it. Any recommendations on lubing the old gal up?

On a side note, I also have a post over in anvils if anyone can help ID this beauty. 

Hi all! My name is Tyler and I live in Woodland, AL. I have been a member here (albeit a VERY inactive one) since 2013 when I first discovered my great grandfather's blacksmithing equipment in our basement. 10 years later I own my own property and I am finally going to begin on my blacksmithing journey. I look forward to meeting and learning from everyone here. Included are some photos of my current equipment. The blower I bought locally. The anvil, post vise, and firebox all belonged to my great grandfather. According to my dad, he was a farrier in our little community in the early to mid 1900s, mostly shoeing mules for a nickle a head. I look forward to breathing life and purpose back into these beautiful pieces of history and maybe, in some small way, reconnecting with an ancestor. Cheers!

That's good to hear. Lol. I haven't got a good hammer yet. Will a regular on carpenter's hammer work to test the ring?

I'm gonna keep cleaning on it and see what pops up. I'm also gonna make a "new guy" post showing all of the equipment.

There doesnt seem to be a number on the left side. At least, not anymore.

Yes, I plan to use it. I joined the forum 10 years ago and I am just now getting around to putting metal in the fire. Haha

After a little more research, it looks to be a Trenton. Only numbers i can make out on the front leg are 2564. Should be 2 more numbers, right? I can also make out the word PATENTED on the side above one of the welded patches and a W, i'm assuming for WROUGHT, peeking out from under the patch.

Hello all. I have this old anvil that belonged to my great grandfather. It has definitely been repaired a few times and I can't seem to find any markings of any kind. Any guesses as to what it is? 

I would definitely take the opportunity if I ever have the time.

The gas grill idea WAS what I originally posted about. I changed my mind to something more permanent.

Thanks Charles. You've given me a lot of good information.
Yahoo2, those are almost exactly what I'm looking to build/find. We have an steel sanisafe table here at work that's missing the legs. Sound like a promising start to you guys?

I'll have to check that one out as well. Its not too far of a drive and I love the Chattanooga area.

Now I'm se one guessing the grill idea. A good, solid table or desk would be nice. After all, I want it to look good as well as being functional.

Thanks guys. I'll definitely check it out.

Good to know. The equipment I have is pretty old and I would hate to ruin it. Sounds like I need to start shopping around for some forge pieces.

Wondering if there is anyone from the Carrollton GA area who could help a beginner with some hands on learning. I'd be much obliged.

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the grill idea. Is there a certain thickness of steel I should use? Should I weld the fire pot in place or just ensure a tight fit?

So I'm just starting out. I have a fire pot, just not sure how to set it up. I'd like to have a semi portable table rig. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I can get things set up and start learning soon.

Thanks for the info. I was afraid the tongs weren't right after seeing pictures online. Do any of you know what type of anvil or blower these are? Or how I could find out? The blower is mounted to an old Westinghouse motor from the 20's or 30's.

Here are some pictures of the blower, fire pot, anvil, vise, and one pair of tongs I have.

Thanks guys. I'll try to post some pictures today. As far as tongs and hammers go that's where I fall short. I have one pair of tongs that I bought. Not sure the type. I'll post pictures of them as well. I've order a book entitled "a blacksmithing primer. It should arrive this week. I'll definitely be reading an absorbing all I can from this site. Thanks for the great tips already. I'm looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say when I get the pictures put up.

I recently discovered that my great grandfather was a blacksmith. This led me to discover his old tools in our basement. An anvil (rusty), and old blower (busted), a fire pot (also rusty), and an Indian chief pole vise. I'm interested in putting theses bits of family history to use, I'm just not sure how to go about cleaning off the rust without damaging them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, any ideas on an inexpensive way to build a compact forge using the fire pot I have? I'm thinking steel table maybe? Again thanks. Looking forward to learning this amazing trade.