BlacksmithSurvivalist

Hey guys!

So I ended buying the anvil for $450 but I feel great about it and can't wait to start forging! Unfortunately I got sick over the weekend and the anvil is still in my trunk :( 

From what I tested it is in wonderful shape, the sway back was very minimal as was the metal removed from the top plate. It has no welding work that I could tell and rings beautifully. For the rebound test I drop a 1/2" ball bearing from 10" and it bounced from 8-9" consistently! 

Pics will be posted when its out of the car and I'm back on my feet again!

Happy Forging!

Thanks for clarfying Thomas!

I'll be leaving tomorrow for a weekend trip and on the way back Sunday is when I'll be looking at the anvil.

Wish me luck everyone! Thanks again for all the advice!! I feel much more prepared now.

Okay thank you arftist!

I'm sorry for all the questions but really appreciate all of your help everyone!

Are nervous about the belt sanding because it may have had a lot of sway back or depressions in the face and the seller is trying to hide them by sanding? Which as was said in an earlier post that it has decreased the life of the anvil?

As for the sand, what do you consider a normal height compared to sand that flies high?

I really appreciate all the advice I've been getting!

arftist, if I do happen to find that it has been welded then should I avoid the anvil all together or offer a much lower price then asked?

I think I'm prepared to go see this anvil this weekend and if I do buy it I will post some pics for everyone to see :)

Thank you for the quick replies and advice everyone!

I'll definitely complete my profile asap Jim! :)

I will bring a straight edge with me however how do I check for soft spots? What should I look for exaclty? Also as for weld marks do you mean Arc/mig weld marks?

Hello everyone!

This is my first post on these forums and I'm looking to for some advice on buying a particular anvil I'll be looking at this weekend.

Its a 180lb Peter Wright selling for $450 ($2.5/lb)

The seller has told me its has a wrought iron body with a tool steel face forge welded on top.

He is also allowing me to do a couple test on it to make sure its okay.

I plan on tapping it lightly to see if it rings clear and true and also to do a ball bearing rebound test.

Does anyone have any other advice on what to ask or to test on the anvil?

I've attached 3 pictures from the sellers ad.

Thank you very much!