Rockram

"better" depends on your needs NOT OURS.  I generally stump on wood except for a travel set up as the steel anvil stand is much more portable.  So steel is definitely better than wood and wood is definitely better than steel depending on information you have not provided.

 

Finally using it is better than talking about it!

I am just getting started and for now it will be in my shop. I will be moving it in and out depending on weather. Started with the idea to make a couple knives but the more I have read on this and other forums. Not sure if I'll have the time to get to knives as I am finding other interesting things to do as well. 

Would thorny locust work? It is a real hard wood burns hot and for a long time. I have one in the back yard that's been a real thorn in my side. (pun intended) This would give me a reason to get the chainsaw out. Does it matter if the stump is green or dead?

6' Elm I don't think that will be too easy to move around. I guess I better place it right the first time. ;)

Is the thick plate bolted to the round on top or bottom?

I have some old oak bridge planks that are 3x12 I was thinking to plane down so the surfaces are even. Glue and drill hole through all of them and run all thread with counter sunk nuts in the ends to keep from snagging a knee on them.

I've been searching different anvil bases and trying to decide which is better. Steel or Wood? I've seen some real nice 3 leg and a few 4 leg steel. Some tree stumps and some laminated 2x12's. Is one any better than the other or is it more personal preference. I have the ability to fabricate out of wood or steel. Just wondering if one is superior to the other and for what reason. Thanks

Went to a yard sale last weekend spent $25 got about 12 lbs of different files, rasps, and chisels, a 2lb sledge, a 40oz. ball peen and a hammer with the head is appx. 1" thick about 6"long and one end looks like a mushroom and the other is round. Looks like something used to make bowl's? any ideas?

There are lots of coal mines in that area just follow some of the trucks when they're loaded they will take you to the mill area. Look for a local Cat Dealer they have tons of heavy scrap.

Very nice job on the Anvil stand.

With that much weight up high I think some feet with a hole in them to mount to floor would be a good idea. Just in case the youngsters get to playing tag in shop and accidently knock it over.

Thanks I'll see if the wife wants to rent a car and drive down. We drive truck together and are hauling wind turbine parts. Can't unload til the wind dies enough to crane the piece off. Darn thing about turbines they always seem to pick the windiest places on earth to put them. ;)

does anyone know of any events this weekend near Scranton, Pa? looks like I'm stuck here for a couple days waiting for the winds to die down. Thanks

Right now I burn the forge outside. Although I'm rethinking the idea a bit as it's starting to weight more than my anvil. So I'm going to have to put some wheels on it. At first I was thinking casters but now I'm thinking 4' steel wheels and build like a handcart.

I've been looking at pics of other forges at hammer-ins. Most seem to have a chimney. Is this something I should look at building? I'm heading to Long Grove Hammer-in Sat. maybe i'll learn something there. Thanks for your input.

Anyone from the Des Moines area heading over this weekend to the Hammer-in?

Thanks Glenn I also found the UMBA website and posted the link. Thanks again. 

I am very excited about starting my adventure in blacksmithing. However I was having trouble finding other smiths in Iowa. If your in the same boat with me I have found some useful info. I've been reading about Haverhill and a group that meets there monthly. The Haverhill website is just info about the historical site. However if you look up Upper Midwest blacksmith assoc.

There is a hammer-in this weekend in Long Grove, Ia. Sat and Sun starting 9am

If I'm not working I'm planning on going. I'm in the Des Moines area. If your interested in sharing the ride. PM me and we can make arrangements.

Feel free to read the Terms of Service you  agreed to follow, and you will know why we removed your link. Also why we relocated this to more appropirate place

Newbie from Sandyville. Does anyone have any info on the time or dates for the Haverhill meeting?

Thanks for the input. I was thinking about a rear opening however it's on 3 legs so it would have to be off center. I'll look at it more this weekend and see what I can do.

I will see if I can post pictures of my $20 forge

The forge is a Volvo semi brake drum$free. Cut down with Plasma cutter. The fire pot is a 99 f250 brake rotor $free. Legs left over from another project 2x2x1/4 wall $free. 2.5" tail pipe sourced from local muffler shop $free. Rain cap for dump $5 from Theisens. Check valve from Theisens $15. Time spent $Priceless. What are your thoughts? I'm just getting started

Great job!!! :D

I think that was a lousy score i'll just have to take it off your hands.  :D

Howdy neighbor ! I live down by Indianola and am just getting started as well. I built the forge and found an Anvil So now it's time to make sparks fly.

I just completed my forge and made a coal rake. I'm really stoked. Is there anyone else in Iowa? Any groups or anyone wanting to get together for a meet and greet?