Klorinth

Very nice.

I have agree with the others, well done! And your pictures are good enough to use as a template for building. Inspirational.

So I just found a few pictures of a 200# Vulcan that has a similar indentation on the back base. The legs are very different though.

It looks original to the design. Same rounding of the edges as every other edge. It looks deliberate. Not an early modification. When did pritchel holes begin to appeal?

I think I see what you mean about the taper down the legs, and I was already thinking about it being under the horn. What about the depression in the rear base? When I do an image search for Mousehole I can't find any with that. The guy I got it from was pretty sure it dated to the late 1800's. It was originally owned by the father of the 70 year old guy he got it from, and was used when they got it.

They look great to this newbie. If I had the money and space I would go for the big one and the one in the middle with the large step from the top to the horn. That big one is fantastic.

Here are the two large sides. The gauges are not bubbles from casting. They were made by something pointed hitting the sides repeatedly. and and the damage to the top and horn is very apparent in these.

I already cleaned off the top and horn, removing the beads of metal from being used as a welding table. No way to remove the cut marks though. Looking at at it I assume the ridge along the bottom of the horn and the half moon depression on the back base are significant for ID. What about the shape of the feet? What are different types of feet to look for? This one has very small almost fine or delicate feet. I should post a pic of the sides. It would explain why they is no visible writing or makers mark. It's almost shocking how much damage there is on every face.

Here is my ugly new friend. 240# of old metal.

How do you identify an anvil that has no markings? What do you look for to help you identify an anvil? I picked up an anvil on the weekend that has no markings on it. If it ever did they are long since worn off. This got me to thinking about some of the comments in different identification threads. I've seen some talk about the shape of the feet, size or shape of the horn, location of the hardie hole, etc. What else can be used to identify mystery anvils? What is unique about different common types? The anvil I just got is probably just a temporary one. It is very old and beaten all to hell and back. Still very functional so I'm sure it will do well for me while I learn and develop some skills. I just don't plan to keep it for very long. I am sure I will find another couple and I want to know how to identify different types. The guy I bought it from is a collector and he wasn't sure what type it was. I'll post some pictures to help with explanations.

Gorgeous! To me that is the stock work of a Master. I would be proud to own one of those. Definitely something to strive towards.

Thank you Neil. Very helpful. I really need to ask about that at the local store. Only a few miles away.

3/8" plate I might be able to do that. Just mild steel? Nothing special?

Question: Should I try to fix the air grate? Half of it is missing. I have a piece of metal mesh that I can put in the hole but I'm sure it won't last.

Natenaaron you are completely correct to a large extent. Farm land surrounded by farm land. But things change over the years. I like to be prepared. I have a 30' to 100' buffer around my working land. In the buffer I am growing trees and shrubs to create a wall that will block sound and sight. It takes many years to grow. Hopefully it will be in place before a "trouble" neighbour arrives. Charles, long term I would love to do a bermed forge, green roof, South facing with full wall doors that can be opened in good weather. That would be glorious. Something to dream about for sure.

To be honest the simplest thing I could do with the materials I already have would be a shed within a metal shelter surrounded by flax straw bales. Walls would be insulated and absorb sound, and a fabric roof would send the sound straight up. There are many different types of materials I could use if I had an extra $50K, but that just isn't going to happen. thank you all for the ideas.

Beautiful.

If you were reacting within 15 minutes there is something in that building. If the windows and door were open you should not have a problem with what the forge is producing. As a medical professional, I have to recommend that you get seen by your doctor. An allergic reaction can happen in this way. Although it shouldn't have caused lung discomfort that lasts much beyond the initial reaction. Get seen.

I bought a pair of Shade #3 safety goggles and used them yesterday to do some grinding in the garage. Lights off, big door opened, cloudy day. I was surprised at how easy it was to see. After a couple minutes I had no problems working, changing disc's, etc. If these will offer complete protection I might be able to just wear them all the time.

Sorry, what is a trammel hook?

Very interesting thank you.

Charles, can you explain the MKI a little? It looks like a bowl inside a trough. Is the air intake at the top of the photos?

That is why I am trying to do some reading on tempering. The better I understand what is happening and why, the better I will be able to tailor the techniques to my situation. i won't be going down the heat treating road until I have a good understanding of the whole process. For now I will be content with the cutting shaping and welding that will have to happen. I'll use it untreated until I am ready for that part. Most likely I will find another anvil to buy before this is completed. I am enjoying the mental challenge though.

The more I read the more I think the hose is the best way to go. I could just set up beside the pond and run the hose continuously. Easy. How fast do you actually want to quench something like this? I watched a video of guys using a 10 gallon Super Quench on their 4140. It certainly worked. I'm not sure if it was any better than just using a hose and water. A lot less steam anyway. Just occurred to me that if I'm doing a fairly small size, <20lbs, I could just carry it into the pond... LOL... Wouldn't that be a sight? Chest deep in the water and steam bubbling up in front of me! Ha!

Ironman, definitely looks like a pair. I'm very happy with mine. I just need to figure out how to mount it now. Nice mount.