Earthworm Jim

I agree, that anvil looks pretty nice, and is probably only an hour drive or so away. Although I'm not opposed to purchasing a used anvil, I'm (fortunately) able to afford a new one. It may be a bit ambitious, but if I can purchase one brand new anvil to meet my needs indefinitely (and potential future needs, like much heavier projects), and avoid purchasing/trading for a second anvil sometime later in life, I'm satisfied with the accompanied price tag.

I called Home Depot about the Peddinghaus anvils, and apparently their "global" warehouse is their online site. In other words: if a product is not listed on their site, Home Depot does not offer that product. In fact, they do all of their ordering for their stock through the same online interface that a customer would. They may special order an anvil if I called their "Pro" department and asked, but I have a feeling that a special order from Home Depot (if even possible) will be more expensive than someplace else who naturally provides the product. That is just speculation, though. I found some Peddinghaus anvils at https://www.plumbersstock.com/searchResults/?query=ridgid+anvil, and they have a pretty good discount. They ship by freight, which is about $200 for the 165# Model 9, and $260 for the 275# Model 12. I also have a few tool vendors close by that can possibly order an anvil at a much better price, so I'll give them a call before I place an order myself. Aside from price and availability, I do like the placement of the hardy hole on the Peddinghaus, as well as the upsetting block (although I think the only model with the upsetting block is the Model 12). The Rhino doesn't have either of those, and the Fontanini is definitely more expensive. I'm thinking a Peddinghaus anvil is the way to go, at least for me.

I have indeed looked at the Fontanini's. From what I can tell from other posts about new anvil purchases, they are quite popular. Curiously, what are some thoughts on this one? Seems rather reasonably priced. http://www.incandescent-iron.com/24parhan.html

This feedback is wonderful! Thank you all for your contributions. I may give a counter-offer that is around $600-$800, but I doubt the seller will go that far. Plus, I'll still have to pay for the shipping and everything, being several states away and all. I'd rather not take the risk and purchase a new damaged anvil. Again, thank you all for your feedback.

The discount is about 30% off, and still expensive post-discount, so I'm not sure I'm up for the financial risk. I mean, I'm still young enough to be financially irresponsible and recover, but that's no excuse :P. I'm not terribly fond of the possibility the shelf may break off, so I think I'm going to pass. I may as well purchase a cheaper anvil without the shelf. If anyone is curious, its a 275lb Refflinghaus, #58. The price, post-discount, is $1680.

I have the opportunity to purchase a new anvil with some small cracks in it, and, as a result, a pretty good discount. I'm curious to know what you think about the condition. Will these cracks need to be repaired? Could they worsen with use? The placement of the cracks seems a bit inconvenient, since they are on the corners of the side shelf. Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated. Here are some pictures of the anvil face: