old_iron

13 minutes ago, arkie said:

1907...enjoy it!

Thank you sir!

Hi all. I just picked up a 125# Hay & Budden and was hoping to find the year it was made. Serial number is in the 146xxx range.

Rich,
Thanks for the recommendation. I will pick it up, and yes my first focus is going to be on making my basic tools using scrap.
Thanks

Neil,

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense to me. 

I guess I should hold onto both of them...

Thanks to all who replied, much appreciated.

If I keep the Brookes, do I need to dress the edges to prevent chipping?

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Which one has better rebound with a ball bearing test?

First, let me say that I am an absolute beginner. I decided a couple years back that I wanted to get into blacksmithing. I want to make basic tools, knives, hardware and fittings for our house, etc. I have been saving and researching in the meantime. I ended up buying 2 anvils, and I need advice on which to keep. I want to reclaim the money from one to buy the stuff to build my forge, etc.

First is a Peter Wright, 116 lbs. Face has a little bit of dish, with a large chip about 2 inches long.

Second is a Brooks (I think) that is almost like new, 100lbs.

I really like the PW because of the slightly larger size, horn and history. However I want to do real work on it and I don't know if I can with the face and edges the way they are. I don't want to repair it. The Brooks is in such good shape. So which one should I keep?