So my dilemma is that in Hawaii you will hardly ever come across an anvil. Getting one shipped here is ridiculously expensive. I want something I can work with and if that means it losing is "antique value" then I'm ok with that because I do not plan on selling it or displaying it. I just really want to get it in working order. You said grinding it would kill it as a tool, why is that? I guess its the easy way to get things flat but don't understand how grinding the base to get it flat would kill it. Again I'm new to this so not so informed. Is it better to clean, weld to build up and then grind the base?(the base looks high in the center, the feet look to be aligned with each other) I am guessing the process would be the same for the face and step as well, weld fill the divots and grind.(face looks to be pretty straight with just a few small high spots. Really appreciate the feed back.