Christopher Friis

Im going to be going to the metal supermarket and buying exactly what I want but the piece of steel I will be getting will be a bit wider on each side (1 inch or so on each side) and longer over the back so I can add a hardy and pritchel hole. The rail track itself works just fine. I just think It could be better. Its not a flat surface for starters. There is no step down either. Would be nice to have one. I went to a machine shop in my area and they want 100 bucks to flatten the surface. Figure I could get allot more for my money than that by making it bigger and adding functionality. Yeah a london pattern anvil is more or less what im trying to create.

Hi there. I am looking to complete upgrades to my rail track currently being used for an anvil. I have an 18" hunk of track I got from a rail yard (I work as a conductor) I made a horn on one end and want to weld a good piece of steel to the rest of it for a better striking surface and so I can add a hardy hole as well as a pritchel hole. I am thinking about 3" thick but havent decided on that yet. I say 3" because I intend on having the hardy and pritchel holes off the back of the track floating over nothing. Kind of like this ---______> Crude drawing I know but think of that as an anvil if you would please. lol Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations as for what steel to weld on? Type and thickness. PS Im always looking for a local anvil of decent quality and will continue looking, but this is a very cost efficient method for me at this time. Thanks.