federalist

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have been actively searching heavy equipment listings on CL and looking for metal salvage yards in LA.  No luck yet, but I don't mind the scavenger hunt.  For my first anvil, I am thinking of buying a block of tool steel and mounting it in a heavy vise.  

Hello, I am just starting out and looking for a small anvil or rail section.  I have tried forging nails on my vise's "anvil", but its surface and my nails were badly marred.  I need advice on where to look besides Craigslist and Ebay.  I am located in Los Angeles.  Any pointers on what to look for in an anvil - such as material, weight, or signs of wear -  would also be much appreciated!