the freewheeler

3 hours ago, matto said:

Free wheeler have you retried the ball Bering test? Some times if there is paint on the face that can hamper the rebound.

whatever improvement there may be is negligible.

35 minutes ago, BIGGUNDOCTOR said:

Not taboo to paint, and some well known anvils like Sodefors were painted from the factory. It is your anvil, do what you want with it. Personally I have thought about a custom paint job on at least one of my anvils. May go the rockabilly / rat rod style and do a flat black with red and white pinstripes.

That'd be awesome...please share if you do.

The Scottish family crest and plaid pattern is definitely another option...I already have a matching blanket, scarf, tie and cufflinks...

10 minutes ago, Hammerfall said:

What did you use to blacken your anvil?

Product made by Sculpt Nouveau called "Black Magic." Finished it with their clear metal oil, but they also have that in black. Check out their YouTube videos. 

On 4/1/2016 at 1:39 PM, the freewheeler said:

Mine is "cute" compared to most everyone else's!

Photo Update!

The anvil was painted black when I purchased it, though I'm not sure if that was original or not. I wanted to strip it of paint and blacken the metal itself instead. I was hoping that underneath the paint I would find some kind of branding, but unfortunately I still did not see anything.

Anyway - Here are some before and after photos of the anvil stripped and blackened. Really pleased with the result.

before:

after:

Photo Update!

The anvil was painted black when I purchased it, though I'm not sure if that was original or not. I wanted to strip it of paint and blacken the metal itself instead. I was hoping that underneath the paint I would find some kind of branding, but unfortunately I still did not see anything.

Anyway - Here are some before and after photos of the anvil stripped and blackened. Really pleased with the result.

before:

after:

7 hours ago, Nobody Special said:

Drop in at the Bealer meetings around ATL, or the Redtop Mountain Forge in Cartersville. There's anvils around. Good luck with the one you found.

Awesome, I'll definitely check it out. I was planning on also going to Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham for a beginners course.

8 hours ago, njanvilman said:

The top hammer is for masonry.  Cutting blocks/bricks, and tapping into place.  It really is not intended for striking metal.  The ball peen and chisel should work fine.  Do lots of reading and questioning about smithing.  Find a local demo and watch and ask questions.  You can never ever have too much knowledge.

 

Thanks for the reply. The hammers and chisel were free, so the news that one of the hammers is for masonry isn't too bad of news - thanks, however, for letting me know. Definitely excited to learn.

Mine is "cute" compared to most everyone else's!

Brought it home! Grabbed a few other pieces as well. The ball bearing test was only around 60% rebound, but it has a nice ring to it.

13 hours ago, TwistedCustoms said:

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Thank you all so much...some great info and perspective. I'll plan to swing back by and pick it up, hopefully along with some other tools.

1 minute ago, ThomasPowers said:

80% and up: US$2 a pound   40% bounce 20 cents a pound

ok, so $0.25 / pound isn't a pipe dream?

1 minute ago, notownkid said:

unfortunately buying an anvil isn't like buying a used truck, some are going for more than $3 some 4-5.  What part of the  country are you in presuming you are in the USA.  Put a general location in where you are and it might help on values.  What does he want for it?, how much do you want to spend? are first 2 parts of the equation.   Ball Bearing test is 3rd.  0.25 cents a lb. is a pipe dream, not realistic as they sold new for that in 1910.  Sky is the limit on asking prices.    

Sorry, I referred to $0.25 because I read it elsewhere. I guess it was either plainly incorrect or referring to the lowest of low quality, scrap metal value.

Anyway, I am located in Atlanta, GA. He is asking $95, and I am willing to pay that much if it should command that value. I'm not really willing to spend much more - my livelihood does not depend on it and I'm not a blacksmithing hobbyist, per se. I'd use it as a shop tool for miscellaneous jobs where a strong work surface is necessary.

Also, I think the size of this particular anvil is enough for anything I'll ever need. The top rectangular face is approximately 12" x 3". Also, as mentioned before, it weighs 50-60 pounds, assuming that size and weight are also a factor.

Hopefully that is enough info to get an idea of values for varying Ball Bearing Test results. Say...what would be value at 80%, 60% and 40% bounce?

Pesos are fine with me...currency converters are a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to do the ball bearing test. This would be my first "true" blacksmithing tool, so I wasn't familiar with that test until just now. I can't count how many times I have needed or could have used an anvil in the past on miscellaneous projects, so as soon as I saw this one I knew I wanted it...as long as the price was right.

Are you not able to give a ballpark number without that info? Maybe you could give me a range value based on different test results? That way I could stop back by this gentleman's shop, do the test, and feel comfortable with a value to make an offer on the spot.

Very much appreciate any help.

I recently came across an anvil at a local antique store that I frequent. I understand that prices can range from $0.25 - $3 or more per pound, so want to know if this is a decent deal. I cannot find any markings on this particular piece, but they may be hidden underneath layers of repaint. It feels roughly 50 lbs, maybe a little more. Below are a few photos, but what's a good price on this item? Thanks!