Zeroclick

It's 3/4" didn't think it would be to bad for practice.

I could have had a 6 foot piece of rail but I thought that might be a bit much, and it is only 10 mins from my house so I can always get some more.

I think I will go back next week and get a coupler and some of the rail ties to straighten out which will give me some nice lengths of round stock to work with.

That looks really good I did get some really good ideas from the materials I saw so hopefully this piece will get some big upgrades and last me a fair while.

I mentioned that I was getting into blacksmithing, gave him my number if he comes across any traditional anvils he said he would call.

But to feel free to come down for whatever I need.

So today has been a good day, yesterday I spoke to a local scrap yard and they said they didn't think they had anything that would work but I was free to come down and have a look around.

The first thing I see is a huge pile of Railroad track, couplers etc. So couldn't be any better. I have come away with a 10" length of rail and a 3 foot piece of square stock to practice with.

But I am really happy as I now have a good local supply

Ok that does make sense.

I have been on the steel hunt this afternoon and might have a lead at a local scrap yard so I will be going down there tomorrow. Hopefully hammering some steel by the weekend.

Thanks I like the idea of making some bending forks, I have a vice that will suit it perfectly.

I will look into getting a sledge hammer or a big chunk of something hardenable.

If I did use a big chunk of mild steel wouldn't that deform quickly with use.

Well to begin with I am looking to learn basic techniques, so tongs, chisels,candlesticks, door hinges etc.

Just smaller pieces that expose me to a few different techniques, once I get to grips with them I hope to get a bigger anvil to work on.

I am hoping to put a hardie hole into my first one so I can build some tools for curves, so a horn isn't essential at this point.

It would be great to know when you have the next one it would be really good.

I did see that thread it looks like a good project. Hopefully I can get mine sorted and start working some steel.

The block itself wouldn't be up to that but I was hoping the concrete would provide the mass needed.

But I will try to look into an 4340 piece, just seem to be struggling to find a supplier that does the quantity I want. 

That does sound like ano impressive  collection, would be cool to see.

Hi All,

So if I took a 40mm x 64 mm x 114mm piece of D2 steel hardened it and mounted it to a hardwood post concreted into the ground.

Would this provide enough mass and be sturdy enough?

Thanks,

Zeroclick

I think I will try the dirt and see how it does. The bowl I have is 4" deep and 21" across, my plan is to build up the inside to leave a lip of about anot inch for reserve coal and then have a 4" wide fire pot in the centre.

I will put up some pics tomorrow to show what it looks like.

Hi Frosty,

Sorry the stuff I was looking at is at this link http://www.diy.com/departments/everbuild-ready-mixed-fire-cement-1-kg/227136_BQ.prd

I am building a bottom draught coal forge. The reason I ask is that I wanted to shape the fire pot of the forge as the bowl I currently have is 4 inches deep all the way round. It was an old table fire pit that was being thrown out. I will put some pictures up when I get home.

I did see that clay was recommended but what type would be best to get the longest life out of the forge.

Thanks

Hi All,

I was looking through some posts and noticed a few people have said about not using cement for shaping the inside. As there had been known cases of poor performance and sometimes injury.  But what if you use fire cement which is meant to be used at high temperatures.

Or recommended alternatives.

Thanks,

Luke 

That sound's cool I did consider a side draught but the materials I had available were ideal for a bottom. I have been talking to a lot of our clients who are in manufacturing and know a lot of local people. That's how I got access to the I beams, I'm hoping once I actually get to start making stuff people will offer more once they see I am using it for a purpose.

That does sound like a good haul.

I've got a home made bottom blast forge, I am using charcoal.

It is basic but does a good job.

Hi Smoggy,

Great screen name I'm originally a smoggy myself, moved down here a few years ago.

I have been keeping my eye out for the local sales and hopefully something good will come up.

I think the steam rally will be a really good spot but have to wait till next August now.

Sounds like you got a good deal at Stratford.

I love going to scrap yards, it is where I always get my materials. It's just near me they are not very big so have to do a couple of hours drive to get to the bigger ones which I never mind but can never bring back as much as I want.

Zeroclick

Yeh I have more than enough it is a large dumpster full of it all.

It is from a client that is an architectural structure fabricator and they have said I can take whatever I want.

A post anvil did look like a really good option. 

Hi Frosty,

Thank you for the welcome I have updated my profile now.

I will have to keep an eye out for a heavy plate I maybe need to visit the scrap yard which is never a bad thing.

The only reason I was a bit fixed on the I beam was the free and plentiful supply I have, and as you say once you turn it on it's end it has the rigidity needed.

Thanks,

Zeroclick

Hi All,

This is my first post, I know there has been some very heavy discussions on this topic but I was hoping for some advice.

So although I know that the consensus is that I beam does not make a good anvil. Could it with some modification?

If I were to add structural support under the i frame, I did a few tests and this significantly reduced the ringing and added a fair amount of weight. The reason is I am very excited to get blacksmithing I am currently extremely limited on funds and have access to a source of free I beams.

My idea is to weld smaller I beams vertically within the frame to added structual support and to use a sound dampening filling in the gaps (sawdust and oil or expanding foam).

Any feedback would be a great help.