C-1ToolSteel

Thanks guys! It sure is A LOT more fulfilling to do something simple right, than to do something complicated wrong.

Looking good! ...although I do think 115 rpm is a little on the fast side for blower cranking. I do like the sign idea though for newbies.

Last night, I spontaneously got the idea that it would be fun to try some very simple wood-burning on my latest knife, so I did. It was kinda fun, although immensely more difficult than on a flat piece. What do y'all think? I'm already thinking about making branches that branch out from filework for the next one...

Great score! I bet you could get $100 on eBay for the tuere.

John, that is an amazing deal! The people who repaired it knew what they were doing, so it should serve you well.

Good catch.

Just how not so great was the rebound? Looks like a top quality American made anvil, but it could have gone through a shop fire. If there is a casting line under the heel, it is probably a knock off ASO. Too bad. $1 per lb is pretty cheap for a good one.

Top quality used anvils are Hay Budden, Trenton, Arm and Hammer (not Vulcan), Peter Wright, Mouse Hole, and any Swedish brand. There are many others, but these are the most common.

Next thing you know, it will be IN the fireplace!

Decor anvil: A London pattern anvil purchased for the satisfaction of the owner conversing with every smith that passes by and explaining that he plans to let it sit and rust by his/her flower bed.

People like that are usually better off learning the hard way...

I'd just as soon let the people looking for a "decor" anvil scratch their itch, and leave the real ones for us.

For 5160, that is a good method. The third time you heat the blade for normilization, it should only be a very dull red.

That is a great deal for your area!

Upon further investigation, the logo is actually VW&WH Co. That means it was made by some other company, then distributed by the Van Wagoner & Williams Hardware Co.

I have a 6" post vise from the same manufacturer. Mine has too many hammer marks to make out the logo, but it says 1902 in the same spot. Mine is marked 85 under the date and weighs 85 pounds. Yours is probably a 5" vise that weighs 60 pounds. ...without the concrete. I'm also interested if anyone knows anything about that company.

It's not that it might not be quality steel, it's that it probably isn't 1095. There are MANY other quality high carbon alloys.

Welcome Rick! Nice looking..... Whatever that is. What did you finish the handle with?

Solid fuel or gas?

There is A LOT of mathematics behind blacksmithing, but people who are creative and know little math can exell at some things that non-creative but highly learned people will have trouble with. I've worked with people that can't do ANYTHING without formulas and measurements. It would benefit him to learn some basic metallurgy, (not nearly as "mathy" as it seems) as that would open the door to making blades, but there are a lot of options out there that people like that can really do well.

Other than wire brushing and oil, leave it as is. Don't grind on it!!!

A good beginner hammer size is 2- 2 1/2 lbs. You can use a 4 lb hammer on a 99lb anvil as long as it is the HOT steel that you are hammering on.

Your anvil was made by Hay Budden in 1906.

If the serial # is 31928, it was made in 1902.

Very nice find! That is a Trenton. Hay Buddens don't have cast bases.