Arthur210

Purchased this anvil yesterday. The gentleman had three anvil of about 100 pounds. The other two were cleaner and looked nicer, but this one had the best rebound at over 70% even with the rusted face. The sound under the hammer was also good and even thoughout the face. Damage didn't look severe. It was also the least expensive at C$120 (roughly US$95 at current exchange rates), with the other two being about 3 times that price. Also got 2 pair of tongs for that price. I could see the marking of "3 7" so I knew it was originally 89 pounds. So at just a bit over $1 per pound I figured this would get me started and could eventually become my travelling anvil. At the time, I couldn't see any marking other than the weight and did not notice the color line in the rust. Brought it home, cleaned it up and tested the rebound again, though unmounted to a solid base. Rebound is 80% in most spots, with one spot at 90% (close to the hardy) and one at about 70% (in the middle of the sway). Final weight is 86 pounds. It is only while cleaning it up that I noticed some faint markings. Three lines of them, the botton one I can make out as being "Warranted". Top one is almost completely illegible and the middle one I can only make out a few letters. Seem to start with "CH" with perhaps an "A" afterwards. No other markings on the feet or bottom. I notice the coloration line is still there. Maybe that was from the anvil being half-burried in mud for a long time? It didn't sound or react any differently from one side to the other. Here's a full set of pictures of the anvil cleaned up. The markings made me curious. Anyone cares to make a guess at its make and origin? Cheers!

Followed me home yesterday evening, a 5" leg vise in great condition. The screw looks perfect to my inexperienced eyes. It's a beast, weighting 75 pounds. I think I paid a fair price at C$165 (which means roughly US$130 at current exchange rates), particularly considering it was less than a 30 minutes drive from my home. And the guy I bought it from gave me a lead on an anvil.

Workshop update: Almost done with the exterior work. I have installed the windows, door and siding. All that's left are the finishing touches (soffit and fascia).

I'm suprised none of the regular mentioned it, but if you put your location in your profile you may be surprised to discover that other IFI members live in your area. They may be able to suggest places where you could get coal at a reasonable price or, barring that, how to find other local resources.

Bienvenue à bord SlabPloX! Not sure you consider Quebec City to be within driving distance, but if you pass by let me know. I'm a new to the craft myself and currently building my workshop, but always interested in exchanging with other smiths. Cheers! Arthur

Workshop update: The roof is done, including the chimney. All that's left is to add the spark arrestor to the chimney cap. I've started working on the inside while I wait for the siding and windows to be delivered. I made a mistake in not ordering those sooner, but it's not like there's nothing else to do in the meantime.

I'm not sure the bottom plate will provide any advantage, except to increase the noise level... More knowledgeable members can certainly correct me if I'm wrong.

Salut Antione! Where exactly in Quebec are you?

I'm going for a charcoal forge as my main, though I may eventually add a propane forge for heat treatment later on. Thanks!

Much progress over the last few weeks, since I was on vacation. Poured the concrete slab before going away to Pennsic War (a big SCA event). Once I came back I started putting up the structure, with much help from my dad. Here's a few pictures of the progress... I'm starting to install the roofing this week.

Salut Ben! I'm in Quebec City and joined IFI just a few months ago. Still learning about the craft and don't have a forge yet -- I'm still contructing the building where my shop will be -- but we're not so far away so we could meet some time if you want. Au plaisir!

Why lay it on its side when you could have put it on end? That would have given you more metal under your hammer.

Found a similar hammer last weekend and purchased it for C$5.

Excellent. Got all of them now. Will be reading some more!

I started working on the handle that right after I posted my first pictures, before you even replied. So far I haven't found a cross peen hammer at any of my local flea markets, so I decided to go ahead and make one on that hammer. Took quite a bit of grinding (as you said it would) and the result is a fairly blunt peen, but I think it will be useful to me to get more experience. Here's a picture of the handle: And a close up of the peen: I'd seen the first videos but not the other two. Very useful! Can't find the UNESCO series, but the COSIRA series, ABANA site and FABA site all look very interesting. I'll certainly take a look at these. Thanks!

So I am dressing my first hammer (a small 2.5 lb drill hammer) based on what I have read in various threads. Despite all those description, I am a bit unsure whether I am doing this correctly, so I'd like people to comment based on those pictures. Note that I can't test it yet by beating on hot steel, as I don't have a forge yet. But I'm going to an event next week where I will have the opportunity to do it so I'd like to show up with a useable hammer. Initial configuration of the hammer: After my attempt at dressing it: Should I sand it some more or does it look fine like that? Considering that this is a small drilling hammer, is it worthwhile to make the other end of the hammer into a cross pein?

Nice to see you gentlemen have a proper appreciation for a dedicated and righteous historical recreation approach to learning a craft.

Well, I've only been working about 15 hours a week to build the place. I could wait to report in again when the building is finished and I can start working on the inside, but that might mean waiting for months before I can report anything at all! So long as no one seriously complains about me cluttering the board with this oh so slow progress (and I see your comment as good-natured teasing), I will continue doing so!