CHUCK M

sorry for the lack of responses been quite busy

I have indoor cats, but we do have 3-4 neighbor cats from the surrounding houses that I see in my backyard daily.

I am trying a few different types of store bought repellant, giving them the option to leave the area alive......after that it's bucket time.

Last night went to clean, organize and start to cut wood for workbench, then discovered a rodent infestation. The amount of droppings is staggering covering most surfaces with some spots so dense cant even see the wood underneath. Setting up the forging area is going to be delayed, so that the offending party is evicted, and the interior thoroughly cleaned. Definitely not happy about this at and the last thing i feel like doing. i will try this.

Awesome, I will certainly check it out.

Absolutely, I won't be skimping on on safety equipment, that is my primary concern.

The forge is propane, standard paint can-ish size that are all over eBay for $165. As for the windows, the front is plastic, have to double check the side never really took notice to be honest. I have read in other threads concerning the issue about the anvil on the wooden floor not being stable enough as well, really want to get in there and work a little to really see how it goes, and to gauge how loud it is before I decide to do any major changes to it.....but will consider it the future if proves necessary. The wifey is happy she has her own arts and crafts room in a good size office in the house, so no problems there thankfully. This is the forge, intend on building one in time, after I have some experience and know what I want.....did however strongly consider buying the diamondback 2 burner blacksmith model but decided against it.

Going to be setting up a new shop in my back yard 12 x 7 shed, not huge but certainly should enough room especially for a beginner. Figured I would post from the beginning with the hope that people will follow along, giving advice along the way. Plan is to do some general blacksmithing stuff, light tool making, and of course the occasional knife. Just got a nice anvil, and ordered a crappy eBay canister forge to get me started. The shed is just used for storage now going to start cleaning out tomorrow. There is electricity but lighting is an issue, has one receptacle for a temporary solution until I can wire up something permanent. Also, building a 4ft work table between the doors, back walls have metal shelving. I do have a couple (probably more I can't think of right now) of concerns: 1. Noise-it's kind of close to the neighbors houses, and hope it's not to loud, only plan on forging a few hours a week, but it will be in the late evening hours, this is my only time I have free. Hopefully, forging inside will keep noise to a tolerable level? 2. Fire danger-This is my biggest worry. The inside of the structure is completely covered in plywood, floors and walls. I will be keeping my forge on a rolling rack, and plan on keeping it just off the wooden landing on the grass outside the door, seems the best way rather than it in confined area and will still be only a few steps to the anvil. Through research, have read a borax/water solution soaked in the flooring and walls is an adequate way of fireproofing the plywood, also sealing any gaps between the flooring and wall panels. Would this be good enough for forging and usuing an angle grinder inside? Would everybody feel comfortable working inside? This is enough rambling for now, appreciate any all advice. Will post pics of progress if anyone wants to follow.

Here are some better pics of the anvil and the serial number! Will be starting a thread in the shop design forum soon, with the idea of hopefully turning my shed into a nice workable space. If anyone wants to follow along and give criticism/advice, keep and eye out.

I wouldn't dare

Sounds like I made out really well!!! It is in great condition I will try to get some better pics outside in some better light.

That thing is beastly!!

Have been on the look out for a suitable stump driving around hope to find one soon. that is really cool, i have some of his books.

I have seen this museum referenced in other threads, used to live in the next town over and drive through farmingdale often on my way home from work, will have to take a peak.

Thanks for the advice will take a look at the settings, he had some other pics when the paint was fresh and it was GREEN.

Just picked up this 91lb Hay Budden, was looking for something a little heavier but will serve my beginner purposes fine. Paid slightly more than I wanted to but prices seemed to be crazy where I am, seller originally wanted $6 a lb but got it for $4. Still deciding on forge and will be posting some stuff in shop design forum within the coming days, for some advice still need to do a little more forum searching.

I wasn't getting a great vibe from the start and that was the nail in the coffin, didn't even let him explain his reasoning. Will be on the look out and next time don't think I will be settling. would love to find a 120lb Trenton for $300.

Unfortunately the seller of this anvil decided he wanted to change the price after we had set a date for pick up, so i decided to let this one go....i do appreciate everybody taking the time to give me some advice. So, i am on the hunt again...if anyone has any leads in central/south jersey let me know. Thanks

Most everybodies logic is hard to argue, taking the plunge agreed to price. Now just the logistics of going to pick it up. Thanks everyone for your opinions, will be posting some questions after I do some more research about setting up shop in my shed, wooden structure ☹️

Agree the $25 is not worth that much of a haggle, have been looking for something more in the 125 lb range, but anything with a good name in that range and in good condition is crazy expensive. I was figuring an 85lber would be sufficient for a long while which could be my inexperience, especially having not even swung a hammer yet. Keeping resale value in mind in case the need arose to get something bigger, i didn't think this size would restrict me for a good while. please correct me if i am wrong, any advice is welcomed.

Hi, I am a new member been lurking around forever, have been enjoying reading everyone advice and opinions. Searching around for a decent anvil to start out on for a few months, with hopes in the future of doing some general blacksmithing and of course the occasional knife nothing to serious, so i don't want anything crazy heavy. I came across this an 85 lb Columbian, seller is not a blacksmith asking $350, asked all general the questions about ring and rebound that he couldn't answer. Looks to be in good condition, to far away for me to drive just to inspect, offered him $300 which seemed fair, he didn't accept and came back at $325, to which i haven't responded yet. Just looking for general advice from some seasoned veterans, on if it would still be a good deal. It would be a 2.5-3 hour drive to pick up. Thanks in advance, looking forward to be an active member of the community, as i am sure to have many questions in the future.