Timber Ridge Forge

I guess they could of been used for a lot of different things either way coming across them at random while looking for tools was just good fortune.

Could be? A buddy thought it might be for terra-cotta tiles. They are cool no matter what. Yeah

I picked these up today for $10 each ($20) I figured I could use them with copper sheet. I was curious if anyone knows what there original intent may have been?

Thanks for the information so far the research I have done has suggested borax as an additive but will do step by step research before I give it a go. As for the removal of the crucible I have several tongs from foundries and wheel Wright’s(extra long) that don’t serve a practical purpose in my shop so a little modification and they should work perfectly for the project.

Thanks frosty. I figured I would give it a go but wasn’t sure if the geometry was going to make it impossible(or sometype of convection I couldn’t conceive). I may consider a melter if I decide to try casting anything(got a ton of mini anvils I have kind of wanted to cast) will see how this goes first.

Just to be clear this is not an area of expertise I have. I would welcome any information. I have been blacksmithing for a decade now. I am not trying to reinvent the wheel but I am interested in gaining some more knowledge. I run a gutter company and get quite a bit of copper gutters and downspout(I would cut out the lead joints)I was curious if it is a simple enough process given the equipment I have a twin burner propane forge lined with 2" of #8 kaowool and sealed with a refractory cement. Both ends are open but can be sealed with fire brick for the process. I have a small crucible with lid for the project. I have always enjoyed red smithing. I feel I could do a lot with the copper ingots. I am aware the cost of propane might not make it profitable but that’s not the point for me. Anyways if it’s doable and realistically I would appreciate the advice(I am always trying to expand my skill set).

Yeah like many of the other guys said. I will say to make a sword with traditional methods and make anything other then a piece of junk takes years and years. It also requires an apprenticeship to learn and this education is rarely if every free having said that I wish your luck. I would suggest you dial your expectations way down and start at the beginning and work your way too it.

Yeah I live south of you and when ever I get up north. I have hit up dozens of junk yards and found one anvil once. Don’t expect to find one there you will be looking for many years

Yeah it was definitely a find. I love the history of blacksmith equipment.

Yeah before Hay-Budden they started making anvils under there own brand they made it for a company called S.D Kimbark out of Chicago this is one of the two makers marks they had. I found this Northern Wisconsin. I also have its much bigger cousin a 1st year 350lbs(my main shop anvil) with most of that maker’s mark gone. Price wise I actually bought it with the intent as an investment since the collector market is so high right now.

I just picked up this nice little early Hay Budden.

[Ad hominem attack removed] The railroad repair shop is mostly a thing of the past. Almost all work on the railroad today doesn’t require an anvil and most certainly nothing larger then a 500lbs. They have factories for anything made and only use shops primarily for Maintenance [Further uncharitable language removed]

Ranchman like it said in my whole post. Not just the part you captioned. you don’t need a bigger one you may want one but a larger one won’t help you.

Good point I can’t think of anything a blacksmith really needs an anvil that weights over 500lbs for. I have a 350lbs Hay Budden and even with its damage it’s got more then enough surface to work with. The only people that want something bigger are collectors.

I am aware of the show ones out there . I was more curious about actual anvils and again vintage not anything modern.

So every so often I have some one ask me about buying a large 1000lbs + anvil. It’s normally a vintage anvil nothing modern. I am curious what’s the largest vintage anvil known to exist. I know of the 1400lbs Wilkinson anything larger?

I think it’s the reality of any fad. I believe when these young folks see something on a show. They generally, are not aware of the amount of actual work it takes to become a blacksmith. I use to teach and my method was pretty simple from the people who really wanted to learn and those who just thought it was cool. I would give them a dull hacksaw and car spring. I would tell them to cut a piece off. It normally took an hour or so. I then had them anneal the metal. That was the first class if you showed up too the next class 90% didn’t. I would teach them basic skills. I think when they realize what they see on tv and what blacksmithing actually is they lose interest fast. Thus the harbor freight brake drumb blacksmith starter kits you see for sale a lot.

Yeah I have gone to Illinois valley blacksmith meetings a few times over the years. I was just hoping someone had an online resource that might be already setup like a pdf or something so I could use it as a reference.

I picked up a couple dozen power hammer tools. I don’t have a power hammer so they are just taking up space. Does anyone know where I could find a list to match them too? I intend to clean them up and either trade them or sell them at a later date. (Btw I know some of that is not power hammer tools that was just what was purchased.)

Looks like a Boker made in Germany

Yeah I personally prefer multiple shapes cut completely threw when it come to a block I found ones with depression shapes for spoons or bowls aren’t as useful my wood stump is good enough for those.

Just my .2 cents. I have talked to Greg beforehand on Facebook and seems like a stand up guy. As someone who buys and sells used anvils(helps pay for my dying dogs medical bills). I have found him to be honest in regards to his anvils. I am sure it’s not the place but I have noticed a few used anvils seller (SG) who attempted too prop up the market with false information and inflated prices I am glad to new anvil makers making sure that doesn’t happen.

Do people still use them? I don’t think I would. I figure if that’s the case I would rather pass it along to someone who would rather then keep it.

So just to be clear I do know what a bunch of the tools are just not all. I picked up this lot (there’s more)for a great deal but not sure what They were all used for. Any information is appreciated. the handle tools(second from the left has me stumped) the rest of those I know atleast

Thanks guys will keep an eye out now just need To upgrade the welder next