While I am definitely a fan of the homemade anvil nothing performs like a commercially made anvil, it's purpose made for the job. I work now on my homemade anvil as a preference but it is kinda funny how things turn out. If you give up hunting for the perfect anvil and get something to get you started it seems like it opens a door. I know it did for me, once I made that step it seemed like anvils were everywhere. If you want to give smithing a try find something and give it a go. I will warn you though this is habit forming if not down right addictive. Look on youtube at smiths in third world countries, look at the anvils and tools that they use to provide for their families. I had preconceived ideas of what I had to have to do this, that just weren't true. Those videos will wake you up to the possibilities. Here in America it is pretty easy to scrounge together a pretty good start, especially with the info on this forum without a newb breaking the bank. This forum has been a wonderful resource for me, I always learn something new. But nothing will teach you as much as putting that info to use with your own two hands, make a start today. Bye the way thanks, in case people don't say it enough.