WeGone

Thomas, Was an old White Oak that been blown over in a storm. Apparently had been struck by lighting when young so the center was burnt out, we found old coke bottles in side from the 50's and a locket from the early 30's, The center is a cedar stump upside down. We keep a glass top on it. The cedar stump My son standing on it be fore we stated cutting

Thanks gents, Glen thanks, first is only a stones throw away! here is a pic of the last table I did. Frosty, been collecting old plow parts and other iron from around the farm this winter. have lots of large steel left form heavy equipment (not sure how I will cut it yet?) As far as first projects, nails, some tools or just hammer on steel until i learn how to work it.

TY Guys, I retired about 7 years ago. I told myself I would go back in life and start doing all the things I enjoyed or was exposed to growing up and never had the time to pursue. So far its been restoring old cars & trucks, wood working free form tables, canes and walking sticks (even built my home), farming, brass & aluminum casting, building high end water cooled gaming computers and now forging. My first exposure to forging was when about 13 years old as it was a class I could take in school we made a few chisels. Looking forward to this adventure and living it with my son and grandsons. It's sad the schools these days offer no real skill building or shop classes today. Steve

Thank you So am I doing something wrong? been told about this in two of the 3 posts I have made so far? I'm not a young guy and not new to web based forums I always read the rules before I join. It's a way to judge the mentality of the members. I dislike forums that let offensive language go on, members dissing other members or overall improper conduct.

Welcome from another new guy,

Advice taken, maybe a few months before I start doing anything. My son and I are getting set up for a 2 day starter blacksmiths class in N.Ga. Still need to find or make a small forge and get some safety gear together.

First sorry for all the questions. So after hours of reading I would like to be sure it will be safe to use this Anvil. here are some close up pics of the damage to the face sides. If i need to address this so I don't get chips flying off please let me know, and yes I fully under stand what every stated about filing/grinding on the face. if its not safe to use I will go to plan B get one safe to use. I also found a few old 2lb. hammers in the barn that cleaned up well.

Thanks, hope to learn enough to get started in a few months.

Another Old new guy. Been rooting around the past few days great forum with lots of information.

Yes sir done a few days back, just getting into the meat of the forum now. My first post was trying to find out about the Trenton Anvil I have.

Great read, Thanks for letting me hang out and learn. I will most likely ask some stupid questions as I move forward so bear with me LOL. I'm a big reader before I start any new venture. I am just starting out, I only have an anvil so far has been in the family over 100 years, my wife's grandfather owned a blacksmith shop from 1890 until he passed. It should serve me well. Will be a few months before I get all the things I need and even start to pound any hot steel!

Thank You both advice taken.

I'll check at our local library. and thanks again for all in help you have been providing. Should I try to address the top edges as the have a bit of roll? If so how? All I plan on using it for is knife making.

So did some more clean-up with a wire brush. did not find any new markings, but it does have a nice black look now. I did a lot of research on the web could not find any information or pics of the Germany stamping on the front? Any ideas? Also have not found anything leading to it's age. late 1800's to early 1900's ??

Thank you, no grinding or filing will be done. The rust is all very light, surface only. looking forward to the 3rd and 4th generation to pound on it.