Michael_Tricam

Frosty, I would also like to thank you for your earlier response about my previous design. I had not done enough research. I had done a ton of research on anvils, and after I finally got one I was ready to use it and build a stand. You encouraged me to research a better option. Thanks, Michael

I tried the wood impression test and it is currently at a good height with enough room in the box for +4 inches. The box might be a little bulky but I have never used an actual anvil so I will find out. Beside the sand, this was all scrap I had in my garage, so it should work for a first attempt. I just can’t wait to make something with a real anvil!

Just about done with the stand. I think it turned out well. It is very quiet with the sand.

I have it designed to the height of my RR track anvil. I have not done the plywood hammer mark test, but I figured that height has been working so far.

Thanks everyone for the support! I have read much of the anvil info on this site, and will not be modifying or attempting to repair the anvil in any way. The rebound is in the mid 80% range! I am working on a stand design and started with materials I have on hand. What are everyone’s thought on the stand in the attached pdf? Anvil Stand.pdf

Well… how did I do?

Well I bought it for $700. I might have overpaid a little but I am stoked! Now I need to make a stand.

If you had the option of buying this anvil for $600 (assuming bounce and ring test go well) or up to $1000 (including shipping) on a new anvil, what would you choose? Also, thanks for all the responses so far!

Hey everyone. I’m new to blacksmithing and have been using a railroad track anvil so far (one section vertical in concrete, and a section I lay flat for a larger work area) this has been working but I would like to upgrade. I have been looking online at new anvils in the 100-135 lbs range. It seems like $700-$1000 is about what a quality anvil of that size cost new today. I have considered buying a cheap cast anvil to learn with but I don’t like buying things twice and I’m not sure how much better it would be than my railroad track. I just found this Trenton anvil for sale near me. Based on some quick research I think it is a farrier’s clip horn style made between 1927 and the late ‘30s (based on the dashed lines in the logo and the N still looking like an N). I think it is the 125lb model based on the dimensions. I have not seen it in person yet. The asking price is $800. I am very green and welcome all advice. Thanks

Update: I tried a different propane tank and the burner works now! The other tank was from my BBQ and is almost full, I'm not sure why it wouldn't work but the new tank did the trick.

I have nothing on the end of the 6" x 3/4" nipple. the nozzle is welded onto my forge (might have been another mistake). I just unscrewed the burner to test it. I am using a 3/4" coupler as a flame retention nozzle, I will screw on on and see if it helps. But, it seams like a am getting very low propane flow. In all of the videos I have watched the gas flow is very audible before the flame is lit. I can hear no gas flowing from the burner unless I put my ear up to it.

I am building my first forge. I tested my T burner and the flame was very weak, I am not sure what is wrong. I have it hooked up to a 20 lb tank with a ball valve shut off and a 3-30 PSI regulator. My pressure gauge has not arrived yet so I am not sure what the pressure is, but the regulator is adjusted all the way up. I also removed the regulator and attached a 1/4" needle valve and got the same result. I am using a .035" mig tip, and I have tried it at 3 different lengths. I have included an image of the flame. Does anyone know what may be wrong? Thank you for the help.

Update: I did not buy the used anvil. The edge chipping seemed larger in person and the face was not all that flat. It just seemed like too much money for something I wasn't completely satisfied with. So, the search continues. I will continue doing research on new anvils, but in the meantime I think I will try to find a chunk of steel to use and get acquainted with the trade. I am blown away with the responses and the level of sincerity from everyone on this forum, this really is a great community. Thank you everyone!

Thank you everyone for the responses. I know $1600 is a ton of money to spend on a new hobby. I was thinking I would spend $1000 or less which is still a lot, but I came across this one locally. I wish I had more information on the used one but all I have is the picture. Assuming the anvil checks out what is the most I should pay for it? Or, If I bumped the limit up to $1200 including shipping what new anvil would everyone recommend? I like the Holland and Hoffman anvils but they don't offer one in the 150-200# range.

IFCW, Thank you for your reply. I don't have a large shop and I will need to move it out of the way from time to time. My plan was to put some drop down casters on the stand to aid in moving it when nessicary. I am hesitant to give too much info about the anvil and ruin my chances of negotiating a price for it, but I also don't want to buy a bad anvil. So, here are the two pictures I have of the anvil. Can anyone Identify this anvil and what are your thoughts about the edge chipping?

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and blacksmithing as a whole. I have basically no experience but I am so excited to get started. I have been doing a lot of research on anvils but I am hesitant to pull the trigger on such a large purchase. To start off with, I am a buy nice, buy once type person so I am willing to spend some money for a nicer anvil. The majority of my research has been in anvils from the 100#-150# range. I seem to be drawn to the double horn style. I had been looking at the Kanca 110# double horn until I read the thread on here about them having soft faces. Right now I have been leaning toward the Hoffman 115# continental patter anvil. It seems like a very high quality anvil I would be very happy with. I am also considering Holland, Nimba, and Old World. Everything I had been looking at was new. Yesterday I came across a 395# used anvil that appears to be in decent condition but has some edge chipping with an asking price of $1600. Of course I would check it out for sway, cracks, ring, and rebound before making an offer, but It is a much lower price/lb than all of the others I am looking at. To start with I will be using it to make tools, pitons for rock climbing (not going to trust my life to anything I make until I know what I'm doing), kitchen knives, and I'm sure a lot of things I haven't thought of yet. So mostly smaller items but I would like the ability to make larger items in the future. So, my questions are. How much is all that extra weigh of the used anvil going to help me out? Is a new high quality but lighter anvil going to serve me better? Am I completely insane for even thinking about spending that much money with absolutely no experience? Should I just start with an anvil like object? Any and all advice is appreciated. I know that I don't really know what I am talking about, so feel free to flame me for my ignorance. I just can't wait to get started and I'm glad I came across iforgeiron, it seems like such a great resource. Also, anyone in Boise, ID reading this I would love to find some local people to learn from in the future. Thanks in advance!