cgeweniger

Well its been a little while and I have yet to get to my brothers to cut a proper stump for my anvil. So much time in between that I actually bought another anvil As others had indicated they tend to multiply. Though I have been slowed down with a few side jobs I've taken on I still managed some time in the shop to build my forge and mess around with it a bit. As for cleaning up the original anvil I bought I was never able to find any definitive peter wright markings but I am fairly certain it is peter wright just maybe a very early one and the rebound is exceptional which is most important. The second anvil I bought was very cheap and I just couldn't pass it up. I am unsure if it is German or Swedish but it has an amazing shape and even better rebound. I haven't cleaned it up yet but I do not see anything that resembles a maker or weight marking on it. I purchased a bunch of old and new tongs as well as a couple nice leg vises that I have yet to mount. The main score was with some newer tongs/knifemaking equipment. The guy was happy his stuff was going to somebody that was putting it to use so he included his (3) Brent Bailey custom hammers which seem above and beyond as far as a quality hammer. I was ecstatic. I read fairly extensively on what type of forge I wanted to build as my "ebay special" got my feet wet but was breathing through 20lb propane tanks like it was its profession. I settled mostly on Waynes plans for a propane tank forge and a ribbon burner. It seems like it works very well but I still believe it needs some tweaking. I posted a video of one of the first fires and it is still smoking/burning out the crayon residue and paper left in the holes of the burner. The main question I have is if the use of plistix on the refractory cement is beneficial. Also should I rethink the "space" I left inside of my forge and cast it solid with the castolite 3000? As for now it has been getting railroad spikes hot enough to pound into submission, that's all I've really had time to mess with so far. I have not tried to get it hot enough to weld yet but have no doubt it will. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, I take criticism very well 20210522_091504[1].mp4

Yes Im a newbie but researched enough to know that it was a no brainer and I even told the seller he was giving me a great deal. He was happy to sell it to an enthusiastic guy whose putting it to good use. He inherited it and it sat as a "center piece" in his garage so it hasnt seen much use in his ownership.

I am a watchmaker by profession, I restore vintage timepieces that are priceless to their owners and are highly collectible. I guess it is in my nature to admire tools and such that have been around and have been in service for just as long. I looked at the Holland anvils as I am partial to Michigan in general and have read the owner/maker is a very stand-up guy on this forum. I still have one in mind for later down the road. I did manage to get a craigslist snag this morning on what the owner believed to be a Peter Wright 270-280lb range anvil. He didn't know much more about it and was negotiable on the price based on the table having some dents and the one edge has some decent chipping. I believe I got a good deal for approx. $3lb and it came with a German style cutoff hardy. I am extremely busy with work and a friends kitchen remodel right now. I will get better pics and measurements once I clean her up and go cut a nice maple round at my brothers in Michigan for a stand. Here are some photos I quickly took in the back of my truck. I was only able to make out and 8 stamped on right side of the front foot. I am not positive if it is a Peter Wright. Any help in identifying it would be appreciated, although I am extremely happy with it no matter the brand.

I believe you are correct, since there is a giant dent in that area I bet the anvil took a heavy hit and broke a piece of the face off. He did send me pictures of the trenton stamp as well as the numbers. I may offer 500 but I am patient for something less damaged, so I think I will walk. Thanks again!

Hey guys Im back at it and going to check this anvil out tonight. Its a little larger than what I had planned to start with but I guess thats not a bad thing. The guy says its a Trenton and weighs 280-300lbs. The only concern of mine is I cannot find any images of a Trenton with two tables. Also one of the tables on this anvil has obviously had taken a serious miss hit. The asking price is $750 so Im tempted to buy it based on size and value, im just not sure it is indeed a Trenton anvil. Any advice would be greatly appreciated like always. Thanks

There are a few estate sales I have marked on my calendar as well as some large flea markets I hope to find somebody to bargain with. I understand the hunt via online outlets is not the best way to search for a good deal as most are trying to maximize their profits. If it is a good deal as many have said in this thread they have a short half life. I did make a trade once for a very clean truck bed camper, the cost was a case of millers finest. So I will continue to keep the word out that I'm looking, you never know what somebody has laying around, or what their wife is bugging them to get rid of Thanks

Okay the only bitterness in me is that I will not find a Soderfors for a long time. I have lost out on many other items and I know we have all been there before. I was going to make an offer of 500-600 depending on the way the suspect holes looked. I had not looked at the heel closely and I appreciate your observation Goods. I have only worked on a large hay budden as my learning anvil so im sure anything of good quality will suffice for now. Im getting excited as I have a big enough garage now to try and set up my own small shop. I will slowly begin to acquire my own tools as my skills/funds improve. Thanks again all!

Well I do appreciate the help guys. The owner wasn't willing to hold it for me and sold FCFS. I guess maybe I should be more discreet of the whereabouts of my findings. I have learned a lesson here. Thanks all

Okay I will go check it out and see if I can bargain with the seller. I appreciate your help very much. I understand I could potentially buy a similar anvil brand new for around $1000 but there is something about me that is always attracted to vintage swedish steel. I will let you know if I end up purchasing the anvil. Thanks

It seems like a beautiful anvil as the sides are still rounded and possibly the original green paint. I have only seen pictures as I am planning to go see it this weekend and make my decision from there as it is a few hours from me. As for the holes the look to be square shape in the pictures. The asking price is $1000 which seems far off if it has been modified, I am located in the midwest. Thanks

Hello all im new to the forum so any help is very appreciated. I am hoping to purchase this soderfors 125lb anvil but I am a little skeptical about the hardy holes. I have added pictures of the anvil, it looks like 4 holes may have been added at some point. Is this something to be very concerned about? Thanks