Rgpracer

Thanks everyone.

Thanks everyone......I'll use it to learn things on, and keep my eyes open for another one.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ray

What does this top plate tell me......how is this made.....is this a steel top plate?

How can the top surface get so indented and pitted if it is supposed to be harder than the anvil itself?

Is it the same surface material?

Thanks

Is the Anvil worth it guys?

Well, after reading everyone's post, being warned about "quoting" (I really do apologize) and internet reading about pritchel holes, hardy holes, termenology (horn, not snout,  thanks Irondragon) restoration and the process of it.....I don't believe my anvil is worth much.  My Friend gave this to me as a gift, bought at a farm auction in Hutchenson KS ($90).  I think I can still use it, make some different hardy tools for different small projects.  My Friend did not know (nor did I) that anvils could be so complex.

As Anvil said, it has seen better days.

We have a blacksmith "club" in Haysville KS and will attend to inquire and ask questions.

Thanks to all and again, I apologize to moderators for not reading everything before posting, I did not want to do wrong just jumping in.

Thanks to all.....if you think the anvil is salvagable, please let me know.

Ray

Ps........I cleaned it up a lot, don't see any names, words, part mark's/casting mark's, just the 70 on the front.  Also, I did the "bang the hammer" on the face and it is a dull thud, NOT a high "ting".....I think that tells me that quality is not there.

If I have any of this wrong.....I have broad shoulders, just let me know.

Thanks

On 11/23/2022 at 8:20 AM, anvil said:

Wow, to me your anvil looks rode hard and put away wet,  with no good edges, dings on the face and a huge saddle in the middle. It even looks like someone welded up the pritchel hole, or broke something off in it! I would not hesitate to reface it following the procedure posted above. To have a welding shop do it is iffy to say the least for cost and quality reasons. Too often, a shop doesn't know about anvils and will use an improper rod and usually done with the best of intentions. Sometimes a local or state smithing organization has refacing workshops or may be able to turn you on to other smiths familiar with the process.  Finally there is you and your skills. If you can weld and have the equipment, then go for it. If not and you are challenged to DIY, then at a minimum, rent a welder and bottles and teach yourself how to run a bead. Then follow the instructions above (Anvil Restoration) and go for it. It takes a lot of time and experience to become a "good" welder, but it doesn't take much time to learn how to run a bead and follow directions for a one off project, even refacing an anvil. 

Thanks Anvil, I can weld and have a welder (although it is a mig and not a stick) and have some "moderate" skills.  I downloaded the instructions "Anvil Restoration" and will read and watch video's a lot if or before attempting it.  We have a local blacksmithing club and plan on attending a few times and soaking up info.

Thanks again Sir.

Ray

Thanks Frosty for the time you took to write all of that....it is greatly appreciated.  I really enjoy learning new things.

Ray

55 minutes ago, anvil said:

If you can weld and have the equipment, then go for it. 

Thanks Anvil, I can weld and have a welder (although it is a mig and not a stick) and have some "moderate" skills.  I downloaded the instructions "Anvil Restoration" and will read and watch video's a lot if or before attempting it.  We have a local blacksmithing club and plan on attending a few times and soaking up info.

Thanks again Sir.

Ray

5 hours ago, Shainarue said:

I can't quite tell - but is the pritchel hole filled in or is that just a trick of the lighting?

If it's filled in - my question for the others on here is - How should he go about clearing it out?

Thanks for all your input.  I am excited to learn more and more about anvils and forging.  What is the pritchel hole for and what is the other hole next to it for?  It is punched I believe and clear.  I notice the some anvils have a "shoulder" at the base of the horn.....why do some have and some have not?  I will attach a few other pictures.  Everyone has added great opinions and appreciate it.

Good morning from Wichita KS.  I am new to iron work.  I am 65, retired military and have bought my first iron.  Love to learn so will be building a home shop "small" forge soon and will be needing help with that soon.

For now, bought an anvil (I assume a 70lb cause or the number 70 under the snout?) and need to know a little about how to repair some of the nicks on the edges.  Is there anyway to track history/origin of an anvil? I bought it at an auction of an old farmer in Hutchenson KS this past weekend.  

As stated earlier, I want to build a small forge for small "hobby" home projects and the anvil will be awesome.

Is there a place (link) to information I am seeking?

Thanks for input

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Ray