SlowJam

Thanks! This is directly in line with the info you provided years ago in the thread linked up above. Glad to hear it’s still working out for you. Getting some Tre Wax in a couple of days.

Thank you very much that thread had a ton of great info in it. Much appreciated!

Hi everyone. I'm still quite new and slowly getting into blacksmithing. I’ve made a few things that didn’t require more than beeswax or veg oil as a coating. I’m making some house numbers that will be mounted outside permanently in all the elements. I’d like to keep the look of the original finish if possible. I also don’t want the numbers to rust easily. Any coatings you can recommend to keep the rust at bay while out in the elements 24/7 (we get everything from hot sun to snow here). Thanks for your help.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Frosty you’re a legend man.

Fair points, Frosty. I’m brand new to this but I’ve been researching LOTS. I’m about to get a Mr. Volcano Hero single burner (was going to build one but I don’t trust myself to build a safe burner yet). My neighbors will like lose their minds if I burn coke/coal (though they never complain when I smoke brisket or pork butts for 12-18 hours!) so I’m sticking with gas for now. I don’t have anything for an anvil yet. I ordered a 88lb Vevor from Amazon over a month ago but they ran out of stock so it’s expected in a couple weeks (unless they push it back again). So, I’m considering putting up a bit more for an in-stock 132lb one instead. I can get it for $350 CAD. Surprisingly, I was able pick up a post vice already (looks to be a Peter Wright from everything I’ve seen so far). My next purchase for sure will be the forge and if my 88lb doesn’t come in before the forge I’ll cancel and get the 132. Thanks, Daswulf. I’d love to get started today but nothing hard enough to bang on just yet. I’d use a torch to heat metal for now if I had something to use as an anvil. I plan on using some scrap metal and a couple lengths of 5/8” rebar to practice on—just need to get something that won’t break when I beat on it.

Thanks for all your replies. A decent second hand anvil for a reasonable price around these parts is no easy task so far. I’ve been looking for several months and it’s mostly chipped, broken, or rusting to the point of flaking anvils going for 5-10/lb. I’m not looking for perfect, but I don’t need to go for a ride either. I’m probably just going to go with a Vevor since I can get a brand new one for less than half of what most are asking for their damaged old ones.

I didn’t mean to misrepresent. There was no list price but when I asked how much they were looking for I was told that an offer of $350 was already made. I offered a bit more but that I had to see it first. They then said no less than $500. Not a huge deal, mostly a waste of time for both of us I guess.

It looks not too bad but I’d have to see it before committing to a purchase. But I’m not in the $500 range. They said they had another offer already (less than $500). I think they’re just trying to start a bidding war.

Price just jumped to $500 after I expressed interest.

Someone is selling a Queens Dudley (I believe it’s a Wilkinson) for $350 CAD. Looks to be in good shape but unknown weight. Dimensions are 12.25” x 3.75” face, 9.5” high, 2.75” flat part that is just lower than the face but before the horn, and the horn is 5.25” long. I can’t see any other markings in the photos. Does anyone know if it’s wrought iron or steel? Is this a good deal or a waste of time? I can’t see any major chips, cracks, or deformations. The face seems pretty flat too. Thoughts? Thanks everyone!