john_zxz

Here are 2 pic I took from a forge in an old abandonned forge in Thetford Mine (Quebec, Canada). It was used to repair the tools of the asbestos miners. The blacksmith there was living in the shop. There was his quarter in the next room. He has the highest salary after the big boss and the overseer. This forge is huge. I think there is 2 firepot but not sure because there was coal dust everywhere flush to the top. I'm sure there wasn't any smoke in the shop with this design. There is also a lot of space to move the pieces, the hood doesn't obstruct the view. The chimney is big enough and there is also a door on the left side and the right side of the forge for long pieces. Ahh too bad this mine is abandonned. If only there were people reenacting this forge, it would have been great. In the next room, it was the main shop where welders repaired things and where the miners recharged their batteries. Just wanted to shared these photos of the shop with you. What do yo think of the forge design guys, do you think like me that there was no smoke or am I wrong?

Yep, you should smooth the face and the edges too so when you will hit the hot metal, you won't leave sharp dents on your work. The grooves your are talking must be very small circular line on the face i guess? Mine also had these grooves but I sanded them down. If you don't do this, you will have the impression that you have many digital prints on your work...

@Knots
I own a 50kgs czech anvil from branco (purchased from a Canadian dealer) and it is great quality IMHO. I missed some blows with a hardened hammer and it did not dent. Nice rebound too. I put it in concrete like the photo at the beginning of the topic because it rang like a chuch bell. Even though it has loosen up with time and I had to put a magnet on the side. The curves in the legs are very handy, they act as a swage and the radius in the front is to prevent chipping from sledge hammering. I did some hardy tools in the hardy hole and it did not break. So far I'm very satisfied with it.

Btw, the anvil in the picture, Poundhound, is beautiful. The heel is thinner than nowadays east european anvils and the feets have more graceful lines. Thanks for posting.

I must agree with you Beth, it is still usable. And the more I look at it, the added parts could be used as tools as well if we're imaginative :)

Just found this anvil while surfing the net. Funny anvil art but too bad it is not used anymore to pound hot iron...
http://espace.canoe.ca/ChroniquElyses/photo/view/716521/#picture

Sask Mark, yes the blocks are in Quebec, 45 minutes from Montreal. Here's the link of the ad: http://montreal.kiji...QAdIdZ379455052
There are other tools too. The block in the back is on anvilfire too here: Link removed at the request of that sites owner. It looks like a monster block!

Sure I would like to see a picture of your block Eric.

This is a really great project. I think you could keep almost the same forms around the block as your other blocks but with some holes in the middle for the reasons you have listed. With square and round holes of commons sizes.
There is an industrial block from alku store: http://www.euroforgings.com/shop4.php?pageNo=1&id=4584
In my opinion, there is a little too much holes in it but if you're planning to make a 60-70 lbs, it will be better. The one they're listing weights 176 lbs and come from Czeck Republic if I'm correct.

Just my two cents.
If you make a block like this, I will certainly buy one.

I intend to use a block for upsetting, making a lot of hardy tools, making bowls etc... I'm currently waiting for a price from John Newman for his trunnion 140lbs swage. I like its shape especially for the small half round on the sides and the bowl depressions. I just wanted to know what is a good price for a used swage. The swage block in the picture has less utility then Newman's one for me but it's 15 minutes from me...

Sorry its a A.B Jardine, typing error...

Hi, I was offered a swage block 12x12x4.5" for 600$ CND. This is the 1st one, down in the picture and it looks like its a J.B Jardine. I wanted to know if its a high price or usual for that piece. I need to make my mind fast on this.

Thanks
John_zXz

Thanks for the info! I just ordered the three of them me too.

I don't need these anvils, I already have a good anvil. It's just for starter out there that I put the link. I'm still waiting for the dealer's answer. I agree with you macbruce, if its cast iron, I wouln't bother with them, but if its cast steel, It can be a pretty good anvil for new blacksmiths.

Aww I totaly forgot to put the link! It must be the temperature... Here's the link. Sorry again.
http://www.liquidationopc.com/index.php/cPath/40

Just emailed the dealer if it is cast steel or cast iron and I'm waiting for the answer.

Hi, just landed on this site looking for metalworking tools and found these anvils. I don't know if they are still cast steel though. Just wanted to share if anyone is interested in these as they are pretty cheap for the weight. They come in 15, 55, or 120 lbs.

John_zXz

Yes it happened to me when I was learning on my first anvil, lucky it was on an old anvil that was already dented. I found that when I missed the blows, it was because I was forcing the hammer, not letting it down by itself. Now I'm better with my hammer control and generally, my hammer faces are a bit softer than my anvil face, but not annealed. Recently I missed a blow but it didn't dent the face. Also, I have an annealed hammer for hot cutting on the hardy.

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to try that. Wont cost anything, I like it.

Hi, I saw these parts made of cast iron to reduce the size of the fire in Europe but I can't seem to find a place to buy them in North America. Does anyone know a dealer, or have a clue on how to make them? I'm using clean anthracite as fuel and since it doesn't coke up, water doesn't help me that much. I have a 12" round coke firepot from Centaur Forge.

Thanks
John_zXz

This is a really great idea! This post should always be on top of the forum subject for everyone to see it and donate if they want.

I found this video on facebook. His setup is really nice, I especially like the square anvil and the hand scissor for hot cutting. For the smiths who don't have a lot of tools, this is inspiring.
https://www.facebook...&type=3

Thank you for the references. I will look for them.

Really nice job! I particularly like the color job you did. Great one!

Hi, I'm looking for a book that shows steps in making ironwork, but with drawings of each parts of a project. Like the pictures I have post. They are taken from a french book on ironwork but I don't know which one. I'm not looking for a book that shows only techniques but one that shows steps and drawings. If someone has a suggestion on books that are similar to these drawing, I would be very happy.

John_zXz

Thank you guys. I quenched it in water to harden what it can as it is mild steel.