A2 is an air hardening tool steel-no quench needed, and I have made die sets, corker jaws, and other items with it. Welding it could also prove problematic. For a hammering surface I would look into S7 shock resistant steel, 1045-1095, or just run a bunch of hardfacing rod like HT600. When I was going to my local junior college they used bulldozer blade for the faces. The body was made up of a stack of pattern torched 2" plate, and a lot of 1/16" innershield to put them together. The horn was a turned bar that was welded to the front, and the dozer blade welded to the top. If I remember right they went in the 175#-200# range when done. Not bad when you consider the steel used was .10 a pound scrap, and all of he welding supplies etc were included in your class fee of $15 at the time. The instructor ( Dave Nourot ) had a full smithy out in the back of the welding class :cool:
My Dad bought a 206# Fisher Eagle circa 1907 from a ranch in the CA foothills outside of Sacramento. He said that they had a post vise that had been attached to an oak tree a long time ago, and the only part visible was the outer jaw, and handle. Yep, it still worked. I found a 260# Swedish made anvil circa 1922 at a high school equipment auction. Dad found another 125#? (possible Vulcan) anvil at another high school that was shutting down the industrial arts depts. Over the last two weeks on Craigslist I have bought a 160?# Hay Budden in great shape-he had 2 ,but kept the rougher one, along with a Champion forge, Buffalo forge, tongs, hardies, fullers, coal from an estate sale. Then this weekend I picked up a 160# JHM journeyman farriers anvil circa 1997, stand, propane forge, and some small tools from a retired farrier. I also know where another anvil is, as I drive past it quite often. It is sitting on the ground.outside of a guys shop. I have only seen it moved once in 3 years, so I am going to inquire on that one this weekend. I have found numerous tongs, and other tools at automotive swap meets in the $3-$5 a pair range. Once you get some tools they become like Tribbles (old school Star Trek), and then you have tons of them. All of the anvils were around a $1 per pound.