June 30, 200917 yr As a beginner who will ultimately only make small tools and knives, I was satisfied with my 31 lb piece of RR track. However, I saw this anvil advertised and found it was located just 30 minutes from where I live so I had to go see it ( it was calling me ). It is apparently a Columbian USA 94 lb anvil that measures 21-1/4 from the tip of the horn to the tail. The flat area is 3-7/16 x 13-7/16 and stands approx 8-7/8 tall. There is a 3/4" hardy hole and a 1/2" prichert hole (SP?) It looks to be in good condition and has a nice ring to it ( all over ). I got it for $150 dollars and he included a nice pair of tongs. The only area of concern is under the tail. It looks to be pitted, maybe just a poor casting? What do you guys/gals think?
June 30, 200917 yr Nice looking cast anvil. If it is ringing all over it may be cast steel rather than cast iron which does not ring at all. I would still avoid any heavy hits over the heel as that looks very porous. should give you years of use.:cool:
June 30, 200917 yr Looks like a casting defect. Good deal! Just be careful of working on the heel. Check out Nakedanvil's posts in the Hardie tools thread. (general Blacksmithing discussion) Use the offset style of hardies/bottom fuller/swages which he describes. That looks like a good anvil for your planned use! Hang on to your rail anvil. You will find that there are moments when that it is just the shape/thickness/ what ever that you need. Placed on floor it is convient for upsetting the end onf a long rod Edited June 30, 200917 yr by Charlotte typo
June 30, 200917 yr Columbians are cast steel no if about it! (Folks; may I commend "Anvils in America" to everyone's attention? Saves a lot of guessing). The underside is quite a rough casting I would not hammer metal on it unless you need the distressed look. BentIron1946's suggestion of not doing heavy work over it is spot on and as a "light" anvil you shouldn't be doing heavy work over the heel anyway! Decent Price, Decent Face that you could take a swipe over with an angle grinder if you feel you have too; but I'd suggest using it a while before doing so. I have a friend who had a 400# Columbian that was also painted red; may be original! And if so then it hasn't been through a fire. Read the threads on how to quiet an anvil as the cast steel ones tend to be LOUD! Well Done!
July 1, 200917 yr Author Looks like a casting defect. Good deal! Just be careful of working on the heel. Check out Nakedanvil's posts in the Hardie tools thread. (general Blacksmithing discussion) Use the offset style of hardies/bottom fuller/swages which he describes. That looks like a good anvil for your planned use! Hang on to your rail anvil. You will find that there are moments when that it is just the shape/thickness/ what ever that you need. Placed on floor it is convient for upsetting the end onf a long rod First, thanks to all for your input. Charlotte, thanks for pointing me at the Hardie tool thread. Lots of great ideas and the offset tools definitely make sense especially for my anvil. Thanks again.
July 1, 200917 yr Nice score Racer it'll serve you better than the rail does though I wouldn't get rid of the rail. All the cautions I might've mentioned have been aired so I'll leave you with a grin. Frosty
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