September 7, 200916 yr Hi guys I bought this old rusty beast after asking all you fellows if i should and here are some pics!!!
September 7, 200916 yr Author Heres what I know......Its really heavy. The person I bought it from said 220 lbs. From looking at it I personally would have said no way. But after picking it up it is so heavy I believe him! It is far heavier than it looks like it should be to me anyways. The rebound is fair but i wonder if the rust buildup is absorbing some of the rebound? My 2lb hammer came up 8 inches from a 10 inch drop. It also doesn't "ring" like I would expect it to but i suspect the rust is the culprit as well. I want to clean it up this afternoon. It is pitted on the sides, i think it was a yard display for a long time....The top has alot of wear on one edge from use I guess. but overall I think its OK and I paid 200 bucks for it. I dont think I got a killer deal but I am happy with it. The guy I bought it from said he bought it from a friend of his who's great grandfather named John Edward Nelson Brown used it in Hyannis, Mass for the Cape Cod Railroad in the 1870's. He also says its an American Star from Trenton NJ. BUT I couldnt find anything about a depressed star like this one has. All the pics of the American Star Anvils I say Were raised stars! So in conclusion to my reallllllly long post does anyone have an Idea what kind of an anvil and also if its any good? Also any ideas for repairing the face would be very welcome! Thanks!
September 7, 200916 yr It looks like a cast iron anvil with a steel face----like a Vulcan and if so will *not* ring in use, rust or no rust. The face may be quite thin so don't remove any of it!
September 7, 200916 yr I can't help with the ID, but if it weighs 220 lbs and you got it for $200 then I think you got a good deal. Use it and enjoy.
September 8, 200916 yr Author I dont mind if it doesn't ring I have a small railroad anvil and it is deafening. I was wondering if I could stick weld onto the edge of the tool steel to build it back out any suggestions? Am I foolish to try or should I leave well enough alone?
September 8, 200916 yr Leave it as it is. Most people when they buy a new anvil, will round the edges off on purpose anyway. You will likely find use for the rounded edge and will learn to like that it is there, the way it is.
September 8, 200916 yr Remember that part of that edge is high carbon steel and part of it is cast iron unless you are really good as a welder and use all the right pre and post heats and rods you are more likely to do more damage than to repair it.
September 8, 200916 yr Author Thanks Guys for the info but can anyone confirm that this is an american star?
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