I need to build a holdfast(something to hold my piece against my anvil while I cut or fuller or punch it) and I'm wondering what the rest of you use or have made. Thanks fotr the inputs.

http://www.iforgeiron.com/Blueprints/BP0016Anvil_Hold_Down/BP0016Anvil_Hold_Down.htm

http://www.iforgeiron.com/Tools/Anvil%20Hold%20Downs.htm

Thanks Irnsrgn. Those are some ideas I can use!

I took a length of chain and attached an old horshoe to one end. I lag bolted the free end of the chain to my anvil stump and throw the chain over the anvil and step on the horshoe to add tension. Now I've bought a larger anvil and will have to make a length adjustment, but no big deal.

This is a photo that Hofi sent into the gallery showing a hold fast.

I make my holddown tool out of a piece of coil spring just smaller than the pritchel hole, then I flatten one end, and shape it depending on what its supposed to hold, and bend it. I dont have a pic, and Im trying to think of how I would describer the shape. Maybe like this, kind of:
.. _
_/ |
... |

Yeah, thats about the best I can give you right now.
(ignore the dots, they are just there to get the spacing right.)
Oh, and you may need to do some grinding on the straight part to get it to bind right. Just hit it downwards to hold, then hit it on the back to release.

This is a photo that Hofi sent into the gallery showing a hold fast.

How is it holding it down? I see one end, but not the other. I'm having a hard time visualizing how it works.

rvb

The Chain ''fast Hold '' is simple. On the other side of each chain there is a weight that is hanging free in the air and holds down the steel.
Hofi

Thank you for the explanation, Uri.

Looks like your hand is right on the hot steel Mr. Hofi. Cool picture though, is that 2 inch square bar?

Sam, compare it to the wrist band on the watch, about 3/4 it looks like.

Uncle Levi,
I use a length of chain lag bolted to the Stump (anvil base) with a hefty peice of 2" round bar welded to the other end. When placed over the anvil the bar stock is about 4" of the floor. If I were to make another I would use roller chain so that it lays flat. The regular chain tends to roll.

JWB

I made a hold down from the movable jaw from a pipe wrench. Dropped it into the hardy hole and then drilled a hole through the side of the lower section and fastened a spring to it that was also fasted to the anvil stump and welded a T handle to the top.

Thomas

Thomas,
I like that Idea. I happen to have a set I saved from a broken wrench in a junk box. Thanks for sharing.

JWB

I just posted a sketch of a hold down that Don Nichols of BAM uses in the Gallery, can't figure out how to attach it to this post, so you'll have to go find it. It's not hard to make, and has the added advantage of having a cutoff plate built right in. I used extensively recently and am just trying to find the spare time to make my own. The picture is under anvil, labeled holddown. If you can't find it, email me and I'll send you a copy.


Whoops, as I scrolled down I think I figured out how to attach it to this post.

My favorite hold is made from the vicegrips that you see on a drill press. I cut off the mounting bolt and welded on a piece of angle that slides easily down the hardy hole. I drilled a 1/4 hole thru the angle just below where it exits the bottom of the hardy hole. I slide a pin thru this hole to keep the visegrip from rising up the hardy hole. The vicegrip is quick to adjust to get just the right pressure you need for the job.

DocDrew

I saw your reference to BAM. Are you located in Missouri?

Bernie

Hello to all!
Thank you for the information about hold fast. Gave me some new ideas!
Regards, Peter

Some GREAT ideas here!!! Thanks everybody!!! Levi

BT
Yeah, I'm up in Jeff City, been here for 3 yrs, was in Columbia in the late 90's. Are you a BAM member?

DocDrew

Yeah, actually I was one of the original members of BAM. I am just about 10 miles south of Jeff City.

Bernie

BT

I'll keep that in mind. I've been toying with the idea of having an open forge one of these days. It's an opportunity for me to steal ideas from other practicing smiths. Will let you know when that happens.