gjohnsoniv Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I'm new to blacksmithing for the most part and I have been trying to start building up my shop. Would an NC Tools anvil be a decent start, or would I be better suited to find an old one and resurface it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musk-rat Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I have one of their 70# anvils. For the work I do it has been great. The main reason I bought it was I was unable to find an used anvil that was in good shape for the price I paid for it. My only complaint is you will need to strap it down so it does not bounce around since it is somewhat lite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjohnsoniv Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 I was planning on strapping it down on a wood base or welding up a stand and clamps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Why not buy an old one and not reface it? Of the dozen or so anvils I have owned, all have been old and only one has been resurfaced. Also none has cost over US$1.50 a pound including the Peter Wright I bought last year in excellent condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjohnsoniv Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share Posted February 29, 2012 Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any around the Knoxville area. I have a really small one that I was thinking about resurfacing, but It would need a ton of other work. Someone knocked a good chunk off the hardy hole and a little off the horn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 One of the anvils used the most in my shop had the entire heel broken off! I've only been using it a dozen years of so and have never thought of re-working it. New students and heavy work goes to that anvil to keep my better shape anvils in better shape! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjohnsoniv Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share Posted February 29, 2012 Also this one is pretty old so I'm sure it was bound to happen sooner or later. I want to say 1890's was when it was made, but I haven't looked at it in a while so I can remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Ahh 1890's is pretty recent for an anvil; we don't consider them *old* until pre-1800 for the most part. I still use an 1828 William Foster anvil at times, (WF date stamped their anvils) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 I have a 141# Trenton that is in good shape and would not need resurfacing. I have radiused the edges. It was used for years by a farrier and the horn has a grove worn in it but that does not effect the use. I am about 70 miles north west of Knoxville. Come out for a visit and some time in the shop and you can look at the anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjohnsoniv Posted March 1, 2012 Author Share Posted March 1, 2012 I would be more than happy to come by your shop if it won't interfere with anything that you are doing. Where exactly is Sunbright, Tn though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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