Paul Mac Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hi all I am looking for an anvil as I am just setting up a blacksmiths shop at the railway works where I work. My boss has kindly offered to pay for a new one. So two questions:- 1) Where can I buy a new anvil? 2) What sort of size would you recommend? I will be undertaking all types of work, so a general size. Thanks Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GNJC Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hello, I think you would be crazy to buy a new anvil when there are so many good used ones going, ebay has several at the moment. I know a chap who had a large anvil and swage block for sale a few months ago - I think he still has them - he is near Bridgwater. Another chap is about to put two very good industrial swage blocks on ebay. However, hate to write it though I do, if you are set on a new one the obvious place to go is those with a virtual monopoly on new blacksmithing equipment here in the UK... Vaughans. John B is probably the best to seek advice from in re' use and size, but a 3cwt would do for pretty much all but the very heaviest of jobs. If you need an 'artistic' swage block, give me a shout :). Hope that helps, G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old N Rusty Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Godfrey South, WWW Darenth Valley Forge U.K. Is flogging anvils as he is immigrating to Canada. He also has plenty other tools and equipment for sale, none of it cheap, Be sure to use my name, good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Hi all I am looking for an anvil as I am just setting up a blacksmiths shop at the railway works where I work. My boss has kindly offered to pay for a new one. So two questions:- 1) Where can I buy a new anvil? 2) What sort of size would you recommend? I will be undertaking all types of work, so a general size. Thanks Paul A couple of relevant questions first, and please don't take offence. What kind of railway works is it ? (Private manufacturing or a heritage type association, professional or amateur What experience do you have to set up a blacksmith shop? (relevant skills/experience/training) What are you going to work on? (Railway works indicates more industrial type work than ornamental work) Who is going to be using this facility ? (just yourself or others) An anvil may only be a block of metal to beat on, but some blocks may be of a more appropriate shape to work on for the industry they are to serve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Mac Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 John B In answer to your questions:- The railway works I works for has all types of rail vehicles. (Network rail, all the big frieght loco companies, GB Rail Frieght, DB, DRS, etc. Heritage steam lococs) Experiance wise:- 25 years a fitter, welder/fabricator, machinist, pipefitter, toolmaking. Blacksmith training, 2 years at college plus years of forging tools. I will be making tools, and small parts. Also some ornamental work. I will be the only one using the equipment. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick maxen Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Paul, there are so many old anvils here in the UK that are better than buying a new cast one. I have a 300lb Peter Wright anvil I am looking to sell if you are interested. Mick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 John B In answer to your questions:- The railway works I works for has all types of rail vehicles. (Network rail, all the big frieght loco companies, GB Rail Frieght, DB, DRS, etc. Heritage steam lococs) Experiance wise:- 25 years a fitter, welder/fabricator, machinist, pipefitter, toolmaking. Blacksmith training, 2 years at college plus years of forging tools. I will be making tools, and small parts. Also some ornamental work. I will be the only one using the equipment. Paul Hi Paul, You should have a good idea of what you need then, A lot of the maintenence shops favoured double ended or boat anvils, New or used would be your choice, so long as the used one was in excellent condition that would be fine, sometimes though it can take a fair bit of time to come across one in the right condition, Mick's could be that one, also collection/location can be a problem, If you have a sponsor and the price is not too much of a problem, new could be the best option, If you are working to a budget price from the sponsor, you will get more anvil for your money for a used one Two and a half hundredweight (280lbs) upwards would be suitable IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cvmikeray Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Also if like in the States, the company is buying so new is a better business choice for many reasons, taxes being one of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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