acolton Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 I don't know much about this anvil, but do like working on it other than the ratty edges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsoldat Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 lightly sand the edges at most. looks pristine compared to my anvil. looks like it is ready to go to work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 It isn't worth getting :o . By the way, where did you find it? ;) Siriously, nothing wrong with that cat. I'd be happy to welcom it into my shop anytime. :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Greetings A, Like the boys said . Some light work on the edges with a sander and you have a fine prize... I prefer a 1/2/ radius that tapers to a 1/8 on the far side.. Lucky you Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 As mentioned those "ratty edges" are actually quite good for an old anvil. The cast steel anvils (like that sweedish one) are prone to edge damage. I would just radius the edge a bit and make a hardy tool to use when you *MUST* have a crisp edge. If you do go ahead and weld on it don't forget it's high carbon steel and takes a preheat/slow cool to prevent HAZ cracking and you need to be fairly precise about it so you don't soften it either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judson Yaggy Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 That anvil is just fine. Top quality Swedish cast steel. The medium severity edge chipping is because the face is very hard. High hardness is desirable in a blacksmith's anvil. Unless you are a master welder and know how to retain that hardness thru pre and post heating during the welding process. I'd round the edges a little bit and then let it be. Course it's your tool, if you want to degrade the actual quality in order to make it look good that's up to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Welcome aboard, glad to have you. Please don't make the mistake of welding on that beauty. The casting and heat treatment process for most Swedish cast steel anvils is pretty complex and frankly beyond the scope of most blacksmith shops to reproduce. they were cast in steel molds and after a set interval to cool they were opened, broke out and then set under a water tower with a specific amount of water depending on anvil size. The water was run on the face for a specific time to quench it and then the residual heat in the body was allowed to temper it before a final water cooling. I have a 125lb Soderfors and it's the sweetest anvil I've ever used. As already said, just radius those edges and use a bottom tool if you actually need crisp ones. A little clean up and hot steel worked on the face will see that beauty in fine fettle in no time. Oh and be aware a missed stroke with a hammer or especially chisels and sharp tools will result in damaging the tool, NOT the anvil. Just do NOT miss with a heavy blow and strike the edges, the faces are so hard they are vulnerable to chipping. If you want a feel for how hard, take a new sharp file flat to the face, it should only barely cut, almost skate. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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