Brenton Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 So this is my first post but here goes. So today my mother was brought an anvil from one of her customers who owns a scrap yard after asking if they had anything of the type. I've been looking to purchase my first anvil for about 3 months now and now I have two (the other being a 100lb Fisher that I bought last Friday). She doesn't know much about anvils and neither did the person selling it. He offered it to her for the rate that he could sell it for scrap (10 cent a pound) because they are good friends, but she gave him $30 for it. Its right at 55lbs and has a decent ring to it, so everyone is very happy. It is stamped Rockwood on the side but thats a brand I've never heard of and I couldn't find any info on it on the web. So basically I'm wondering if anybody knows anything about the band or what it is made of. Pics attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 Welcome aboard, glad to have you. Please put your general location in the header, you'll be surprised how many of the IFI gang live within visiting distance and NOTHING tightens the learning curve like face time with experienced smiths. I don't know anything about the little anvil but it looks to be in fine shape. It looks to be cast from the bottom of the foot. I'd be clearing a space over one of the legs on my bench for it's new home. @ 55lbs. it's perfect for a bench anvil. The Fisher looks good too and will serve you and your grand children well. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 Postman's AIA on page 225 lists Rockwood anvils under various makes of cast steel anvils. He said they weigh about 65 pounds, and the face does not appear to be finished or heat treated. The pic in the book looks to be the same as yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenton Posted July 2, 2013 Author Share Posted July 2, 2013 Just updated my location Frosty and thanks for the info Black Frog. I know cast steel is supposed to be good but what does it mean that the face isn't finished or heat treated? How does that affect how I take care of it / use it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 I'm assuming he means the faces were not ground and polished, and not heat treated hardened. To me that means that I would avoid cold work on the anvil, and use good heats for forging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 Try the anvil out with hot and cold material at a spot near the heel. See if it leaves dents or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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