Northfielder Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 Hello, I have a 158# Wilkinson Anvil that does not sit flat. One of the feet is almost 1/4" off plain from the other 3 feet. I have no idea how it got this way, it doesn't appear to have been damaged in any way e.g. from dropping etc. The Anvil in all other respects is in great shape. I'm looking for advise on best way to fix this, or should I just to leave it ? It is annoying because I can't just set the anvil down and use it (I'm not a Blacksmith, this a shop anvil and gets moved around when it gets used). Is it possible to hammer this back or should that even be attempted ? I don't want to crack the leg. If not, maybe grinding it down would be better ? Thanks - Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan C Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 It would be helpful to please post some pictures. I won't have the experience to help fix it, but the ones on this forum who do will most likely want a visual. And include your general location in your profile, there might be an IFI member in your area who could help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I would not grind away the other legs. I would take a piece of steel and tack it to the bottom of the anvil to correct the rock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 Welcome aboard Mark, glad to have you. Please put your general location in the header IFI members in within visiting distance can't help if they don't know you're there. We really need a few pics but a couple answers that will tell. Is the leg out of alignment up or down? I'm sure someone with AIA will post whether it's a wrought body or cast. If it's cast you'll need to make a stand to compensate as Stewart suggests or weld on a shim as the anvilman suggests. I'm getting to like steel anvil stands more and more so I'd just build a stand that does the adjustment. If it's a wrought iron body, a torch and sledge will do it for you. While you're doing it use a piece of light plate to check the alignment so you don't over adjust. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Wilkinson wrought iron body Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northfielder Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Sorry I wasn't able to get back on here for a few weeks, got busy on a number of other things and didn't have the time. I will post some shots of the anvil as soon as I get the chance. Right now I have it sitting on a stump that I compensated for by using a ball peen hammer to make an indent for the offset foot. I think when I get a chance, I will heat it up and see if I can carefully coax it back into plain with the other 3 feet. (Correct, this is wrought iron) As I stated before, I'm not a blacksmith or a farrier, but just an all round got stuff to fix guy. I don't know how anyone lives without a good anvil. I use this thing constantly. - Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThorsHammer82 Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I know with tube and plate steel you can just heat shrink to true. Meaning one or more heatings on the top of the arch (foot in this case) and after each heat you let it cool. the hot side should shrink some causing the foot to lift up. Not sure if it will work in this situation, or if it's good for the anvil. but if you've got the equipment to do it, it might be worth a shot. as it doesn't require two people to flip and anvil. It would take a monster of a heating tip on that thick of metal though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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