EarthJuice Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Hi guys, I was looking around craigslist when I found this anvil, looks normal except for the step. Does anyone know why it's like that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neg Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I've seen those holes on the heel before for riveting. Could be wrong, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarthJuice Posted September 27, 2013 Author Share Posted September 27, 2013 Huh, that's pretty cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Customized to make a particular job some smith did a lot of easier. Shouldn't get in the way of general forge work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCal Dave Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Sorry, but that anvil doesn't look normal to me. Besides the rivet holes, I see a depression on the face where it has had lots of wear. It doesn't look flat or level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Looks like a peter wright, they were pretty bad for developing sway were they not? I understand that's why they started making the face ever so slightly curved. To reduce the sway over time. This was because they used "solid wrought" which was a tad softer than the "best scrap" that everyone else used, as the scrap inevitably contained a bit of steel too. As for the anvil, if it's a good price, go for it. If it's expensive then don't bother. It will give many years of service as is! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 You don't need flat and level for most smithing jobs, smooth is more to the point. For things like straightening blades a slight sway is preferred as it helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 When an anvil's face rolls and sways like the surface of the ocean, you have a problem. A bit of dip, though, isn't an issue. You have plenty of flat surface to forge one, and the swayback can help you in a lot of operations. The key is that everything is still on the same plane. The rivet divots in the cutting table? No big deal. I cannot tell you the last time I actually used the cutting table for anything other than a place to set a tool. I certainly wouldn't think to cut on one! My only worry about that anvil is that someone might have ground it down. A simple bearing test will show if it's still a solid face, though. The squareness of the corners aren't a bad thing, but when combined with the swoop of the face.... it would behoove you to check the hardness of the face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nankbrown1227 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I love the cutting table on my foster, it is beat to pieces but the far side still has a true and sharp edge so I use it all the time as a fuller, I just use a smaller hammer and take more heats to keep from busting it up. It looks like the cutting table on this anvil still has good edges, and the rivet divets could be a god send! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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