navasky Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 This just popped up in my (very anvil poor) area. It's 78 pounds. The owner is asking $300 which is too much imo. I was thinking of offering him $200. Does that sound about right? Can anyone identify the brand? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 What does the bottom look like? Have you done the ball bearing test? Any discernable writing on the sides? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navasky Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 What does the bottom look like? Have you done the ball bearing test? Any discernable writing on the sides? I haven't seen it in person, and the ad doesn't mention any writing. I definitely plan to do the bearing test before handing over any money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 The anvil looks to be in decent shape. And forged anvils under 100 lbs command a premium. If it has a hard top with good rebound, and is a name brand, $300 is not out of line. But, we always try to save what we can. Cash is king. I like to show up with what I want to offer in twenties in one pocket, and a few more hidden away, for "negotiations". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Oops, double post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Ask them what the bottom looks like would probably be the fastest way to narrow it down as to which brand; but the ball bearing test is the key; far better a no name with good bounce than top brand with no bounce (usually due to surviving a fire or welding or machining by a previous owner) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Ivan Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Don't take this as a definite assessment, but the flare out on the feet makes it look a bit like a columbia anvil...a very good find if it is. 300 bucks is not horrible but there is still a chance you could snag it for 200...a more reasonable offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatfudd Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 There is a nice Hay Budden on SF craigslist for $300. It 85 lbs and looks like its in excellent condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navasky Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 Thanks for the input everyone. Fatfudd, I saw that anvil earlier, it's actually selling for $350. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I also think it is high , and also light in weight. With any purchase it will come down to what you can afford, not us. If you can afford a particular anvil, and it suits your needs, buy it. I may be the exception with all of my 6 anvils running around $1 a pound. They run 50#-306#. If you think this anvil is overpriced, keep looking for a less expensive one. They are out there, but how long do you want to wait? Mine were purchased over a span of 35 years. The first 3 came out of your area when I lived in Fairfield, the last three came out of the Las Vegas valley in the last 3 years. Craigslist accounted for the LV trio, a machine shop auction, high school sell off, and a friend's newspaper prowess found the other 3. Again, only you can set what is affordable to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navasky Posted November 24, 2013 Author Share Posted November 24, 2013 Well I ended up getting it for $250. Rebound is about 90% and the face is nice and smooth underneath all the rust. It's marked "78" on the side and has a 7 and 139498 on the front. Can anyone ID it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 It could be a Hay-Budden. Try to take more of the paint off above the weight markings. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Hay Budden. they have a quite distinctive "hourglass" indentation on the bottom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatfudd Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Yep Hay budden, you can see the number stamped under the horn. Good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinton Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Your next question- How old is it? 1907 according to Anvils In America It looks like its in good shape I think you got a fair deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Good score! Looks to be in good shape. You'll like your "new" Hay-Budden! Forge on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Excellent anvil. Now be sure to really tie it to the earth with a heavy stand so you can maximize its performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navasky Posted November 24, 2013 Author Share Posted November 24, 2013 Thanks for the ID guys and thanks for looking up the serial # clinton. This is my first real anvil so I'm pretty happy. Here are the ASOs it'll be replacing. I have a nice 5 ft stump that I'm going to sink into the ground and then bolt the anvil to. Is there anything good to coat it with beforehand to minimize rot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Coating the "stump" depends on the ground conditions and the type of wood you are using. Creosote was the old reliable, but it is extremely hard to obtain today. Linseed oil is available and should do a decent job. Thinning it with turpentine for the first few coats will allow for more penetration into the wood. Finish with some full strength coats. And remember, after 10 - 20 years, if it rots, it is easily replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Greetings Nav, That's a sweet anvil.. It will serve you well.. Forget the stump its just the size to hide under your bed at night... LOL ENJOY Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 soak it in borax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 Easiest way to soak the stump.... stick it in a large trash can and fill said can with a can of boiled linseed oil that's been thinned with mineral spirits, acetone or the like. The wood will suck the oil up through the end grain and you can use the extra to paint the sides. As NJA pointed out, it will only last for a decade or so, but it's easy enough to replace when the time comes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 I use old mine timbers that were well creosoted 50+ years ago and so are not "sticky" anymore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matei campan Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 paint it with some melt tar or some tar diluted in some kind of thinner, even gasoline will work?... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 Use railroad ties, they are pretty heavily creosoted. I have seen temporary freeway sign posts that were termite infested in just a few months. Lots of them up your way. Why bury it? All of my stumps are just sitting on the ground, and do fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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