andrew67 Posted January 19, 2014 Posted January 19, 2014 Hello, I could use some help. I am looking at an ad that is selling a "112 Lb Steel Italian Pattern Anvil". From the pictures is looks like the smaller version of one someone posted of his 100 kg Chinese made anvil. His at least said 100 on the side and "Acciaio" on the side. This one only has the number 20 on the side but it looks identical other than it's been painted. I realize that this is not the best quality anvil out there but since I am a beginner and it he's selling it for $300 Canadian I thought I would take a shot if it's cast steel. I just don't want a to end up with a cast iron piece of junk. Any input will be appreciated. Please see the attached pictures. Quote
Stephen Olivo Posted January 19, 2014 Posted January 19, 2014 The best thing for you to do is to learn about all the tests that will tell you if it is the higher quality and worth the price and then go test it before you try and buy it. Ball bearing test, winding sticks, straight edge, level, square, scale. All of these tests will tell you how well it will perform for you as an anvil. Quote
John McPherson Posted January 19, 2014 Posted January 19, 2014 What Steven said: you need to be an educated consumer, or take someone along who is, to inspect before buying. I can not find a supplier (of any sort) that sells that pattern in the US. No tag or makers mark is not a good sign. Repainting a new anvil is worse. Without some sort of dealer info or guarantee, you are buying on faith. Hope is not a sound business plan, trust has to be earned. Any way we could look at this ad ourselves? Quote
andrew67 Posted January 19, 2014 Author Posted January 19, 2014 Sound Advice for sure. Thanks! I would post the link but for some reason the copy/paste feature isn't working on this page. It was posted on Kijiji in Ontario, Canada if that helps but don't go to too much trouble. In the end I am hoping the guy will let me smack it a couple of times with a hammer. or at least offer some more information than what he's posted if I email him. I appreciate your input. Quote
John McPherson Posted January 20, 2014 Posted January 20, 2014 Looked at the ad, he is pretty tight-lipped except to say that is 50 Rockwell, which would make it steel and not iron if true. Possibly an eastern European cast steel product and not an Asian ASO knock-off. Quote
andrew67 Posted January 20, 2014 Author Posted January 20, 2014 I've just been emailing back and forth with him and it is in fact a Chinese make. Apparently the one he is selling is not the one in the pictures, but another one of the same style under the name Acaccio made for the Italian market. The one pictured is a smaller version which is why it has a 20 (kg) marking on the side. He assures me the one he is selling is 112 lbs (so it should have a 50 on the side) and he assures me it is cast steel. In another thread on this site a poster who is living in China bought what sounds like the exact same anvil but in the 100 kg/220 lb range with a 50 Rockwell face. So this one is starting to sound more legit for what it is. I figure since I am a beginner and not planning to do any heavy forge work it should be fine to learn on. Everything else I can find which are old drop forged Peter Wrights, etc are just too much money for me to invest at this point and I've been looking for months. I really appreciate your time and your advice John. Hopefully this turns out to be as advertised. Quote
andrew67 Posted January 22, 2014 Author Posted January 22, 2014 I picked up the anvil yesterday. It looks exactly like the pictures only heavier (50 kg). It doesn't have a great ring, but it is definitely cast steel. I guess I'm happy. Wish I could have afforded better but like I say it will be good enough to learn on. Quote
Glenn Posted January 22, 2014 Posted January 22, 2014 Look on the site for beginning projects that you can make now. Practice and keep the best. Do not sell the anvil short, it is now your anvil and ready to work. By summer you will have both hammer time and a supply of things to sell, s hooks, drive hooks, triangular dinner bells, tent stakes, cooking tripods, etc. Continue to make bigger and better things and the anvil will both pay for self and start earning you some money. If you add your location to your profile, you may find there are blacksmiths in your area that are willing to help teach you about the craft. Quote
Stephen Olivo Posted January 22, 2014 Posted January 22, 2014 Better then the first ones I got to use. Ring is never positive and has nothing to do with usefulness of the anvil. It is actually detrimental as it will cause more hearing damage sooner. Better if it doesn't ring at all like my anvil. Eather way wear ear protection and be happy you now have a good anvil. Time to strike some hot steel and learn how to use it:D Have fun with it and its worth every penny. :D Quote
dbrandow Posted January 22, 2014 Posted January 22, 2014 If you are able to, feel free to come out to an OABA meeting, its free to come out, you can talk with other blacksmiths, watch demonstrations, drink coffee and eat doughnuts, do some forging of your own and get some free advice and pointers, all kinds of good stuff. Our next meeting is February in Milton, check the website for details. Quote
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