rail track anvil, hardy hole alt.

[joreve]

My rail track anvil doesn't have a hardy hole. Are there alternative ways to use a swage with the anvil.

[Wrought Iron Farm]

Im no expert by any means, but this is whatI have. I got that whole set up at a scrap yard for $40. That plate is what the RR use to connect the track, so the track anvil fits perfect in the groove. It has 5 square holes and I used 4 inch lag bolts in two holes to lock down the anvil. So there are 3 holes left for hardy holes. Hope this helps.

[Michael]

That's pretty darn smart!  First time I've ever seen someone put the RR track anvil on the RR track plate.

[John McPherson]

Sure, in order from difficult to easy. ;)

 

(1) cut a hole in the track section with a torch or drill, then square it up. By hand, with files and chisels. Hard work is good for you, don'tcha know?

 

(2) Make a post anvil out of heavy wall tube, do the steps in (1) on a piece of plate before welding it to the tube as a cap.

 

(3) Weld a section of square tube to the end of a spike, drive that in the stump next to your anvil-like object. Heck, if the stand is metal, weld it directly to the stand.

 

(4) Weld a section of square tube to the end of the rail. 

 

(5) Get a leg vise, mount it nearby. Trust me, you will LIKE this option.

[joreve]

Thanks. All great ideas. I love the track plate.

[Dan C]

I mounted mine vertically

[Frosty]

You can use the junction between the web the rail or the flange as swages. You do NOT need a hardy hole on the anvil, you can put one anywhere else and it'll work just as well. Just tie it down solidly.

 

Frosty The Lucky.

[Chinobi]

check your PM when you can, if we are able to link up I can bring my post vise as it is purpose built for travel.  100lb London pattern (5/8th inch hardie hole) as well, but that's a pain to load in and out unless its for a full day, the vice can get set up in a few minutes without assistance.