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I Forge Iron

Trenton anvil?


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Yea!!!!   I finally found an anvil and come to find out it has a name on it.  Trenton with some numbers stamped on the front foot.  I did enough research to figure out that the first set of numbers are the weight T168 and I weighed it with my hanging scale and it's actually 165lbs so maybe it's lost 3lbs from working so hard!  The second set of numbers is what I am trying to figure out,  A34763

I will probably clean it up using the electrolysis method as I have used on several A-C tractor parts to remove the rust and crud.  It appears to have a plate welded to the top, is that normal?  After reading some posts as to how to mount it, I think I will build an angle iron stand with wheels at one end so I can move it around.  I can post pictures if anyone wants them.  thx

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the second number is the serial number and can be dated from it if you have a copy of Anvils in America to hand.

Traditionally made anvils have a plate forge welded on top as the face of the anvil.  Very badly done repairs sometimes arc weld  a piece to the top. Which you have we can't tell from the description.

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The patina is the brown layer, when you wire brush it the loose brown layer will come off leaving the black oxide layer which is actually protecting the iron from further rust. Oil, beeswax or any of the other recipes you can find on IFI will seal it. It is your anvil so you can clean it up as you want. Just dont put it under a milling machine it is in great shape as it is.

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For those who have not ever used "rust removal by electrolysis" it is a great way of restoring old tools and stuff alike.  All it removes is the rust and nothing else.  Once I get it down to bare metal I can coat it with whatever you guys say works the best.  On stuff I am going to paint, I mist vegetable oil on the piece because all it takes is hot soapy water to remove.  I thought I read boiled linseed oil is preferred on anvils,  but I'm open to suggestions, thanks guys!

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