setlab Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) I found a neat little anvil in a barn that I just bought, it has a little bit of rebound when I drop a hammer on it. I kind of want to keep it around, it looks unique and it's nice to have a small anvil that's easy to move around the shop. But in order to earn it's keep I want to weld up the faces and grind them flat and new again. I'm guessing that it's an older forged anvil from the really short heal and the holes in the anvils body so I assume it's weldable? What do you guys think? Should I fix it up new or let it be and sell it to someone else to try and use as is?I can't find any markings anywhere on the anvil and it feels to be about 75lbs. Any Ideas of what brand it is? Edited June 19, 2015 by setlab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Coachmaker's anvil from one of the 200+ english anvil makers. Yes it's weldable' but remember the body is real wrought iron and the face is a high carbon steel; so preheat for the face and practice welding WI first. I suggest the Gunter method of anvil repair/restoration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I would not attempt to repair that anvil. It is over 150 years old, and has some historical value. You would probably be better off selling it to someone who appreciates the anvil in the condition it is in, and use the money to buy a newer anvil in better shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Don't touch it!! It's a thing of historic beauty. Admire it and ponder its past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Built before 1840 for sure and has seen a lot of use. Is it repairable? Yep. Would I recommend doing it? Nope.You could sell that old girl to a collector for a pretty penny and use the proceeds to buy another anvil. Were you closer, I'd trade you out a nice cast steel anvil I have.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I agree with you Vaughn. That anvil is far more valuable 'as is' than 'repaired'. I have been trying to post a pic of my anvil on the 'A journey for this anvil' thread, but it's locked me out. Vaughn, maybe you could post a reply in that thread and I'll try again. Perhaps the program won't allow me to reply to my own post. Strange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Please don't "repair" that grand old dame! You're most likely to do three things. First is spend more than a new one would cost if you expect ANY guarantee of success. Second is there's a pretty high probability of damaging it worse than it is now. And lastly you will certainly destroy any antique or historical value it has.Sell or donate it and buy a modern anvil. Even donating it will let you claim it on your taxes making buying a new anvil much easier. You'll also be able to work on it without feeling guilty.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setlab Posted June 20, 2015 Author Share Posted June 20, 2015 (edited) I was on the fence about ruining it's collector value if it had any by doing a repair. I'll take your advice and keep it as is, maybe I'll keep it around to trade at the next blacksmith conference I can make it to. I kind of with I had a space in the shop to put my "cool stuff to look at" but it's jammed packed as it is, I know this old anvil would just get pushed in some random corner if I didn't repair it. Edited June 20, 2015 by setlab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setlab Posted June 20, 2015 Author Share Posted June 20, 2015 Pensacola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedefiddle Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Good Morning,Please add your location to your Avatar. It makes it easier to figure out who is near you.Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setlab Posted June 20, 2015 Author Share Posted June 20, 2015 Meh I'm a bit of a hermit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Putting your general location in the header isn't a requirement but get used to people pestering you about it and NOT inviting you to hammer ins, BBQs, etc. because they don't know you're in the area. We don't want your address, just a general location is great. I list "Meadow Lakes AK." Think that'll get you to our doorstep? S'okay though we have a lot of mysterious hermit like members.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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