Zach Fowler Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 I'm considering building an Anvil like the one in the picture I uploaded, and was hoping to get some advice. I am brand new to all of this and plan to build the tools I need to get started in bladesmithing. Money is tight and I am going cheap to get me started. My question is, is the bottom of a railroad track hardened like the top, or will I need to heat treated. Sorry for the dumb new guy question but any help is greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 Nice picture. Lousy idea. There are several threads on IFI about railroad track and other non-standard anvils. Please read those over; there are some great suggestions there for getting started without investing hundreds and thousands in an anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Fowler Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 Yes Sir, thank you for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-1ToolSteel Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 Not a dumb question, but JHCC is right. Find the local scrap yard and get a big block of steel. It doesn't have to be hardened. Just keep your eyes peeled for "the one" when it finally comes along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Fowler Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 thank you C-1, I appreciate it. I have a family member that is getting me a few good blocks from where he works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlpservicesinc Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 Totally agree.. An anvil like object is more than excellent to use for bladesmithing or even blacksmithing.. Can be very handy and with the prices of used anvils on the rise it makes perfect sense.. And for what it's worth the last time I worked with RR the bottoms were not hardened.. The rail material is a work hardening steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammerfall Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 Anything you can hit hard that doesn't move will get you started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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