Michael Gasbarre Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I picked up this anvil and trying to figure out the maker. I think it may be a Hay Budden but not sure. Here is what I know and can see. The only marks are USA on the side and Z160 and A24594 on the foot by the horn. 28" long and 10" high. I put it on the scale and weight was 150lbs. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubalcain2 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 definitely a Trenton. you can see the diamond logo in the side. normally top quality but that one has delaminated almost entirely, which makes it of little good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boondoggle Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Z160 would be the original weight, 160 lbs. Apparently it lost 10 lb when the top plate parted ways. A new top plate could be welded on, but it's not an easy task. Some have been repaired by arc welding with hard face rod, but I haven't seen how that holds up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 14 minutes ago, Lars_ said: incredible how they don't wear safety glasses When does a blacksmith retire? When he loses his second eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 That trenton is pretty useless for smithing as only the soft body material is left in the heavy working zones. Still worth more than scrap price but not much more, probably about 1/8 as much as it would be worth with a good face on it. As mentioned putting a good face on it would be a lot of work and generally cost more than buying an anvil in better shape. If you decide to try research the Robb Gunther method of anvil repair AND FOLLOW IT TO THE LETTER! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frozenforge Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 It would also appear to have broken in half at the waist hence the bolts/studs and nuts at the base. A good conversation piece as is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I believe this anvil would predate the time where they started to Arc weld the top and bottom pieces together and so would have been forge welded at the waist. We already have a good indication that they were having issues forgewelding on that anvil as the face delaminated; so it's possible that the waist weld is failing as well and the bolts are to hold it together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc1 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I would take it as a practice exercise and add a plate to it. I would use the Gunther method to weld a new plate to it all around and as an experiment, plug weld the plate in two places or three in the centre. Better than 50/50 chance of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I'd go with offset the plate and do a full weld leaving no unwelded areas between the face and body: 100% chance of success Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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