TrentMM Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Not too long ago I found an old cast steel bar buried near a house. This bar is about 5" square and 20" long with a loop at the end and a broken section at the rear. I asked around about what it was and the best answer I've gotten is that it's some sort of counter weight. I've used this as an ASO without much issue. Is there someone who may know what this piece actually is and wether it's safe to use while forging? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Sorry can't see the picture 5" square take a lot to break; are you sure it's not cast iron? What country you are in may make a difference too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Also, if you use it as an anvil, it's an anvil. It's only an Anvil-Shaped Object if it has the look of an anvil but not the function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentMM Posted September 7, 2018 Author Share Posted September 7, 2018 I'm in the southern United States. I don't suspect it's over 50 years old. It was only buried about 3 inches down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 We won't remember that once we leave this thread, hence the suggestion to edit your profile to show your location as so many answers depend on it. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/53873-read-this-first/ BTW welcome to IFI and pictures would help with identification of your improvised anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentMM Posted September 8, 2018 Author Share Posted September 8, 2018 Thanks for the welcome. Here are some pictures of the weight. The loop broke off some time ago but the rest is still in good enough shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanglediver Posted September 8, 2018 Share Posted September 8, 2018 It's a drive key from a steam powered, 8 lane, bi-level, draw bridge. ... or not. It looks like an anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted September 8, 2018 Share Posted September 8, 2018 Does it ring when you hit it or just thud? When hit with a hammer does it dent easily? As far as the safety concern, it Looks fine to use as an anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajajoaquin Posted September 8, 2018 Share Posted September 8, 2018 5x5x20 calculates out to 142 lb. Thats a nice sized anvil. Whats it from? Who knows? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentMM Posted September 8, 2018 Author Share Posted September 8, 2018 It makes a dull Thur when struck though it doesn't dent too easily. I also have a small section of rail that gives far more when I work with it. I recently re measured it and it comes out to 8x8x46 cm my initial estimation was a little generous. As of now its about 23 kg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 Try drilling on a broken end and see if you get black dust or curling shavings (swarf) White cast iron would not dent too easily either. but steel should have a ring unless it's being damped by the stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentMM Posted September 10, 2018 Author Share Posted September 10, 2018 I'll try that when I get the chance. It has a slight ring when off the stand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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