A Pedestal for Pete the anvil

[Matthew2]

I am ready to build a pedestal for Pete the anvil. I am in the brainstorming phase of design which makes me very open to recommendations. What do you see that I do not? I really like the metal stands that I have been looking at on the forum. In particular I like the tripods because I like getting up close to my anvil. Now the complexities; I have a small shop space. I need to have the anvil and stand relatively mobile. My main method for moving equipment is a vending machine dolly. I don't think a tripod design is going to play nicely with the dolly. So I am thinking about a base plate for the stand that I can get the noseplate of the dolly under for moving around in the shop. The drops I have kicking around the yard that could be used are the following:

All measurements are in inches.

 Plates:

23 x 13.5 x 1

24 x 24 x 1.25

12 x 16 x 0.75

12 x 16 x 0.75 

A round plate:

21 inches in diameter 0.5 inches thick

A piece of C channel:

49.5 long 12 x 3 x 38

Square tube:

58 long 5 x 5 x 0.25

The base of the anvil is 12 x 15.25 and the height if 12.25

I like the face of an anvil at about 31.5 inches off the ground. I have tried the half inch plywood trick and this gives me consistent circular hammer marks.

I mostly do small work but every now and then will work on something big.

My design questions:

I have thought about using either the 24 x 24 plate or the round plate for the base of the stand. Each has its perceived advantages. The 24 x 24 would be heavier and have a lower center of gravity meaning more stable all the way around. The round plate is more flexible in placement, takes up less space and is less of a trip hazard. Which should I use and why? Maybe I could cut the 24 x 24 into a round as a compromise?

I have thought about using either the 12 x 16 or the 23 x 13.5 for the top or mounting plate of my stand. The 23 x 13.5 is thicker and would provide some extra table space. On the other had, I have two of the 12 x 16 and could weld them together for greater support if needed. (I don't know if that is a good idea or bad? I know you don't want to just stack steel but it seems the welding makes them act more like one piece of steel) The 12 x 16 gives a cleaner profile allowing me to stand closer to the anvil.Again I am torn over which would be better? I am even open to cutting the 23 x 13.5 down to fit the base of the anvil to gain the thicker plate without welding the two smaller plates together. Which is best? Is it handy to have extra space on the top of the stand or does it just get in the way?

I planned on using the C channel for the legs and just using two with one forward and one aft. I am thinking about welding these plumb because I have the base plate for stability. I am also thinking about putting the webbing toward the middle for greater support directly under the body of the anvil. Something like ]   [ instead of [   ]. I think that this added support directly under the body of the anvil comes as a cost of reduced resistance to twisting moment. What do you think? 

I have also considered welding the vertical portion of the stand and the anvil closer toward one of the sides of the base plate again for ease of tipping and moving with a dolly where the anvil will be right up against the dolly during transport. If this is just a bad idea, please let me know.

If I had a good drafting program I would draw up what I am thinking. Are there any free drafting programs that somebody can recommend?

Is there anything else that I am missing?

Thank you in advance.

[Frosty]

Wow, that's a lot of reading for brainstorming unless you're talking about the brainache kind. How about a round base plate so you could tip it up on edge and roll it like a keg. Just don't make it so wide it's too hard to tip up and balance.

Frosty The Lucky.

[ThomasPowers]

Tip up wheels on the double leg end and build a hardy hole handle to securely hold it as you wheel it around. (assumes it's bolted down to the stand of course.)