I should have been sniffing around, calling forklift repair deal, ect. I called a hydraulic components and repair shop andexplained what I was looking for, and presto!

The guy said I could have it for 20 bucks, it's around 5" in diameter by 8 inches tall. He said it was "chrome bar", but had no info on the type of steel or heat treat. My question is, given the information I gave yall, anyone have an idea of what I have here? All I know is at 48lbs, it's a blessing after the 12# sledge I was using. Thanks in advance.

 

Probably 4130, 4140 or 4340, chrome moly, chrome moly Ni steels used a lot for shafts in hydraulics and machine shops... Possibly the outside has been hard chromed; but that shouldn't affect your use of it.  Build a stand so you can use it on the side for drawing out as well as vertically for regular smithing.

A bit longer and you would have a treadle hammer anvil!

Welcome to IFI... I always suggest reading this to get the best out of the forum. READ THIS FIRST

I appreciate the pointer Irondragon. I notice one end is showing various temper colors, while the other isn't. Would it be advisable to use the color free side as the face? 

This is going in a tree stump, or at least that's my plan. 

 OJ.....what part of the Hoosier State holds yer shadow?  There a bunch of us around. If ya need any local info let me know.    Life is Good        Dave

12 hours ago, Dave51B said:

 OJ.....what part of the Hoosier State holds yer shadow?  There a bunch of us around. If ya need any local info let me know.  

Dave, I'm about 10 or 15 minutes from circle center on the east side. 

I'll need all the help I can get, I'm grateful.

  In that case yer the same as local....Check out the IBA ( Indiana Blacksmith Association ) website. There are several groups within driving distance, even one that meets at the State Fair grounds once a month. I will be heading over to Rushville shop Saturday.       Dave