jwmelvin Posted April 28, 2019 Share Posted April 28, 2019 Although I understand the advice that I can make a usable anvil from scrap metal, there aren’t a lot of scrap yards around me in Northern Virginia. I checked on the usual places and wonder if y’all might comment on a couple of my options. a Peter Wright 160: a Fisher Norris 100: Any thoughts on which would be better and how much might be reasonable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 28, 2019 Author Share Posted April 28, 2019 As an add-on to my question above, if my primary interest is knifemaking, would I be better off with a worn (some sway) ~150 lb used anvil or a new 85 lb. from Holland Anvil? I get the sense that bladesmithing may not require as much mass in an anvil but I can imagine larger is better as a general matter. I will make a massive, stable mount for either. It strikes me that a flat surface could be useful from time to time and that I would one day appreciate it if I have one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted April 28, 2019 Share Posted April 28, 2019 Good question. How much experience do you have at the anvil will make a difference as will how large the blades and stock you plan on using will be. None of us can read the future though. <Sigh> Right now as we type there are world class bladesmiths making good livings forging swords on stake anvils a few inches across and sitting on the ground. Experience and skill makes up for anvil size. That puts a + on the 85lb. new anvil's side of the list. However, if you'd like to maybe do some architectural or decorative projects as well, they might be easier on a larger face and some marks will just be texture. so that's + on the old anvil side. Were I you I'd buy the 85lb. Holland, they're a known quantity and unmarked. You get to put the dings in it if you can. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 28, 2019 Author Share Posted April 28, 2019 That’s kind of the direction I’m leaning. On the anvils pictured above, the top one wants $540 and the bottom wants $400. How does that strike you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 I am astounded that there are no forklifts in Northern VA; I thought they were endemic! If you worry about sound and neighbors; then the Fisher would be a big plus; though there are ways of quieting other anvils. With prices like that I'd go to Holland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 They both strike me as being way over priced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 29, 2019 Author Share Posted April 29, 2019 Thanks for the feedback. That’s what was leading me to a new anvil. Just have to decide if the 85 is sufficient or if I have reason enough to get a 140. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelonian Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 I'm not a knifemaker, so I may be wrong about this, but do you really need the horn or heel of an anvil when forging knives? If not, I would say your best option might just be to go to some scrapyards and find a big chunk of steel with at least one relatively flat face for cheap. I'm of the opinion that hardened anvil faces are a bit overrated for hobby use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 29, 2019 Author Share Posted April 29, 2019 Before I order one I may spend some more time checking scrapyards. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benona blacksmith Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 Does anyone else notice the Fisher has handling holes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 Yes, they were used when grinding them to finish and heat treating. My cast steel Soderfors has handling holes for the same reasons. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedar Crest Forge Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 Holland anvil has a warranty, as I recall. For the same price, would you rather buy a brand new car, or meet someone in a parking lot to buy a used car? You can't call up Fisher if the horn falls off. Not that it would... According to Josh Greenwood, a sway in an anvil has many uses. Adding bevels on blades, for example. However, you can do that on a new anvil as well, just tilt the blade. The PR looks like it has a lot of sway, it may be harder to resell if you upgrade later on. I personally would not buy it for bladesmithing, because of the sway. I can find better, for the money, Bladesmiths do use the horns, depending on the blade style, and tang shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 I have a Vulcan on my wall of shame that has the horn broken off; happened in the local University's Fine Arts Metals classes. The instructor gave both pieces to me after I sourced a swedish cast steel anvil as a replacement---for free. I use it to explain why I don't like Vulcans. (Bad casting defects!). OTOH I love my Fisher and wouldn't trade a pickup for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 29, 2019 Author Share Posted April 29, 2019 I just ordered a Holland 140. Best of both worlds hopefully, and I’m excited to start this new hobby... (and I do realize how much overkill it is) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eventlessbox Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 exciting!!! We can't wait to see pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 I don't think 140 pounds is overkill by any means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted April 29, 2019 Share Posted April 29, 2019 Its certainly not overkill, 140 is a nice size. Just because 85 will do doesn't mean a LITTLE more isn't gooder. The watchword here being, "If a little is good more MIGHT be better." In this case it's true within reason. It's not like you're buying a 600lb. monster. You're going to be a happy customer. Betcha! Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted April 29, 2019 Author Share Posted April 29, 2019 Good stuff, thanks for the encouragement. I will definitely update as things progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 140 lbs is a great size for just about everything. Good choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foundryguy Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 17 hours ago, jwmelvin said: I just ordered a Holland 140. Best of both worlds hopefully, and I’m excited to start this new hobby... (and I do realize how much overkill it is) Thank you for the order JM! We are shipping it today! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanglediver Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 WooHoo!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 My beautiful anvil is here. Now I need to figure out how to mount it! I don’t seem to have a section of tree that is the ~18” length I need. May have to bundle some large lumber; or make a reinforced-concrete stand. I think the former, at least until I know exactly what height I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 I've become a big fan of the welded steel stand, but bundled lumber (stood on end, please!) will certainly work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmelvin Posted May 15, 2019 Author Share Posted May 15, 2019 Since I don’t yet know the height I want the anvil, I made a box to fill with stone dust. It was a quick way to try my new anvil. I just fired up my forge for the first real time and tried to bash some metal. Pretty fun. Here is the result; I started a pair of tongs. They are rough but I think I will be able to make them function. Happy first project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon108 Posted July 19, 2020 Share Posted July 19, 2020 Very nice first project! How are you liking your new anvil now ? Thanks Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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