JHCC Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I just encountered online a company called "BSL Anvils Australia" that makes four sizes of London-pattern anvil from 45kg/99lbs up to 100 kg/220 lbs. They also have an interesting-looking "knifemaker's anvil" (basically a rectangular prism with one overhanging edge, which has hardy and pritchell holes) in 35kg/77lbs or 50kg/110lbs. All of these are cast in China in 1050 steel and heat treated to 57RC. It doesn't look like these are available outside of Australia, but have any of our Down Under members used one and let us know how they are? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickJ Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Hi JHCC, I just picked one up this afternoon and I decided on the 60kg (132lbs). Its currently sitting on my coffee table waiting for steel to arrive to build a stand. The purchase was fantastic, really great people to deal with and answered so many of my questions! I will give some feedback once I have used it a bit, however you can't go wrong for the price. This will be replacing my big lump of 4140 (unhardened), which will have its stand reduced in height to be a striking anvil. Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 Don't forget the pics if you want us to believe you actually got it. Congrats. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickJ Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi All, Here it is after cleaning up the horn and shelf with a flap disk. I still have a bit more to do (mostly smoothing the point), however that will be easier when the stand is finished and I'm not working on the ground. The steel has arrived for the stand, now I'm just waiting on a 16mm drill for the tie down bolt holes. Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HillcroftIronworks Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 Hey Nick, Any update on your thoughts of this anvil? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickJ Posted November 25, 2021 Share Posted November 25, 2021 (edited) Hey, Sorry for the slow reply. So I have only just been able to mount the anvil on the stand I made months ago. xxxx Covid lockdown meant I couldn't visit my parents farm where my forge is. The stand is 1" plate with 3x2x1/4" legs filled with sand. It weighs nearly as much as the anvil which seems to provide great support. It worked out to be good timing as I got to finish the rough forging of my first hammer on it. I want to say it's fantastic, however I haven't used any other anvils (just my big block of unhardened 4140). And of course pics. Edited November 25, 2021 by Mod34 Inappropriate language Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojo Pedro Posted November 27, 2021 Share Posted November 27, 2021 Very nice stand. Anvil looks nice too. How's the rebound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickJ Posted November 27, 2021 Share Posted November 27, 2021 Hi Rojo, I don't have a ball bearing so I haven't done that test, however it does rebound a hammer well when lightly tapped. The positives at this point seem to be: -Easy to tie down with the 4 bolt holes. -Hardness appears correct when tested (with testing files). -Lots of mass under the commonly used area. -Easily cheaper than other options and still half the price of a near wrecked antique anvil here in Aus. Negatives: -The 'as cast' finish corrodes quickly. This is easily wire wheeled off but leaves discolouration. -Maybe not as attractive as some. -It took quite a while to flap disk the 'as cast' finish that was left on the horn. -The horn it quite blunt, however I have heard that some deliberately do this to avoid injury. -3/4" hardy hole. I could have waited for the new design with a 1", however I wanted it immediately. I am still very happy with the purchase (especially for the price) and the weight of the combined package is still moveable whilst being solid and not wandering. Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted November 27, 2021 Share Posted November 27, 2021 To prevent the corrosion you could wipe it down with some BLO (boiled linseed oil) or some paste wax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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