A friend cut me an oak block for my anvil. Unfortunately he cut it 75 mm or so (3”) too short. I have a couple of choices. Either I can mount it ‘side grain’ or mount some blocks underneath to bring it up to correct height. Any thoughts?

 

 

I added a video of the block being cut, the thought better of it (20Mb), but it still seems to be partly attached. Sorry!

Since it is a single block you won't have the issues of stacked lumber interfaces.  I'd suggest trying it and see if it works for you.

The stump I have used for years is too short but I attached 2 4"x 4"s to the stump with lag bolts and put the anvil on top of them and it has worked just fine for 35 years at just the correct height.

"By hammer and hand all arts do stand."

That would bug me. You can add 4x4's to it, of course, but I'd want it one solid piece the right height. As a long-time tree worker, my first thought is that you should just contact a local tree company (or two) and ask if they could set aside a good straight-grained oak trunk piece for you sometime (or hickory, or maple or any other large diameter hardwood in your area.) Be friendly, offer to pay, tell the guy what dimensions you're looking for -- offer to go pick it up -- Arborists come into large logs all the time. Anyone who's at all friendly would have a hard time saying no to a guy with that kind of an approach. My brother and I used to give away nice hunks of wood to all kinds of people for various reasons. Burls to wood turners to make bowls from, etc. Life is short -- get the right piece!  ;-)

It will make absolutely no difference. The only thing that matters is that your anvil is secured to the stand very firmly, and that the anvil stand is secured as well.

Simple solution: amputate your feet.

I would just mount it on the side.  Nice looking equipment you've got there.

Slice 3" off the side of the Block and screw/ glue it to the bottom. The block is a little too big anyway IMHO.

FYI Elm is The preferable wood for an anvil stump.

Depending on what country you are in.

I had elm logs under my anvils then I made steel tripod leg stands , I personally wouldn't go back to logs now.