Chris Keppler Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 When i was at the steel supply shop i seen in there cheap stuff a couple large chunks of plate probably 3.5x12x12 probably about 150lb. I was told mild steel but could it be used as a cheap hornless anvil? Would it be harder then the cheap cast harbor freight anvil i have?(hot steal can dent its face) Chris Quote
Cool Hand Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) I find that a good chunk of ice is harder to dent than my POS HF ASO. I use a plate and an "I" beam more than I do the anvil. If I don't find a good anvil soon, I may get smart and weld the plate to the ASO.... Edited January 31, 2009 by Cool Hand Quote
jimmy seale Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 sure it will chris- but i would suggest you put it on edge to get more mass,good luck. jimmy Quote
Chris Keppler Posted January 31, 2009 Author Posted January 31, 2009 On edge makes sense the 12x12 seemed to be an excessively large face. Chris Quote
orgtwister Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 that could make a good anvil i would use its side and make a sturdy stand for it and i would hard face the side you would use and then grind it then sand it smooth and then you have a good home made anvil if you don't have the ablity to do the hard faceing you could check with a local constuction company they usally have someone or a welding service that does that stuff for them Quote
Jack Evers Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) When I first started to shoe horses (50 years ago), I aquired a piece of mild steel about 3-1/2 by 2-1/2 by 18 inches. I cut a horn on it with O/A, welded an I-beam base on it to bring the weight up around 50 pounds and for about 10 years of mostly cold shapeing horseshoes, it was my only anvil. It held up OK. I finally gave it to someone who was starting out. As a side note - the mere thought today of cold shaping shoes on a 50 pounder makes my wrists hurt. Edited January 31, 2009 by Jack Evers Quote
Pault17 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 I would go for it. I would have love to have something like that to start with. On the topic of hard-facing; The main anvil used in the blacksmith shop at the state fair was just resurfaced by one of the old smiths with a whole lotta years of experience. I asked him what he used and he said 70-110. He said that heavy hammer edge hits may dent a little, but there is absolutely no shattering or chipping. Also, it is easier to grind, file and sand. FWIW Quote
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