Nice informative video you have here, thank you! Although I haven't done any yet, I hope to do some 'smithing' soon, and recently bought a nice Forged Steel 75# anvil for $200 from a place near here in Sacramento, Calif. Horseshoe Barn, a sort of old fashioned Ferriers and smithing supply store. We have a Harbor Fright too, but I don't buy anything there. A couple friends, older guys, I'm 64..so they are in their 80's, said "be prepared to spend $4-5 a pound for a good anvil."
i found one of those harbor freight stores and sure enough i found anvils, actually i was there cus i was told i could get an angel grinder there for abut $15, but anyways i just happened to spot 2 anvils on display i just took a quick look at them but the small one was about $14 and a bigger one was about $32. i didnt check the weight but i would guess the small one was between 20-30 pounds. ill be going back to get one soon, ill let u know the weight and prices
@aeron159 hey a yr ago i got the small one it is 15lbs-20$.i beat the hell out lawn mower blades straightening the worst of them,and made lots of knives,i put it in my shop for pounding rivets,and brass pins on knife handles, ect...i went back to HF and got the bigger one it's 55lbs-45$.it works good for what it is.i was given a piece of rail track by an old knife maker and i beat all my real hard steel on it.but still use the 55lb cast for wider blades.like the man said on the vid,it will work.
I am using a Harbor Freight cast anvil. #55 for around $60. It's awful. The horn isn't round, it doesn't have a pritchel hole. It has MANY hammer face shaped dings in in and it's got a dip you can hold water in. I'm glad I started with it, I have not ruined a good anvil as a beginner.
I have heard of someone mentioning using a large sledge hammer head and embedding it in a trunk and using it that as a small anvil. What are your thoughts?
Going to be a waste of time, expensive rods, and effort. Most cast iron anvils (except for the SUPER poor mexico ones) already have a steel plate. Take the money you'd spend on rods and go to the scrapyard and buy a solid chunk of steel!
It sort of bothers me that you instantly discount all cast iron anvils. MOST cast iron anvils are crap yes, but MOST cast iron anvils do not have steel faces. The cast iron anvils sold by HF, Grizzly etc do not have steel faces, they're just iron and are what are referred to as ASO's - Anvil Shaped Objects. Real anvils made from cast iron with steel faces are very good. Cast iron anvils wearing the Fisher, and Eagle Brand (later fishers) are GREAT! Even Vulcan are decent.
I live in Asia, Singapore. Is there any way for me to obtain good anvils, my country is very urbanized and I have searched far and wide to no avail, could you recommend a good website perhaps?
This is not the best option, but I wanted to say that all I have in my shop at the moment is a very small and simple post anvil. It consists of a rail spike sunk into a large round of walnut of the appropriate height. All I've done is to dress the head a bit. For small pieces it gets me by for now.
I've seen some in the back of these guys pick ups to sell for scrap iron. I asked one guy to buy it from him. He said it was worth more in scrap iron than the 70.00 bucks i offered him. go figure. Thanks for the info. I plan on looking at your other vids.
Hi, I have a question: I want to buy an anvil here in Colombia and the Lord of the sale of tools is one of 51 kg made in Slovenia or Slovakia (I do not know), Ukraine and Argentina (3 kind of anvil). Its price is U.S. $ 152 each. is expensive or cheap the anvil? Which country has better iron? which should I buy? Thank you very much!
@purgatoryironworks The man of the tools store say me: the anvil is made in steel 305; same of railroad (el mismo del riel de ferrocarril) but i think that railroad is built whit steel 4140.
A couple years back I bought one of those 100# russian anvils, paid 1$/lb. plus tax.
the one I have has the hardy hole on the diagonal compared to a normal anvil, and the nose of the horn is shaped like a duckbill. I have pounded a lot of iron on it as well as loan it to the Westarn Reserve Artist Blacksmith Association (a club I belong to) needless to say it's been through the wringer so to speak and it's holding up well...
This is awesome stuff..love ur work, wish all the educational vids I watch were this easy to grasp...you mentioned in an earlier vid that you demonstrated at a renasaince fair (spelling) I think I have seen you, seem familiar and i believe I have a piece of your work on my wall...lol, batwing dagger..could be wrong..again great work
im just starting to get into blacksmithing i got an old antique forge with blower that works and it is rusted up should i remove the rust before using it and what is a good cheap fuel that i can come by easily
good piece of info, glad somebody mentioned the albana piece, looking up your local state chapter area also depending is good as well. (thats how i got my first anvil 7 years ago 200 lb PW 1870's damn good condition) Heh my old master still wants that anvil. Gotta invent anvil lojack or something... john - a brotha up north. ps i give you props not many videos on here really help people get into the trade. I know i wuld not have the patience to do this on youtube. The stupid level is high.
OFFSHORE WELDERS EARN $2,775.00 PER 84 HR. WORK WEEK. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING OFFSHORE AS A WELDER, AND OR WELDER'S HELPER, OR GALLEY HAND, OR COOK, PLEASE SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
for anyone who watches this video after this point i would like to say that harbour freight now gets their anvils from china and they are very poor quality cast iron
I just want to say, your video's have provided me with lots of general knowledge, and also have saved me lots and lots of money. I just want to thank you.
another option is to collect X-pounds of steel junk, smelt them all together, and cast your own steel anvil.
It is Imperative that you be beyond sure, that all of your molds and forms are symmetrical and level, but it could be potentially cheaper than slamming your wallet for purchasing one.
Zoie, Whereas I appreciate you exuberance, I also understand that you have collected most of your information from tid bits rather than actual practice. I understand you wish to sound knowledgeable on the subject but one gets into dangerous territory when a person starts speaking beyond his or her range of experience. The process you described involves crucibles and highly specialized equipment.,is this really cheaper than buying an anvil?
@purgatoryironworks It's hard to tell if the person knows the difference between smelting and melting, but you can forge weld your own anvil from other pieces of steel. Just takes a lot of time, patience, and heat. I've seen it done.
Advising this is not a good idea, If an an individual has access to a modern foundry or experience. He would not be here asking help. Hell a historic shop i run in my free time still has splinters and nails in ceiling from an alum pour gone bad. KEEP in mind these guys were professional foundrymen who came out to demonstrate their skill to the public. All it takes is just a bit of moisture, ie a mold sitting overnight in wierd weather and BOOM. They were all fine though.
another option is to collect X-pounds of steel junk, smelt them all together, and cast your own steel anvil.
It is Imperative that you be beyond sure, that all of your molds and forms are symmetrical and level, but it could be potentially cheaper than slamming your wallet for purchasing one.
the harbor freight anvil is steel and it rings the face is a little soft but it is a good anvil for that price i have seen them my self my friend and i have worked on the one he has several times the horn i kinda misshapen so you may have to reshape the horn and re polish
I went out and bought one on my lunch. Unfortunately, the one I bought thunks. Oh well. At least I have one! Thanks for the tip! I've been looking for a long time, to no avail, and wasn't comfortable spending several hundred dollars on something I may not like after trying it. (doubtful :-D )
@MonieMcMurtry i may have had good luck with that but you will find one soon enough check craigs list and ebay but if you want to spend the money buy a good american anvil from centaur forge or just google amreican made anvils good luck
A quick and dirty homegrown anvil can also be had from a heavy equipment shop. Worn cutting edges off large equipment are laying around and can be cut to a useful shape, some come with square holes (hardy) already punched out and by welding the cutting edge to a piece of i beam you've got a solid base. Tough steel but it should be preheated for welding to avoid a brittle joint. Made 2 out of a 1.25" thick dozer edge so far for friends and there still holding up.
Depends on if that vulcan is cast iron or wrought iron. If its wrought, its fair deal, if its cast, no go. I believe that most vulcans were cast iron. A picture would be helpful
Thanks for the quick reply. I did the hammer test like you suggested and there was absolutely no ring more of a thud! So I'm guessing probably cast iron, but the anvil appears top be in good condition and I'm using a piece of railway track currently and I'd really like to get something more substantial to beat on.
When you say no-go on the cast, is that because of the $250 price or just because cast iron anvils just suck, period? What would be a fair price? It has an arm an hammer on it's side.
For what you are doing cast would be fine, its better than a railroad track. But at 250 dollars, its a no sale. For 250 buck a t the scrap yard you can buy a block of something huge that will last a lot longer!
"yours for the asking" so true Trent man you ain't gonna believe it I gots two anvils both of with raw iron with that sweet ring free one's about 50lbs and the other well idk how heavy i'll just say we had to get in the back of the truck with an engine crane boy it was heavy gettin it out was easy push fall DING! problem solved
@purgatoryironworks I know the price might have been a lil extreme, but i had to add it to my collection, there was no way i wasnt geting that anvil, but its ok because i have had my share of insane bargains like the 900+ lb fisher anvil that i bought for 80 dollars, or the entire blacksmith shop i bought out in scranton pa for 300$, or the 2 handcrank blowers and the lever blower and a giant electric blower that i got for 5 dollars each at a yard sale, so in the end it all evens out
Trent great video series. I will make a statemet on the harbor frreight anvils. They have stopped carrying the cast steel anvil. you can still get them on ebay, But grab your ankles. I use a harbor freight anvil daily, and they do work.
Thank you for taking the time to enlighten those of us who are just starting out! It's hard enough to find someone who has the time or patience to teach a beautiful art like this to the "techno-savy" generation.
Love your videos ! JHM advertises on YouTube that they cast ductile iron anvils and claim they are the finest anvil made. They continue to say that the ring doesn't say anything about the anvil. This contradicts this video, at least it seems to. Can you shed some light on these ductile iron anvils being as claimed or not? Thank You
Im going to have to fess up to some ignorance here. In modern times with cast chrome-moly steel anvils, its hard for me to understand why anyone would cast from ductile. It would require the addition of a top steel plate. Remember that back in the day, anvils only came in three flavors, wrought, wrought with steel face, and cast iron with steel face. A ring indicated that a) the welds were sound and b) that it wasnt cast iron
Thanks for the reply. I suspect he may have a different application. I am just looking at this to augment my retirement. Im giving up high tech industry in May and retiring. This may be the perfect thingto add into my home shop. I have the basics for working metals but not forging. I weld, stick & torch and fabricate airboats for myself. Forging and Smything could be the perfect retirement activity.
This vid is an excellent primer. You just taught me in roughly 9 minutes probably more valuable information than I got in each of my classes at college.
Lot of great free information here. Would have saved me lots of time and dollars years ago.
After you have ring tested the anvil like Trent told you , NEVER strike the hammer directly on the anvil again.
Also remember some of the finest swords ever made were made in Japan on a plain rectangular block of steel (anvil) with no horn or heel or pritchell or hardy hole. Just a block of steel.
Good Job Trent!. You're inspiring me to start back up.
also a good tip for those starting out, get in touch with a local albana chapter, there are many collectors and horders out there that have pallets full of near mint peter wrights, hills, fishers, haybuddens etc and once they know you and watch you forge, and once you get your hammer control up they will usually ask you hey come over and take a look, thats how i got my peter wright, never welded or dressed, and absolutely beautiful for a few hundred bucks for a 200 pounder give or take 10 pounds
my friend has an anvil that is made out of a rail. The top is milled perfectly flat and one side has been shaped into horn. Its really nice for what it is and you can tell some one spent a lot of time making it. he got it for 10 dollars at yard sale from a woman that said it had been her fathers but she didn't know if he had made it
A salvage yard is a good idea! it Is a place where one might actually find a piece of rail to make an anvil with. (No legal worries.) You would have to put a lot of work into it to make flat and true surfaces though. One might just find a large block of steel which would do as well, and there is the slight possibility that one just might find a real anvil, if you are lucky, for pennies a pound.
Ok ive been smithing for about 8 years now some for profit and some for fun. As to the RR track issues most of my family is either retired or working for the railroad . Owning of any railroad iron is illegal however finding someone who will care is the issue. The steel used on RR track section is also slightly curved so this will affect your finished work. Ok so I have used both the cast iron and steel anvils from horbor freight. The iron will get u by for a while but get the steel if u can
Harbor Freight anvils come in two flavors. The older ones made in China and the newer ones made in Russia. Both are 55 lbs not 100. Before buying one make sure it is the Russian made model.
I did check the scrap yard and they had some tool steel that were 6x6x3.5 inches that were around 50 lbs for $50. I'm not sure if I should get the HF or scrap yard steel. Probably do the HF because you get the horn with it.
In Australia you,ll find that its illegal to be on railway land. Also, here they,v started to clean up scrap rail from the side of the tracks because kids have been walking the tracks and finding nice anvil size pieces of rail and laying them over the tracks, (apparently this wont derail the trains, but it makes a hell of a noise). So i went to the closest rail infrastructure yard and asked for a piece, after a bit of umming and arrring the guy snuck me out a piece and told me not to tell.
If your worry,d you might need a piece of paper then stop rite now... they cant give you rail, because money can be made if they sell it for scrap... But its not a crime to have rail... just tell the anvil police that you bought your rail years ago from a scrap metal dealer and that you no longer have the receipt for it because you didnt think the rail was going to break in a hurry... having said that, it is a crime to thieve rail.. so try an obtain it from the rail yard from one of the guys.
Now, lets say I have a friend who has a piece of railroad. If he gave it to me to use as my anvil, would I still need to get some kind of permission? I live in Illinois if it makes any difference.
i was wandering about the piece of RR track,should the bottom part be used to hammer on? is the top of the track not kinda rounded off/not exactly flat? i was just being curious cause thats probably what i'm gonna start off with.Thanks a bunch Trenton,i/we enjoy all the videos(even if there is no fire a burning..lol).Bobby in north/central TN.
I got my rr track at my local scrap yard. They cut off a section about 18 inches long for me for about 40 cents a pound ( just because they had to cut it)
I got lucky. Traded a cord of firewood for a 120-pound Fisher, made in 1887. There isn't a sharp corner left on it, but it's in one piece and it works.
The Russian anvils are a good starter, after a bit of work. They are cast steel and the finish on the face is very rough, and you can still see mold marks on the bick. That said, you some work with a belt sander is well worth the mass and area of these anvils. You are absolutely correct about $1 a pound or less anvils for the beginner. it is no time for snobbery. That is a fine example you have there. I like your videos and delivery. keep going,
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this beautiful art of blacksmithing. This night i started watching the first video about how to make the forge, and i've been watching them all by now!!
thanx for all of the vids on youtube! you rely started it all for me in blacksmithing. but i just wanted to tell you that i have found that if you take part of "I beam" then set it on a big log then that will work very well (thats what i use anyway)thanx again.
First let me say, Thanks for all the great videos. Just to let you know, I have also heard that the Harbor Frieght anvils are very soft and mark easily.
Trenton, first, thanks, second, you are a talented show master besides being an expert blacksmith. Its a pleasure to view your tutorals. Congrats. Walter from Colombia, you got me started.
hi trenton, my uncle recently found me an anvil in the middle of the woods and it must be a hundred years old, and it was broken in half right at the hardie hole, my welding instructor told me he could try to fix it but i dont have the broken piece to weld. how do you think i could fix it?
i actually have about 4ft. of railroad track that my father obtained, the surface is rounded on top, but the bottom is flat, plus its incredibly heavy, how could i shorten it, would a regular cutter work, or would i need 2 get a plasma cutter?
I am a steel worker and let me tell you a plasma cutter won't cut it. Literally. First very few places will have a plasma cutter big enough to cut through railroad track, and second a plasma cutter will take the temper out of the steel. What you want to do is find a steel shop that has a band saw, and pay the money to have them cut it down.
Hatred has a fine point but The surface of that track is hardened and its going to spit a bandsaw blade back at you. HOWEVER, do go to the local shop and get them to cut it with a oxy/acy torch. If they have a larger one, as most do, it shouldnt be an issue!
i cut a section of track last week with a oxy/acy torch using a #1 size tip. it wasn't a fast cut, but it was a good clean cut. just make sure you use a clean tip.
Just some information for the viewing audience. I searched for a while for my railroad track. The railroad company had no idea what I was talking about so I looked up the name of a Rail Road contractor in the area and called them. I bought two 30" sections from them. So I don't have "written permission" from the railroad company and from what I was told, I don't need it. Keep up the good work!!!
Man I've watched almost all of your instructional videos and let me tell ya.. You rock! Dude I just got into blacksmithing and I'm lovin it! Thanks for all the advice. I'm suscribing!
this video was very helpful i also found it funny that you went to get some sweet as i type this i in fact am drinking sweet tea but anyway i liked your video and i subscribed
Well My parents okayed it so i am going to start blacksmithing my friend already agreed to be my assistant. please send any advice That you think is needed. Want to be friends i'll send an invite
We just got a harbor freight store here in MS and I went down to check ou the anvil, and it is actually from China. It looks ok, but the horn is grossly misshapen.
Why we plot our take over of the north, which has been made far easier by the advent of "Starbucks" and "Queer eye for the straight guy". We anticipate a complete victory in less than 24 hours....
For those looking for Blacksmith groups, there are such groups in most states, and regions. They can be found on google etc, or you might try going to the A.B.A.N.A. site, and look up chapter groups in your area. These groups have hammer-ins, where anyone can show up, and see, and learn how to do this type work. they all have newsletters, that contain tutorials, demos, and buy/sell pages. dues are usually $20. or so, and are a great source of resources, and equipment. highly recommended.
Harbor Freight does offer both Cast iron, and cast steel anvils, so be careful which you are looking at. The steel anvil is always better than a cast iron anvil. If you have, or end up with a cast iron anvil, you can fasten a tool steel plate to the the table surface.most people use plain old machine screws, and this will give you a reasonable working surface. Wrought iron anvils had a piece of tool steel forge welded to the table in MFG, to give a good tough working surface.
I recently bought a 75 pound farriers anvil for $125 it has a good ring to it and it seems to work well but I have no idea of what kind of anvil it is or where is it from , the only markings it has are N.C. above a horseshoe do you know anything about this marking?
I went on e-bay a few days ago just to see what was available out there. They had a bunch of anvils, and the curious thing I discovered was that the hardie was anywhere from 7/8" to at least 1 1/4". Is there one size that is easier to find tools for? I suppose if I even find a suitable anvil I will get it no matter what. BTW, most of the e-bay ones were in Michigan; do they migrate up there seeking magnetic North, or what? Can't imagine paying shipping...
Nice informative video you have here, thank you! Although I haven't done any yet, I hope to do some 'smithing' soon, and recently bought a nice Forged Steel 75# anvil for $200 from a place near here in Sacramento, Calif. Horseshoe Barn, a sort of old fashioned Ferriers and smithing supply store. We have a Harbor Fright too, but I don't buy anything there. A couple friends, older guys, I'm 64..so they are in their 80's, said "be prepared to spend $4-5 a pound for a good anvil."
dougspair 3 weeks ago
@dougspair OH..by the way, that's a JHM Basic, new over $400.
dougspair 3 weeks ago
great video very helpful
i found one of those harbor freight stores and sure enough i found anvils, actually i was there cus i was told i could get an angel grinder there for abut $15, but anyways i just happened to spot 2 anvils on display i just took a quick look at them but the small one was about $14 and a bigger one was about $32. i didnt check the weight but i would guess the small one was between 20-30 pounds. ill be going back to get one soon, ill let u know the weight and prices
aeron159 1 month ago in playlist More videos from purgatoryironworks
@aeron159 hey a yr ago i got the small one it is 15lbs-20$.i beat the hell out lawn mower blades straightening the worst of them,and made lots of knives,i put it in my shop for pounding rivets,and brass pins on knife handles, ect...i went back to HF and got the bigger one it's 55lbs-45$.it works good for what it is.i was given a piece of rail track by an old knife maker and i beat all my real hard steel on it.but still use the 55lb cast for wider blades.like the man said on the vid,it will work.
kickingbird2012 3 weeks ago
I am using a Harbor Freight cast anvil. #55 for around $60. It's awful. The horn isn't round, it doesn't have a pritchel hole. It has MANY hammer face shaped dings in in and it's got a dip you can hold water in. I'm glad I started with it, I have not ruined a good anvil as a beginner.
mikedelam 1 month ago
good info . i was given a 14inch piece of rail that my friends granfather had ,do you think i'll have any problems with the authorities.
tibbs4204 1 month ago
I have heard of someone mentioning using a large sledge hammer head and embedding it in a trunk and using it that as a small anvil. What are your thoughts?
user240485 2 months ago
would a few weights work ok? nailed to a board. i have some 25lb weights sitting around
twag0735 2 months ago
Thank you for the info. Your videos are great and they have the information I've been looking for that no one else takes the time review.
CemeterySunshine 2 months ago
Wat metal should I use for a katana
proparkourrussia 2 months ago
It was suggested to me that I should get a cast iron anvil and weld a steel plate on to it. What are your thoughts?
SgtJesse 3 months ago
@SgtJesse
Negative Ghost Rider.
Going to be a waste of time, expensive rods, and effort. Most cast iron anvils (except for the SUPER poor mexico ones) already have a steel plate. Take the money you'd spend on rods and go to the scrapyard and buy a solid chunk of steel!
purgatoryironworks 3 months ago
It sort of bothers me that you instantly discount all cast iron anvils. MOST cast iron anvils are crap yes, but MOST cast iron anvils do not have steel faces. The cast iron anvils sold by HF, Grizzly etc do not have steel faces, they're just iron and are what are referred to as ASO's - Anvil Shaped Objects. Real anvils made from cast iron with steel faces are very good. Cast iron anvils wearing the Fisher, and Eagle Brand (later fishers) are GREAT! Even Vulcan are decent.
BBenefield1982 4 weeks ago
Many thanks for your informative video on Anvils. You have won me over.
rjsahadi 3 months ago
what are "cast steel" anvils like? are they any good?
princessautoDOTcom/workshop/garage/vises-and-anvils/vises/3430061-75-lb-cast-steel-anvil
alzathoth 3 months ago
@alzathoth
Hmmm, I dont think thats cast steel, its molded like cast iron, ping test it in the store. If its steel, for 75 bucks, you cant go wrong
purgatoryironworks 3 months ago
what are "cast steel" anvils like? are they any good?
alzathoth 3 months ago
canadians here is a decent cast steel anvil
princessauto. com/workshop/garage/vises-and-anvils/vises/3430061-75-lb-cast-steel-anvil
scottiblasto 4 months ago
I live in Asia, Singapore. Is there any way for me to obtain good anvils, my country is very urbanized and I have searched far and wide to no avail, could you recommend a good website perhaps?
lordianed 4 months ago
Glass of ice tea and a ring test, A man after my own heart,
Thanks a million man your a man that makes this world a better place
TPJamBam 6 months ago
harbor freight anvil 55lbs cast iron 60$
onebigyooper 6 months ago
Comment removed
Ginyru 6 months ago
lmaorof!! GRAB YOUR ANKLES???? YEP I Heard ya... lol
TheWaggaBloke 7 months ago
@tacticalbarrage the steel and wroght iron will both have a crystalline ring, as opposed to the dull 'tink' of cast iron.
concretefeet 8 months ago
This is not the best option, but I wanted to say that all I have in my shop at the moment is a very small and simple post anvil. It consists of a rail spike sunk into a large round of walnut of the appropriate height. All I've done is to dress the head a bit. For small pieces it gets me by for now.
concretefeet 8 months ago
I'm looking for a good anvil but I live in Holland and is it cheaper to buy one from Ruscha or the us?
quintin636 10 months ago
@quintin636
Plenty of good ones in Europe, no need to go stateside
purgatoryironworks 10 months ago
It's true. U van buy anvils at habor streight
quintin636 10 months ago
ABANA is in ALMOST every state. Not one in ND unless they just aren't the website. haha. That's just how we roll in ND I suppose.
Raleford 11 months ago
Comment removed
Raleford 11 months ago
We have an old Peter wright wrought iron anvil. The face is dented and pitted. How can we fix this?
Greg and Cheryl
thetexasyoungs1 11 months ago
I've seen some in the back of these guys pick ups to sell for scrap iron. I asked one guy to buy it from him. He said it was worth more in scrap iron than the 70.00 bucks i offered him. go figure. Thanks for the info. I plan on looking at your other vids.
paniciao 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
good info. are you sure about the Harbor Freight anvils?
sbreefer 1 year ago
good info. are sure about the Harbor Freight anvils?
sbreefer 1 year ago
I got there and the tag said cast iron, ping test confirmed it, would it still be a decent buy?
taylor2011ful 1 year ago
@taylor2011ful
for just starting out, yeah. There are alternative to be had but a bird in hand...
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
@purgatoryironworks I called the shop and asked and the person there said steel, I'm checking it out tonight
Can you recommend any ways of telling if it is or not?
taylor2011ful 1 year ago
@taylor2011ful
ping test it
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
Gotta say that your videos are by far the most helpful on the internet.
Also I have a question, a store has a 55lb steel anvil for $60 would it be a good buy?
taylor2011ful 1 year ago
@taylor2011ful
Are you -SURE- its steel?
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
what is a good layout for your work space?
Dragonknight49 1 year ago
@Dragonknight49
Well it really depends on what your doing primarily, knives, armor, leather. The set up is different for each.
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
what make of anvil is that? it looks like a PW
MrThahey 1 year ago
@MrThahey
yessir, good eye
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
LOVE THAT RING
nanchoengineering 1 year ago
Hi, I have a question: I want to buy an anvil here in Colombia and the Lord of the sale of tools is one of 51 kg made in Slovenia or Slovakia (I do not know), Ukraine and Argentina (3 kind of anvil). Its price is U.S. $ 152 each. is expensive or cheap the anvil? Which country has better iron? which should I buy? Thank you very much!
elsocioyepeto 1 year ago
@elsocioyepeto
It all depends if it is cast iron or wrought. If its cast, then its not a good deal, if its wrought, its a steal.
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
@purgatoryironworks Friend, the Anvil is made in steel. (acero) No iron. IT'S MADE FROM STEEL 305
elsocioyepeto 1 year ago
@elsocioyepeto
then what type of steel? most good modern anvils are from chro moly
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
@purgatoryironworks The man of the tools store say me: the anvil is made in steel 305; same of railroad (el mismo del riel de ferrocarril) but i think that railroad is built whit steel 4140.
elsocioyepeto 1 year ago
good job
cardplayer2 1 year ago
A couple years back I bought one of those 100# russian anvils, paid 1$/lb. plus tax.
the one I have has the hardy hole on the diagonal compared to a normal anvil, and the nose of the horn is shaped like a duckbill. I have pounded a lot of iron on it as well as loan it to the Westarn Reserve Artist Blacksmith Association (a club I belong to) needless to say it's been through the wringer so to speak and it's holding up well...
shadetreeforge 1 year ago
This is awesome stuff..love ur work, wish all the educational vids I watch were this easy to grasp...you mentioned in an earlier vid that you demonstrated at a renasaince fair (spelling) I think I have seen you, seem familiar and i believe I have a piece of your work on my wall...lol, batwing dagger..could be wrong..again great work
Xoodan 1 year ago
one other question where could i get a pair of blacksmithing tongs
ackland3 1 year ago
im just starting to get into blacksmithing i got an old antique forge with blower that works and it is rusted up should i remove the rust before using it and what is a good cheap fuel that i can come by easily
ackland3 1 year ago
@ackland3
If it runs okay then just grease it.If its locked up then you are going to have to soak it and get her running! Wood is a great fuel!
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
good piece of info, glad somebody mentioned the albana piece, looking up your local state chapter area also depending is good as well. (thats how i got my first anvil 7 years ago 200 lb PW 1870's damn good condition) Heh my old master still wants that anvil. Gotta invent anvil lojack or something... john - a brotha up north. ps i give you props not many videos on here really help people get into the trade. I know i wuld not have the patience to do this on youtube. The stupid level is high.
groombridge34 1 year ago
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moseseseseses 1 year ago
would a 24lb cast iron anvil for 24$ be good for a beginner?
irmollaar 1 year ago
the anvil at harbor freight is only 55 pounds
nateiscool100 1 year ago
would somone be able to make a forge out of an old bar b q or is the steel to poor a quality
klumsykid89 1 year ago
@klumsykid89
It will work just fine as long as you have a firepot, brake drum etc
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
dude ... nothing about this video is quick and dirty...
Jack1knife 1 year ago
Great info
steelsoul75 1 year ago
Wow I am from WR ga, Thanks for the info on where to find scrap metal at.
robertsmi2 1 year ago
for anyone who watches this video after this point i would like to say that harbour freight now gets their anvils from china and they are very poor quality cast iron
garrett2119 1 year ago
I just want to say, your video's have provided me with lots of general knowledge, and also have saved me lots and lots of money. I just want to thank you.
mmtwist123 1 year ago
nice work, this is all good info, i like how you break it down.. thanx for the info im puttin it all to good use..
bb94025 1 year ago
and thank you for your wealth of videos.
We have a slab of steel from an old grader which I'm hoping will do the trick, unfortunately its a bit on the rusty side...
Zaeffer 1 year ago
another option is to collect X-pounds of steel junk, smelt them all together, and cast your own steel anvil.
It is Imperative that you be beyond sure, that all of your molds and forms are symmetrical and level, but it could be potentially cheaper than slamming your wallet for purchasing one.
Keep in mind, safety and common sense....
Zoie3x8 1 year ago
@Zoie3x8
Zoie, Whereas I appreciate you exuberance, I also understand that you have collected most of your information from tid bits rather than actual practice. I understand you wish to sound knowledgeable on the subject but one gets into dangerous territory when a person starts speaking beyond his or her range of experience. The process you described involves crucibles and highly specialized equipment.,is this really cheaper than buying an anvil?
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago 4
@purgatoryironworks It's hard to tell if the person knows the difference between smelting and melting, but you can forge weld your own anvil from other pieces of steel. Just takes a lot of time, patience, and heat. I've seen it done.
Cstrife234 1 year ago
Advising this is not a good idea, If an an individual has access to a modern foundry or experience. He would not be here asking help. Hell a historic shop i run in my free time still has splinters and nails in ceiling from an alum pour gone bad. KEEP in mind these guys were professional foundrymen who came out to demonstrate their skill to the public. All it takes is just a bit of moisture, ie a mold sitting overnight in wierd weather and BOOM. They were all fine though.
groombridge34 1 year ago
another option is to collect X-pounds of steel junk, smelt them all together, and cast your own steel anvil.
It is Imperative that you be beyond sure, that all of your molds and forms are symmetrical and level, but it could be potentially cheaper than slamming your wallet for purchasing one.
Keep in mind, safety and common sense....
Zoie3x8 1 year ago
the harbor freight anvil is steel and it rings the face is a little soft but it is a good anvil for that price i have seen them my self my friend and i have worked on the one he has several times the horn i kinda misshapen so you may have to reshape the horn and re polish
175013 1 year ago
I went out and bought one on my lunch. Unfortunately, the one I bought thunks. Oh well. At least I have one! Thanks for the tip! I've been looking for a long time, to no avail, and wasn't comfortable spending several hundred dollars on something I may not like after trying it. (doubtful :-D )
Love the videos!!
MonieMcMurtry 1 year ago
@MonieMcMurtry i may have had good luck with that but you will find one soon enough check craigs list and ebay but if you want to spend the money buy a good american anvil from centaur forge or just google amreican made anvils good luck
175013 1 year ago
on the abana do you have to pay the $50 fee or is there a way you can just talk to the people and make a deal without the $50 fee for membership
footballfreak83 2 years ago
@footballfreak83
heh,
The entire reason we put together our site was for that very reason football.
purgatoryironworks 1 year ago
@purgatoryironworks What, to make money?
Cstrife234 1 year ago
A quick and dirty homegrown anvil can also be had from a heavy equipment shop. Worn cutting edges off large equipment are laying around and can be cut to a useful shape, some come with square holes (hardy) already punched out and by welding the cutting edge to a piece of i beam you've got a solid base. Tough steel but it should be preheated for welding to avoid a brittle joint. Made 2 out of a 1.25" thick dozer edge so far for friends and there still holding up.
CruorEtFerrum 2 years ago
Could I inquire of your expert opinion? There's a man wanting to sell me an Vulcan Anvil for $250.
The anvil is in excellent condition do you think that it would be worth that much? It weighs 110 pounds.
n8tureboy 2 years ago
@n8tureboy
Depends on if that vulcan is cast iron or wrought iron. If its wrought, its fair deal, if its cast, no go. I believe that most vulcans were cast iron. A picture would be helpful
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
Thanks for the quick reply. I did the hammer test like you suggested and there was absolutely no ring more of a thud! So I'm guessing probably cast iron, but the anvil appears top be in good condition and I'm using a piece of railway track currently and I'd really like to get something more substantial to beat on.
When you say no-go on the cast, is that because of the $250 price or just because cast iron anvils just suck, period? What would be a fair price? It has an arm an hammer on it's side.
n8tureboy 2 years ago
@n8tureboy
For what you are doing cast would be fine, its better than a railroad track. But at 250 dollars, its a no sale. For 250 buck a t the scrap yard you can buy a block of something huge that will last a lot longer!
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
Many thanks. I like your educational videos. Keep em' coming.
n8tureboy 2 years ago
"yours for the asking" so true Trent man you ain't gonna believe it I gots two anvils both of with raw iron with that sweet ring free one's about 50lbs and the other well idk how heavy i'll just say we had to get in the back of the truck with an engine crane boy it was heavy gettin it out was easy push fall DING! problem solved
squiggleyspooch 2 years ago
on ebay anvils have sold for up to 6000 dollars i bought a window makers anvil for 2999
youtoober19125 2 years ago
@youtoober19125
You bought a "window makers" anvil for 3000 dollars? You get a free toaster with that?
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
@purgatoryironworks I know the price might have been a lil extreme, but i had to add it to my collection, there was no way i wasnt geting that anvil, but its ok because i have had my share of insane bargains like the 900+ lb fisher anvil that i bought for 80 dollars, or the entire blacksmith shop i bought out in scranton pa for 300$, or the 2 handcrank blowers and the lever blower and a giant electric blower that i got for 5 dollars each at a yard sale, so in the end it all evens out
youtoober19125 1 year ago
Trent great video series. I will make a statemet on the harbor frreight anvils. They have stopped carrying the cast steel anvil. you can still get them on ebay, But grab your ankles. I use a harbor freight anvil daily, and they do work.
yearsmith 2 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to enlighten those of us who are just starting out! It's hard enough to find someone who has the time or patience to teach a beautiful art like this to the "techno-savy" generation.
Gentleman and a scholar!
hannokage 2 years ago
Love your videos ! JHM advertises on YouTube that they cast ductile iron anvils and claim they are the finest anvil made. They continue to say that the ring doesn't say anything about the anvil. This contradicts this video, at least it seems to. Can you shed some light on these ductile iron anvils being as claimed or not? Thank You
Whitebear329 2 years ago
Im going to have to fess up to some ignorance here. In modern times with cast chrome-moly steel anvils, its hard for me to understand why anyone would cast from ductile. It would require the addition of a top steel plate. Remember that back in the day, anvils only came in three flavors, wrought, wrought with steel face, and cast iron with steel face. A ring indicated that a) the welds were sound and b) that it wasnt cast iron
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I suspect he may have a different application. I am just looking at this to augment my retirement. Im giving up high tech industry in May and retiring. This may be the perfect thingto add into my home shop. I have the basics for working metals but not forging. I weld, stick & torch and fabricate airboats for myself. Forging and Smything could be the perfect retirement activity.
Whitebear329 2 years ago
@Vid
Very interesting! Good primer. Thanks for sharing with us your time. Much appreciated.
MRSketch09 2 years ago
This vid is an excellent primer. You just taught me in roughly 9 minutes probably more valuable information than I got in each of my classes at college.
SoPleasedYouAreThere 2 years ago 2
will an old bush hog blade work i have an old bush hog blade thats about a little over a half inch thick will this work
aerodynamicband 2 years ago
Would a section of steel I-beam (like the kind used in skyscrapers) work well as an anvil? If so, where would be a good place to hunt down a piece?
Marc329 2 years ago
I found mine on the side of the road.
somecreativename14 2 years ago
Anvil Rocks \m/ \m/
kcretro 2 years ago
You sir, are a wealth of knowledge!
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
I'm just getting started smacking hot metal into knives and these vids are really helping me.
Thanks brother!
jimrbsn 2 years ago 2
If you ask railroad workers they will usually give you a piece if they have one.
After all the scrap price for a small piece of rail is as good as nothing compared with the amound of rail they have.
slome815 2 years ago
I checked into the anvils at Harbor Freight and they no longer carry the steel anvils. they only carry 55lb CAST IRON anvils :(
EtRCamel 2 years ago
Lot of great free information here. Would have saved me lots of time and dollars years ago.
After you have ring tested the anvil like Trent told you , NEVER strike the hammer directly on the anvil again.
Also remember some of the finest swords ever made were made in Japan on a plain rectangular block of steel (anvil) with no horn or heel or pritchell or hardy hole. Just a block of steel.
Good Job Trent!. You're inspiring me to start back up.
raiun42 2 years ago
is Trenton a good brand of anvil?
Silveradofanatic 2 years ago
yup, They are very good anvils.
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
Great information! You have given me some great starting ideas and thanks for the ABANA reference. Keep up the good work!
Loredannon 2 years ago
Im trying!
purgatoryironworks 2 years ago
also a good tip for those starting out, get in touch with a local albana chapter, there are many collectors and horders out there that have pallets full of near mint peter wrights, hills, fishers, haybuddens etc and once they know you and watch you forge, and once you get your hammer control up they will usually ask you hey come over and take a look, thats how i got my peter wright, never welded or dressed, and absolutely beautiful for a few hundred bucks for a 200 pounder give or take 10 pounds
herbstjh 2 years ago
6:59 take you a hammer :) ha
GixxxerKim 2 years ago
You have to remember this also. Not all rail is used by the rr. I have some rail that was used by mining company that I have made use of.
thetanukikaji 2 years ago
my friend has an anvil that is made out of a rail. The top is milled perfectly flat and one side has been shaped into horn. Its really nice for what it is and you can tell some one spent a lot of time making it. he got it for 10 dollars at yard sale from a woman that said it had been her fathers but she didn't know if he had made it
lilg606 2 years ago
A salvage yard is a good idea! it Is a place where one might actually find a piece of rail to make an anvil with. (No legal worries.) You would have to put a lot of work into it to make flat and true surfaces though. One might just find a large block of steel which would do as well, and there is the slight possibility that one just might find a real anvil, if you are lucky, for pennies a pound.
Snafu7 2 years ago
Ok ive been smithing for about 8 years now some for profit and some for fun. As to the RR track issues most of my family is either retired or working for the railroad . Owning of any railroad iron is illegal however finding someone who will care is the issue. The steel used on RR track section is also slightly curved so this will affect your finished work. Ok so I have used both the cast iron and steel anvils from horbor freight. The iron will get u by for a while but get the steel if u can
patrinrom1 2 years ago
Legendary. Can't wait to see all the vids.
TheAussiePirate 2 years ago
Harbor Freight anvils come in two flavors. The older ones made in China and the newer ones made in Russia. Both are 55 lbs not 100. Before buying one make sure it is the Russian made model.
I did check the scrap yard and they had some tool steel that were 6x6x3.5 inches that were around 50 lbs for $50. I'm not sure if I should get the HF or scrap yard steel. Probably do the HF because you get the horn with it.
torqueman6 2 years ago
In Australia you,ll find that its illegal to be on railway land. Also, here they,v started to clean up scrap rail from the side of the tracks because kids have been walking the tracks and finding nice anvil size pieces of rail and laying them over the tracks, (apparently this wont derail the trains, but it makes a hell of a noise). So i went to the closest rail infrastructure yard and asked for a piece, after a bit of umming and arrring the guy snuck me out a piece and told me not to tell.
SLAiN121 2 years ago
My mom works for the railroad BNSF and it is compeletly illegal they will not sale or give it to you! sorry guys!
onebad3000 2 years ago
ok i went to ask for a pcs of railroad track from the guys at the railwroad yard and got it from them do i still need a letter of writ
Morderesh 2 years ago
If the guy dosen't give you the piece of paper he probably can't legally give you the steel.
Did you know that railroads have their own police forces? These special agents are FEDERAL cops and they have serious horsepower. Just so you know.
autonomile 2 years ago
If your worry,d you might need a piece of paper then stop rite now... they cant give you rail, because money can be made if they sell it for scrap... But its not a crime to have rail... just tell the anvil police that you bought your rail years ago from a scrap metal dealer and that you no longer have the receipt for it because you didnt think the rail was going to break in a hurry... having said that, it is a crime to thieve rail.. so try an obtain it from the rail yard from one of the guys.
SLAiN121 2 years ago
i dont have an anvil... but i doo have my brother. im sure his hard head will do just fine! lol just kidding.
keep up the good work! lol quick and dirty! thats guna be in my head for awhile...
darkdood333 3 years ago
lol
yehar 2 years ago
all i say is "oops" lol i dident get ritten promition from the RR co so oops
Konasore 3 years ago
Thank you, Trent, for the advice about the test of cast vs. wrought. I obtained a 130 lb. anvil 9 years ago, and now I can check it out.
hovanti 3 years ago
Now, lets say I have a friend who has a piece of railroad. If he gave it to me to use as my anvil, would I still need to get some kind of permission? I live in Illinois if it makes any difference.
Hydropyric 3 years ago
grab your ankels lol
revhard05 3 years ago
i was wandering about the piece of RR track,should the bottom part be used to hammer on? is the top of the track not kinda rounded off/not exactly flat? i was just being curious cause thats probably what i'm gonna start off with.Thanks a bunch Trenton,i/we enjoy all the videos(even if there is no fire a burning..lol).Bobby in north/central TN.
ps...has the cat got a name???
niteprowler70 3 years ago
I use the top part of the track myself, and I've had no problems.
TalonBlades 3 years ago
I got my rr track at my local scrap yard. They cut off a section about 18 inches long for me for about 40 cents a pound ( just because they had to cut it)
TalonBlades 3 years ago
I've been using a section of an I beam girder
for 30+ years for light duty work. Love all the videos!!
bullthrush 3 years ago
there 55lbs anvils for 60$
and there steel
nazrat100 3 years ago
I got lucky. Traded a cord of firewood for a 120-pound Fisher, made in 1887. There isn't a sharp corner left on it, but it's in one piece and it works.
banjodan99 3 years ago 2
GRAB YOUR ANKLES LMAO HA HA
911no 3 years ago
The Russian anvils are a good starter, after a bit of work. They are cast steel and the finish on the face is very rough, and you can still see mold marks on the bick. That said, you some work with a belt sander is well worth the mass and area of these anvils. You are absolutely correct about $1 a pound or less anvils for the beginner. it is no time for snobbery. That is a fine example you have there. I like your videos and delivery. keep going,
Gothan dagin
branch42 3 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this beautiful art of blacksmithing. This night i started watching the first video about how to make the forge, and i've been watching them all by now!!
Greetings from Chile
rodrigolfh 3 years ago
thanx for all of the vids on youtube! you rely started it all for me in blacksmithing. but i just wanted to tell you that i have found that if you take part of "I beam" then set it on a big log then that will work very well (thats what i use anyway)thanx again.
codydotson12 3 years ago
First let me say, Thanks for all the great videos. Just to let you know, I have also heard that the Harbor Frieght anvils are very soft and mark easily.
technician413 3 years ago
Trenton, first, thanks, second, you are a talented show master besides being an expert blacksmith. Its a pleasure to view your tutorals. Congrats. Walter from Colombia, you got me started.
yachtchinaclipper 3 years ago
hi trenton, my uncle recently found me an anvil in the middle of the woods and it must be a hundred years old, and it was broken in half right at the hardie hole, my welding instructor told me he could try to fix it but i dont have the broken piece to weld. how do you think i could fix it?
ghillieman1911 3 years ago
i actually have about 4ft. of railroad track that my father obtained, the surface is rounded on top, but the bottom is flat, plus its incredibly heavy, how could i shorten it, would a regular cutter work, or would i need 2 get a plasma cutter?
moseley2007 3 years ago
I am a steel worker and let me tell you a plasma cutter won't cut it. Literally. First very few places will have a plasma cutter big enough to cut through railroad track, and second a plasma cutter will take the temper out of the steel. What you want to do is find a steel shop that has a band saw, and pay the money to have them cut it down.
inevitablehatred 3 years ago
Hatred has a fine point but The surface of that track is hardened and its going to spit a bandsaw blade back at you. HOWEVER, do go to the local shop and get them to cut it with a oxy/acy torch. If they have a larger one, as most do, it shouldnt be an issue!
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
That's true, I cut a track the other day with my oxy/acetylene torch. It just takes patience.
mortson978 3 years ago
i cut a section of track last week with a oxy/acy torch using a #1 size tip. it wasn't a fast cut, but it was a good clean cut. just make sure you use a clean tip.
phatdaddy70 3 years ago
Thanks alot, these videos have really turned out well.
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
AWESOME VIDEOS!!! Thanks you SOOO much for them!
Just some information for the viewing audience. I searched for a while for my railroad track. The railroad company had no idea what I was talking about so I looked up the name of a Rail Road contractor in the area and called them. I bought two 30" sections from them. So I don't have "written permission" from the railroad company and from what I was told, I don't need it. Keep up the good work!!!
goodstuff1313 3 years ago
Then you are ahead of the game! Those sections come in mighty handy. try turning one upside and mounting it, it works great for forks and splits!
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
Man I've watched almost all of your instructional videos and let me tell ya.. You rock! Dude I just got into blacksmithing and I'm lovin it! Thanks for all the advice. I'm suscribing!
kinsey24mlk2 3 years ago
Your welcome man! I love having the chance to spread the knowledge.
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
this video was very helpful i also found it funny that you went to get some sweet as i type this i in fact am drinking sweet tea but anyway i liked your video and i subscribed
imdwild1 3 years ago
Great, we have more stuff on the way
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
awesome vid. i wish you could see our anvil. it's beautiful.
natwad207 3 years ago
Well My parents okayed it so i am going to start blacksmithing my friend already agreed to be my assistant. please send any advice That you think is needed. Want to be friends i'll send an invite
Macju92 3 years ago
hay that guy ant lienharbor fraight is pimpin
pingpong316 3 years ago
Just watched the video, I had been tempted to get on of the anvils mentioned from harbor freight, but the one I saw was 55lbs not 100.
But anyway, I really appreciate the video, a lot of great info. Thank you so much.
norsebarbarian 3 years ago
Appreciate the comment!
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
We just got a harbor freight store here in MS and I went down to check ou the anvil, and it is actually from China. It looks ok, but the horn is grossly misshapen.
norsebarbarian 3 years ago
So, am I the only one left curious about exactly what Southerners do late at night???
Icehut 3 years ago
Why we plot our take over of the north, which has been made far easier by the advent of "Starbucks" and "Queer eye for the straight guy". We anticipate a complete victory in less than 24 hours....
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
!!!...???
Macju92 3 years ago
Yes sir!!
Mumszzr600 2 years ago
Heheh, ask your sister :)
purgatoryironworks 3 years ago
YEAY RAH!!!!
booyackshaw 3 years ago
For those looking for Blacksmith groups, there are such groups in most states, and regions. They can be found on google etc, or you might try going to the A.B.A.N.A. site, and look up chapter groups in your area. These groups have hammer-ins, where anyone can show up, and see, and learn how to do this type work. they all have newsletters, that contain tutorials, demos, and buy/sell pages. dues are usually $20. or so, and are a great source of resources, and equipment. highly recommended.
beardo52 3 years ago
Harbor Freight does offer both Cast iron, and cast steel anvils, so be careful which you are looking at. The steel anvil is always better than a cast iron anvil. If you have, or end up with a cast iron anvil, you can fasten a tool steel plate to the the table surface.most people use plain old machine screws, and this will give you a reasonable working surface. Wrought iron anvils had a piece of tool steel forge welded to the table in MFG, to give a good tough working surface.
beardo52 3 years ago
Great videos man.
bikesgunsandknives 3 years ago
I recently bought a 75 pound farriers anvil for $125 it has a good ring to it and it seems to work well but I have no idea of what kind of anvil it is or where is it from , the only markings it has are N.C. above a horseshoe do you know anything about this marking?
bladesmithing 3 years ago
I went on e-bay a few days ago just to see what was available out there. They had a bunch of anvils, and the curious thing I discovered was that the hardie was anywhere from 7/8" to at least 1 1/4". Is there one size that is easier to find tools for? I suppose if I even find a suitable anvil I will get it no matter what. BTW, most of the e-bay ones were in Michigan; do they migrate up there seeking magnetic North, or what? Can't imagine paying shipping...
3rdconfederate 3 years ago