anvil questions......

[kawookie64]

Hey folks, I just aquired an old approx 150# anvil, no name or markings anywhere. It passed the ballbearing "drop test" and seems to be very solid, older steel. Problem is, all the edges are rounded. Should I try an angle grinder to square them up, or arc weld a thick plate on? Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

 

[Bobcatter]

I had a friend into knife making, and he shared his learning about anvils as he progressed. Art and science. Anvil worship exists! You might find some answers and methods here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/232107-should-I-resurface-my-anvil

found another good link, interesting stuff

http://www.metalartistforum.com/maf/index.php?/topic/4266-anvil-dressing-and-protection/

 

[zkling]

Depends what type of anvil it is, and how rounded the edges are. Can you post a pic of it? Is the top flat? How does the hardy and horn look?

You really can't just weld a piece of plate to the top and get to using it.

Last resort is called hard facing where you build up the surface with special welding consumables. Actually "Hard" facing is kind of a mis nomer in this case.

 

[Cryptic1911]

yeah, don't go modifying it or welding to it

 

[Man of Many Vices]

There are plenty of uses for it just as it is. Chances are 9 out of 10 that you will diminish its value if you start grinding or welding it. Some smiths use a protective plate on top of their anvils -- almost like heavy C-channel -- to prevent misdirected hammer blows from striking and damaging their anvil face. You might find something like this to sit on top of your anvil to provide a flatter face, if needed, and some crisp edges.

 

[kawookie64]

Just did a little research thanks to Bobcatter, and I realize you guys just stopped me from making a huge mistake. The horn is solid, hardy is chipped and rounded, as are all the edges. The top is flat, just no clean edges. I think Man of Many Vices has the best suggestion. Thank you, gonna look for a c-channel cap and skip the welding/ grinding fiasco. Appreciate the advice, folks.

 

[Engineer61]

Many Blacksmiths deliberately "rounded-over" the edges of their anvil to help keep them from chipping.