Best anvil?

[Adamrides646]

Hey all! I'm new here and I am starting a career in the automotive refinishing and customizing industry. I would like to know a good anvil for metal forming/shaping. I'm fairly young at 26 and don't have a lot of money affordability would be great but I'll pay more for longevity. Any input would be great! Thanks

 

[yaidunno]

Expect to pay 3.50-4.00 per lb for a quality anvil. Trenton, Fisher, Wright, Budden, Soderfors, Kohlswa are all top names in the anvil game. Buy local and inspect it, if you can.

 

[Cypherian]

Adamrides646

Yaidunno Hit the nail on the head with names though I have found location in the US dictates what Anvils will be readily found in the area and what ones will be rare and priced accordingly. I would also add Mouse Hole there are many others out there if you look at Anvils in America by Richard Postman at your library it has the most complete history of Anvil makers . Since you state you do not have a lot of money you can use a rail road track section as an anvil effectively for shaping metal. Though, the work surface is smaller then most standard anvils it can be done and the cost will be much lower.

Cypher

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I agree, a chunk of railroad track is a good stater anvil. As a plus you can use it beat cold metal and not worry about chipping it.

 

[Cypherian]

This ^^

I did not go into it as you say your doing metal shaping but you should never hammer cold metal on an anvil . You can find track sections on CL and Ebay for relatively cheap money pay attention to the type of track it is there are crane tracks that are just as strong as railroad track but are flat top and square sides . This type would only be good for bending flanges etc and even that must have their corners smoothed or they will leave dents in the metal and cause stress points that will crack eventually.

Cypher

 

[mtwaterguy]

A guy on Missoula CL is advertising track at $20 a foot.

 

[RRmech]

Yup, we would....politely....ask the track department for track rail, when they would replace a section.
Our machine shop would then cut pieces-to length for us.
They were....supposed....to be used for 'in-house' work only.
But a few lengths 'escaped'..........................................................

 

[drivesitfar]

Adam: the other members are giving you great advice. RR track might be your cheapest and best option for cold metal. Another option ive found are tin knocker anvils or hardies you can place in a stand or real anvil.

Google tin knocker hardy and see what turns up. I cant post pics from my ipad of my tin knocker anvil but it might be on the show your anvil thread in general garage section.

There is also an awesome blacksmith thread in the fabrication section where junebuggy and a few other members share their knowledge.

Good luck

 

[Seppala]

Adamrides646
I can't really add that much to all the good advice your getting except avoid the temptation to buy an anvil shaped object (ASO) such as the cast iron Chinese ASO's that are currently for sale from Harbor Freight. A quality anvil can last you a lifetime.