Needing a Railroad Piece

[Bobfransisco]

Dear blacksmithing enthusiasts,
I am in the beginning stages of my blacksmithing career. I am complete with shop, drill press, vice, and a forge. However, I am in desperate need of an anvil. There is no way that I can afford the $300+ anvils, but i heard the alternatives. Specifically, the railroad track. Unfortunately, it is unbelievably hard to find one here in Dallas, Texas. Are any of you in possession or know of a place where I can get my hands on one of these? I am looking for the track to be at least a foot in length. Also, if you can shoot me a price, shipping included, that would be awesome!

Thanks for your time!
-Gavin Pugh

 

[CaliNapco]

May start going to your local swap meets.. I've seen 3 different rail anvils at mine over the last couple of years.. 20/30 bucks a crack...
Mostly people cleaning out ranch stashes...

 

[twincam00]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135460

 

[wnstwolf]

I cannot believe the timing of this. I was at subway for lunch which backs up to a local freight rail. the track is under replacement and there is a pile of rail sitting right at the edge of the parking lot. the cool track/truck thing was parked there and the rail folks getting lunch. I waited for them to come out and asked if it were possible to get a piece of rail. they had no way to cut it but said they would look for a piece, took my cell and already called. I will pick them up coffe in the AM on my way into work. Look around it might just find you....

 

[truckin23]

pm sent

 

[truckin23]

Gavin is this what your looking for ?

 

[5lima30]

Welcome to the GJ! Be sure to check out Iforgeiron.com it is a Blacksmithing forum that has alot of info on leg vises, forges, anvils, and threads about making one out of RR steel. Good luck!

 

[pentavolvo]

if the above pic is what your are looking for I may be able to help you but shipping will be killer

 

[Outlander]

if the above pic is what your are looking for I may be able to help you but shipping will be killer

I have a 2-3 foot piece in my garage! I would give it away (in exchange for a small anvil being made out of it) but I can't move the darn thing! Every time I rearrange the garage and I move it, I have to take a week off work

 

[truckin23]

I would be willing to sell the 18 inch piece for $35.00 plus shipping unless you pick it up

 

[cnyeco1]

If you can make it up to Oklahoma city, I have a 11 foot piece I would donate a 12 inch section if you cut it off. It's very old and heavy. I hurt my back a few weeks ago again and can't mess with it.

Just a thought. I know it's far to drive. Does Dallas have a scrap yard you could try?

 

[pauldeere]

Many years ago they were tearing up rails at a company I worked for. Being in maintenance and having access to the tools in the shop everyone was busy making anvils. We come to find out that there were two different size rails. Main track rail and yard rail, If I remember the main rail was much larger track and made better anvils. Maby someone who is more railroad savy could add more info......

 

[Gizzy]

I;ve got an extra one,if you'd be willing to pay shipping costs I'll send it to you.Just remember...they are heavy.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Many years ago they were tearing up rails at a company I worked for. Being in maintenance and having access to the tools in the shop everyone was busy making anvils. We come to find out that there were two different size rails. Main track rail and yard rail, If I remember the main rail was much larger track and made better anvils. Maby someone who is more railroad savy could add more info......

Yep, mainline rail is heavier duty stuff. Check here for all the info you could ever want on trail rail profiles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_profile