The Basics of Anvils

In this video: Jeff talks about what makes a good anvil and what to look for when your ready to buy one. Also some other finds that will allow you to start metal crafting without one.

Darkmoon Metals is a home based business start up, I have decided to live my dream and work for myself. I am a trained welder with a strong interest in blacksmithing. Dana, a long time friend and talented artist has teamed up with me to create truly unique products taht will help us stand apart from other metal crafters. Join us for our ups and downs while we learn as we go. Trying to forge a new life in a dead economy that has left many blue collar people just trying to survive.

[Drehmomentdante]

You can tell just how passionate he is about this beautiful craft.
Love it!

[bobbailey]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us all about this topic-I leave here with the knowledge to purchase the proper anvil.

[tonynavarro]

Hello Jeff Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your Basics of Anvils . Your a very good Teacher! I hope to see more Thanks ! Tony.

[BLTspace]

I don't know why I clicked this video... but I am leaving here a smarter man. Thanks ;)

[chrisboyce]

Your explanation was very informative and the info on the steel differences helped me understand the added energy when working on railway track. I WISH I had kept the short length I gave away. Thanks.

[markburgess]

Thanks very informative. Good weather too.im in Herefordshire England and great day too.

[FUGYOO]

HA HA. Thanks Jeff. Im an old oft hand, thats oil field trash, and Ive had a couple smithy friends. They always seem so soft spoken and polite. What a contrast to my fellow roughnecks lol. Great video bro.

[wayneparris]

Hi, Over all, the info was good but I would like to say a  couple things.
I have been blacksmithing for over 30 years, I am an instructor for CBA California Blacksmith Assoc. 
Please do not try to cut a chunk of RR track to look like an anvil. The result will be on a par with the ASO (Anvil Shaped Object) that is cast iron. There is way too much spring as the web is too thin. If you must use a RR track, stand it on end like a fence post, now you will have a solid mass of steel under the hammer blows. Yes the target area is small but you only need enough for the hammer face. In this position, you will get a rebound to the hammer and you will be much more effective in your blows.
A solid block of steel that weighs 75 to 150 pounds will make a VERY good starting anvil. Look for a section of round stock 4 to 6 inches in diameter and again set it like a fence post. Also, a cut piece of plate 3 or so inches thick and 12 inches X 12 inches works well when striking on the 3 inch side with the mass under the hammer, not flat to get a big surface. In anvils, more is better. You need mass under the hammer. A block of steel, smoothed by a grinder with a rounded end at one end will be a better anvil than nearly all smiths in history has had up until the addition of hard plate to the face.
You can not add a section of high carbon steel to a block by welding with an arc welder. Even if you make a good, solid weld, there will be a huge un-welded section in the center, this will spring and flex, sucking the energy from your hammer blows, wasting your energy. It is better to just start with a good block of steel, preferably 100 to 120 pounds, grind smooth and don't miss your work with the hammer. If you do, smooth the face with your grinder. Every mark in the face of your anvil or your hammer will transfer to your work like a stamp and it will make cleanup of your work all that much harder.

[sambuck]

Thank You. New guy in CT just learning the ropes. your video was a good help.

[rafaelbittencourt]

Great video, great clear information, love you charisma: all you can ask for in Youtube. Keep it up!

[caseyallen]

I've got a 15 inch section of railroad rail as an anvil. Works very well!

[chckmte]

This is a very well done video excellent information for newbies thank you!

[biggoldnugget]

I have been wanting to learn blacksmithing so I found a 3' section of railroad track fastened it to a log very close to the same width little overhang attached it with railroad spikes and it has worked very well the past 3yrs, I built my forge the same way out of an old gas water heater center tank cut length wise in the middle and 55 gal oil drum as the stand,  all still better then you can buy at a store, I found a 3" inch  x 1'x1' plate steel that I will temper in camp fire and water,  rout out the top of a  tamarack  log counter sink it in that is my next anvil I am working on... thanks for the share ...  

[corax]

I have an awesome weekly auction to go to ... this video will be helpful in my anvil quest.

[LemmingFNSR]

Thanks Jeff, yes I'm learning. Hi from Canberra, Australia

[johnbrevard]

You know what Jeff, , YOU DA MAN!!!...THANK YOU!!!

[johnnywayne]

Jeffrey...great video. Thanks for sharing.

[rightnow]

Just picked up a 18 in by 10 inch 2 inch thick piece of Steel today at a scrapyard I gave the guy 40 bucks for it. Slapped it on top of a maple stump making a forge out of a small wood stove. Been wanting to do this for decades now I've waited till I'm all full of arthritis and s*** but I'm still doing it. very informative video

[boogawu]

I love this video. Helped me select a anvil for my dad! Thanks!

[Marketto]

Hi, thanks for your clear explanation, For my "anvil" even though its a bit of a odd shape, I used a piece of thick steel I cut off an old oxygen bottle, it's the only good steel I have got that has a nice "ring" and does not get dented that much