[TheForge] Of anvils, and buying them...

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

>What advice/recommendations do you have for someone looking to get a new (or
>used, if doable) anvil?
>
>Very much thanks in advance,
>
>Gabriel.
>
______________

gabriel,

it seems that everyone has an image of what an anvil should be. for most of us north americans it's a london pattern anvil with a long horn.

i use a 200lb trenton which is a london pattern and it's been a good anvil for me. but if i was doing it over for some reason i would not look for this style anvil.

for most of my use the horn is not really necessary. you can make very nice curves over the edge of the anvil or other forms. if you do need a long horn it would be easy enough to make one that could be held in your vice. i like some of the ideas at the anvilfire.com site 

http://anvilfire.com/21centbs/

don't be locked in by tradition. figure out what you want to do and what could work. if that's a london pattern fine. if not...........

bob s.