[TheForge] Old Anvils

Tue Apr 8 12:16:59 2003

Aaron:  The refacing of old anvils is a good solution if the
refacing/restoration is done correctly.  This generally involves building up
the damaged parts with welding in new metal.  Proper retention of hardness
is critical and there are a number of  hard-facing electrodes that will
work.  Generally, these must be of a type specified for impact bearing
surfaces.  This is commonly done on tools such as road-grader blades, etc.

Nearly all of the manufacturers of these electrodes/wires (I.a. Stoody,
Messer, Rankin and Uniweld) have technical assistance 1-800 numbers.

Regarding schooling, there is no substitute for hands-on practice.  Most
formal education in the US is of the seminar type given over weekends.
There is one accredited school in North America at Sir Sandford Fleming
College in Ontario, Canada.  I attended that 14 week course (full time) and
found it most useful as drawing, design and portfolio design were covered.

I would strongly recommend joining ABANA and your state blacksmithing
organization.  Also read. build a library and attend meetings and
conferences where you can meet other smiths.  You can save a great deal of
time and trial and error by listening to the experiences of other smiths.
You will find most of them to be very generous with their time and
knowledge.

As for acceptance, no school credential can substitute for top quality
workmanship.  Schools are a foundation for learning....you have to have a
passion for this work in order to undertake the years-long learning process
required.

I'm a full time smith and smithing instructor in CA.  If I can be of help to
you, please contact me.

                                        Grant Marcoux
----- Original Message -----
From: "Aaron R Williams" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2003 11:26 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Old Anvils

>
> Hello group
>
> I have been reading the talk on refacing of old anvils and I have learned
> a lot but I was wondering if there is any of the older anvils that you
> shouldn't try this to or that it is not worth doing it to.  I have found
> an abused Peter Wright 248lb that is selling for $350.  Every thing I
> have found on used anvil prices is 1.00 to 3.00 a pound.  The guy that is
> offering me the anvil is going to help me fix it at no charge other than
> that I help.  He has been refacing anvils and reselling them for years
> locally.  What do you think?
>
> Also on another subject,  a little wile ago I asked for information on
> schooling  I was wondering if you thought it makes a difference if one
> gets a formal education in this art or if they are just self taught with
> going to workshops and reading books and lots of practice?  Will it make
> a difference on how one is accepted and will it make a difference in what
> they charge.
>
> Thanks
>
> Aaron
> Pueblo, CO
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