[TheForge] Anvils and Forges

[Steven.Walker at its.state.ms.us]

>>I am looking for some advice on anvils and gas forges. My son and I are
>> beginning to forge seriously and would like to purchase an anvil that
>> should be all we need for years to come
>>
>
>a good value in anvils are the cast tool steel ones that Euroanvils
>(http://www.euroanvils.net/) and Old World Anvils (
http://www.oldworldanvils.com/)

Being a beginner also, I recently was in the market for an anvil.  I had
old 120# Vulcan that had most of the edges chipped off and half of the horn
broken off.  It wasn't much of an anvil, but it did give me something to
pound on!  I started off looking for a used anvil but didn't have much luck
finding a used one in decent condition for a decent price.  At an MFC
meeting (local ABANA), I inquired about finding a used anvil and I had one
of the members recommend the Euroanvils.  However, when I called to talk to
EuroAnvils, they said they wouldn't receive a shipment on the size I was
looking for another 7 weeks.  I called Old World Anvils and they happen to
have just what I was looking for (167#'er) in stock. Wanting some "instant
gratification", I ordered from Old World Anvil and three days later I took
delivery at the local Fedex depot.  So far I have been totally pleased with
this anvil, but, I'm a beginner so take that with a grain of salt. What I
do know is that it is hands down better than the Vulcan I was trying to
learn on!  I do wish that my anvil has the little shelf on the side for
doing forks tines like the Euroanvil does. But I've learned to adapt by
welding up an anvil saddle to fit my hardie hole out of some 2"x2" square
tubing.  Seems to do the trick!

Steven Walker