[TheForge] Anvil height

[Dan Scheid]

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Blakkpawss
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 11:20 AM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] Anvil height


I'm currently in the process of setting up a new shop and the monster known
as layout has reared its ugly head. In particular an age old gripe of mine.
Anvil stands and anvil height. A lot of what I've seen over time suggests
putting your anvil on a stump. However, I've see a lot of purposely built
wooden stands in the last several years that make think it would be more
useful to me if I designed and built something for my needs. Second,
everything I've ever been told or read is that your anvil should stand at a
height where your knuckels come to rest on it's top when you drop your arm
to your side. This has always seemed fine till I work. I always feel like
I'm bent and stooped over the anvil. My back begins to hurt pretty bad after
working for a couple hours. Seems like I'd feel better if it was taller, so
that I stood straight while working.

Question one: Do you prefer a stump or a stand? List pros and cons as you
see them, please.

Question two: do you use the traditional height or do you set it taller? If
so why? Once again pros and cons please.

Thanks for the input in advance everyone.

1) my farrier anvil is on a 3 legged stand  mine shop anvil 250# in on a
stump set in concrete in a old wash tub. (so I can move it if I wish
2) I find I like my anvil about 1" taller than knuckle height. 
Dan scheid