HI all, I have been using my anvil for a while now to make knives and to be honest, I am getting tired of fixing the bend after I am done. The anvil I have is an old one that picked up from $100 and is pretty beat up. It's main problem is that it has a sag or dip in the face. But at the time, beggars cannot be choosers. Now that I have some cash, I would like to "fix" my anvil. Give it a flat face if possible. Some people build up the steel by laying bead after bead of weld, while others just mill it down. I have been reading about both methods and some people are giving mixed opinions and results regarding them. Maybe my anvil doesn't need it? I also have no idea who made the anvil as it is filled with small little holes on the side where I figure there once was a name. Any help would be great! Thanks!
Since I am having a hell of a time embedding the pics, here are links. Hopefully they work: https://flic.kr/p/2g3KGT4 https://flic.kr/p/2g3KDKV https://flic.kr/p/2g3KGFa https://flic.kr/p/2g3KGAa
check out https://www.anvilfire.com/ Welding has to be carefully controlled and the correct filler metal used
That is what I am afraid of. I live in a remote place and although I am sure the welders are great at welding, I would think anvil repair would be a different beast altogether.
It would be similar to repairing a large bucket or scraper when the welder does a build up. Preheat will need to be maintained but welders know how to do that
Have you considered just getting another anvil? That's the route I went; one anvil with a sway for heavy work and another nice flat one for truing up or light work.
I have thought about getting a new anvil, but not even sure where to begin. Are any good anvil makers in Alberta somewhere? I drive to Edmonton a few times a year. Although I am trying to decide on whether or not to get a new forge as well. I am thinking about the mighty forge as well (the mighty knife), as my 11 year old homemade welded box with 3 propane burners is getting a little rough looking. Thing is, I have no idea if my homemade forge is a good forge or not as I have nothing to compare it to. But I digress.... Would this be a good anvil? https://canadianforge.com/collections/anvils/products/jhm-legend-anvil Thanks!
If it were me, I'd probably try out the 110lb anvil from Princess Auto. https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/110-lb-steel-anvil/A-p8688442e It's pretty cheap and goes on sale for even cheaper. From the reviews it sounds like there may be some casting issues in some of the anvils, but PA is pretty good about taking back merchandise with quality issues. I'm sure the JHM would be better quality but it's also four times the price. FYI, I have a mighty forge and have been using it for hobby work for 4 years now. I'm generally pretty happy with it. Magnus
If i can catch that princess auto anvil on sale, I might give it a try. I also didn't realize that Canadian Forge and Farrier is in Spruce Grove, which is great. It's a 15 hour drive to Edmonton from my house so returning an item is usually not feasible.
If you're in town, maybe give these guys a call and see if the have something in stock. https://edmontonblacksmithshop.com/blacksmithing-tools-and-equipment/
