Anvil 35 or 70

Greetings,

I am looking to move up to a real anvil from using a bench block and
a stake. I am looking to buy an anvil from Otto Frei, the 2004 tools
catalog page 347. I am interested in this one because of its finish.
The work I will be doing on it is in the “technical style” of John
Cogswell, as an example. I tried to express this without saying my
work is like his and triggering the “copy police” on this forum
However, I don’t think Mr. Cogswell would lie awake nights worrying
about what I do, his scrap refining container probably contains
better stuff than my finished work! But that is the type of things I
will be doing on the anvil, silver,using 200 to 400gm hammers,
jewelry sized pieces.

I am leaning toward buying the 35lbs anvil as I am an older woman and
it would be easier for me to handle. My question is, is there any
technical reason I should go for the 70lbs anvil. Does it have a
better hammer response, or feel, is it more or less lively, is the
sound pitch of the strike different, etc

thoughts?
thanks,
jena
Boston, where there is no snow and its above freezing today!

A 35 lbs anvil should be fine for jewelry size pieces. I know when I
was doing a lot of forging of sterling silver cutlery the 40 lbs
anvil I was working on would bounce a lot, hence when I buy mine I
will be looking for a much heavier one (most likely 110 lbs so I can
also venture into forging steel with a large survace and a good
weight).

I know I’m looking at a Peddingaus Anvil (Drop Forged Steel
Construction), but Wallace Metal Works has not returned my initial
inquiry email… hopefully they’re still in business as their NC Tool
Forges (Propane) also caught my interest.

Kindest,
K. David Woolley
david.woolley@unb.ca

Jena: 70 pound or heavier. You are not going to move the anvil that
often, and heavier is always better - especially if you plan to raise
metal a la Cogswell. I bought my 70 pound anvil 6 years ago, after
asking the same question - and on review from the blacksmiths sites
and other advice - and have never looked back. It is heavy enough to
withstand my enthusiastic hammering, the hardy hole is useful for
holding stakes, so I could dispose of 2 of my three stumps. And if it
matters, I’ll bet I’m older than you.

Judy Hoch

David,

If you can get the Peddinghaus Anvil, get it quick. The local
blacksmith supplier (Kayne & Son) cannot get them anymore. It is my
understanding that the anvils are no longer being made. I have been
dreaming of the 110lb one myself but had always had more pressing
(bad pun) needs for the money. Looks like I will miss out unless I
can find a used one.

Bill Churlik
@Bill_Churlik
www.earthspeakarts.com

Bill,

If you can get the Peddinghaus Anvil, get it quick. The local
blacksmith supplier (Kayne & Son) cannot get them anymore. It is
my understanding that the anvils are no longer being made. I have
been dreaming of the 110lb one myself but had always had more
pressing (bad pun) needs for the money. Looks like I will miss out
unless I can find a used one. 

I have a 70, 110 and something in the 450 range all Peddinghaus.
Bought them from a smithy that sold supplies in Ontario.

Jerry

Take a look at Nimba anvils before deciding on a Peddinghaus.

a number years ago, i purchased a 35 lb anvil for the sharon art
studio in golden gate park.We R an adult ed program sponsored by the
sf city and county dep’t of park and recreation.the 35 is nice for
our needs, as it can b carried from place 2 place within the studio.

in purchasing this item, keep in mind that this that it is HEAVY. a
farrier supplier close to u would b a good place 2 start. being in
the san francisco bay area, i went w/ otto frei. Shipping is a major
factor 2 consider. this was assumed by them.

the anvil that they distribute in the 35 range is a cliff carroll. I
highly recommend this brand.

aloha

Hi Jerry,

I have a 70, 110 and something in the 450 range all Peddinghaus.
Bought them from a smithy that sold supplies in Ontario.

Can you post the address and phone number for the company in
Ontario? I live in Nova Scotia and I need an anvil.

Thanks,
Donna

All you anvil lovers:

I have a 154 lb Hay Budden anvil that I am selling. The anvil was
resurfaced a couple of years ago, and I have been using it for
forging precious metals only. A few minor hammer marks on the
surface, but overall in EXCELLENT shape. This is a very desirable
anvil, and has a marvelous ring.

I’m open to offers, but I doubt that I will be able to ship it.

Doug

Douglas Zaruba
16639 Raven Rock Rd.
Sabillasville, MD 21780
301 241-3494
dreamgate@earthlink. net

Hi Doug;

I have a 154 lb Hay Budden anvil that I am selling. ship it. 

Why don’t you post an add in the newsgroup,

news:alt.crafts.blacksmithing?

Bound to find more interest there, that’s a good anvil.

David L. Huffman

Just in case you would like to know, I ordered a 70 lb wide faced
anvil from Cliff Carroll directly.

Thanks to all for their suggestions and help.

Jena

Who is still recovering from Michael Good’s AntiClastic workshop last
weekend, and is trying to resist beating all her previous pieces into
pulp, and throwing them into the refiners box!