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Marc
6th Sep 2014, 11:02 AM
In the best Aussie tradition, we are starved of choice and overcharged in almost every market you can think of.

Blacksmithing is no exception.

I suggest that we all post here our suppliers so to have one place to check prices and availability.
I start with one quality overseas supplier an US expatriate living in Taiwan. Check the quality and the prices!
http://www.gstongs.com/index.html

324381324382324383324384324385324386324387

BobL
6th Sep 2014, 11:39 AM
Nice looking gear there Marc, did you buy those?

AndrewOC
6th Sep 2014, 09:38 PM
I'm happy with my pairs of tongs from Gameco.
Look at link; http://gameco.com.au/index.php/australian-knifemaking-blacksmithing-materials-and-tools/
and on that page is a catalogue; http://gameco.com.au/wp-content/files/Gameco-Knifemaking-and-Blacksmithing-Catalogue-V2.2-0814.pdf
page 21 is where the hand tools start.
The tongs are an alloy steel that makes the most of strength vs weight compromise. I must admit to prefer the British/Australian style of reins with the offset eye, as well.

'Spose I should dig out the anvil maker details as well.
A.

Marc
7th Sep 2014, 05:52 PM
Nice looking gear there Marc, did you buy those?

I have more gear than I will need for a while, and I discovered this guy in Taiwan only a week ago and was impressed with the quality and the low prices. I have never used a Japanese offset hammer, will have to try. Yet I am too used to the Hofi hammers.
Yes, Gameco is a good local supplier, and so is Brisbane Blacksmith suppliers.
http://www.brisbaneblacksmithsupplies.com/anvil_tools/anvils_swage_blocks

It seems that we lost one of the last if not the last Australian manufacturers of anvils, Doug Slack Foundry. I have 2 of their anvils and they are value for money. They have not closed down only stopped casting anvils. I will try to talk to the owner and see if he is willing do a batch just to keep the production going. I can always sell them on e-bay even at cost. I'll keep you posted.

Here are two more overseas supplier of new, quality anvils. The Reffinghouse and the Nimba must be two or the best anvils manufactured today.
http://www.blksmth.com/Refflinghaus_Anvils.htm
http://www.nimbaanvils.com/index.php

Talking about hammers, do yourself a favour and buy one of this hammers. You will not regret it. Big Blue use to manufacture exclusively for Uri Hofi, but is now selling them directly. They also make air hammers, but unfortunately this are the one that need a separate air supply. Not a good choice in my view, running a monster compressor just for the hammer is not my cup of coffee.
http://bigbluhammer.com/hand-tools/

Why do I promote overseas suppliers? Simple, we hardly have anyone here willing to provide stock, quality and price. Reasons? too many to debate and we are way over the argument that if we buy overseas the local supplier will perish. The local supplier has had 100 years of ripping us off systematically, since the times agri machinery was imported from England and doubled the price as it was offloaded from the ship during the last century. It is only now with the internet that we get to see how badly we have been treated. And ... I am soo over the habit of local suppliers of everything hiding the price, you have to call them or ask for a quote. Why? What is there to hide? Most overseas suppliers have the price list there for you to see. Is the Australian price according to the face of the customer?

If anyone wants to buy something heavy from O/S and if the supplier is unwilling to ship or is too dear, check any local freight forwarder for a quote. Freight forwarders have agents all over the world and they will pick up at the sellers depo, do all the paperwork and ship to your local port or even to your door if you so want. I use IBC Pacific but you can try anyone else, it is a very competitive market and prices are rock bottom, it is not even worth your while to try to do it yourself.

Good hunting

DSEL74
7th Sep 2014, 07:59 PM
I'm curious as to how many people are buying their hammers and tongs rather than forging their own???

Marc
8th Sep 2014, 04:40 PM
To me making tools I can buy for $30 or $40 is not a consideration but each one to his own. I was hoping to compile a list of suppliers that can help others and also help me. Can we list our iron/steel suppliers? Coke/coal, anyone know where to buy T profile in smaller sizes, Air hammer, filing machine, cold saw ... anyway all that stuff ...:USo, talking about cold saw ... After searching diligently for second hand cold saw and finding nothing under $1000 for old beaten up stuff or 3-4000 second hand Brobo, I took a gamble and bought a Taiwanese machine from Hafco, http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/S816 Best money I have ever spent, what a pleasure to cut with precision repetition cuts, mitre, angles, no horrid grinding noise, just that slicing sound of sharp steel and coolant. :D

DSEL74
8th Sep 2014, 04:59 PM
I'd like to know where I can buy a decent heavy wire brush for removing scale while the steel is hot?? The large timber backed ones with a handle.

So far I mostly use scrap steel, cat & truck axles, springs. Most mechanics will give them to you happily in my experience. It is my understanding the the last Australian coke producer closed down earlier this year. Therefore coke is no longer readily available and the last of it being carefully hoarded.

AndrewOC
10th Sep 2014, 11:02 PM
In July 2013 Precision Patterns and Castings (in Alexandria, NSW) offered three sizes; 35, 100, 200kg. Cast in 4140, hardened & tempered.
Next I'm trying to find the contact for an SA guy also doing 4140 cast anvils.

ciao,
AndrewOC

AndrewOC
10th Sep 2014, 11:33 PM
Ok found something.
'Adam Cooper' of Adelaide was building an order for cast 4140 anvils via Facebook > Australian Blacksmiths, Bladesmiths and Knifemakers Network >
Sept 2 this year.

Also came across flyer for cast steel anvils in 'Keech Alloy', All Tool Engineering, 0402 045 700.
[possibly the same guy?]
Happy shoppin!
AndrewOC

Marc
20th Sep 2014, 04:52 PM
If you are like me and you use the oxy torch only occasionally for heating small parts like a leaf, and are tired of paying fees for the cylinder hire, here is a hint.
You can buy your own oxygen tank just like you can buy your own argon tank, however no one offers this for acetylene and Bunnings deal is lousy, soooo ... how about buying an oxygen tank and use an LPG bottle instead of acetylene? I will need to swap my tips, maybe not that good for welding, but more than adequate for heating.

Marc
20th Sep 2014, 04:59 PM
http://precisionpatterns.webs.com/contact-us

Precision patterns is still making anvils. I asked for photos and sizes available.
When I get a reply will post here.

DSEL74
20th Sep 2014, 07:01 PM
http://precisionpatterns.webs.com/contact-us

Precision patterns is still making anvils. I asked for photos and sizes available.
When I get a reply will post here.

200kg, 100kg, 35kg's, 7 kg's Anvil's or can custom make to order
325880

I'm pretty sure the top one says BK Sydney.

Marc
20th Sep 2014, 10:20 PM
are they the precision pattern make?
Ugly looking things...:(

DSEL74
21st Sep 2014, 12:06 AM
Yep from their website one of the pages in one of the galleries. They look pretty shody. From the look of the lumps in the sides my guess is they were cast from real anvils as a pattern and had the logos curt out of the moulds.

AndrewOC
26th Sep 2014, 02:30 PM
Hi folks.

Another Australian anvil supplier has come to my attention.
http://watersidemetalart.org/

As with the two Sydney companies above, I haven't used the product- so can't vouch for them in any way. I merely list these as starting point for investigation.

Enjoy!
AndrewOC

AndrewOC
26th Sep 2014, 02:47 PM
Had a more proper look and Waterside also do new leg-vices and coke.
A.

neilyeag
26th Sep 2014, 03:23 PM
Nice looking gear there Marc, did you buy those?

I bought these from Glen at GS Tongs. Great tools, really fast service. Highly recommend.

http://www.gstongs.com/

Neil

326515

daveylad
6th Oct 2014, 04:54 PM
I've been chasing up an anvil and finally got an answer from a guy in the ACT, "Valley Forge " the advertise a couple anvils 100kg and 200kg, just to let anyone know if they are chasing them up that they are no longer available from them as from now and into the foreseeable future, the email says he will alter the web site to now reflect these changes.

Marc
7th Oct 2014, 09:15 PM
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-cbd/other-home-garden/100kg-brand-new-double-horn-anvil-cast-4140-blacksmith-farrier/1057396352

See above SA anvil manufacturer, has 75, 100 and 150 k new anvils made in Australia. THe price is very reasonable considering some poor sod just paid 1200 on ebay for an old beaten up BK sydney 160 lb anvil. That is 70 k, barely adequate for general blacksmithing.

At this point it seems that it is either this guy in SA, that is advertising on Gumtree, or http://watersidemetalart.org/
or http://www.ernst-refflinghaus.de/amboss.html
I have fancied a refflinghaus for a while now. Really want a southern german pattern with the side shelf and the smooth transition from square to round.
The prices directly from the manufacturer are much better than the US rep, and the shipping fees are very low too. I am working on lowering the fees at our end that as usual are a bit of a rip off, and I may have a deal for a number 58/ 100 kg.

I'll let you know how I go.

DSEL74
7th Oct 2014, 10:27 PM
The SA guy from gumtree has his anvils in Bendigo VIC

rob streeper
7th Oct 2014, 11:49 PM
I bought his hammers (2), punches (3) and a range of tongs a couple of years back. Great service and very nice tools.

daveylad
8th Oct 2014, 12:14 AM
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-cbd/other-home-garden/100kg-brand-new-double-horn-anvil-cast-4140-blacksmith-farrier/1057396352

See above SA anvil manufacturer, has 75, 100 and 150 k new anvils made in Australia. THe price is very reasonable considering some poor sod just paid 1200 on ebay for an old beaten up BK sydney 160 lb anvil. That is 70 k, barely adequate for general blacksmithing.

At this point it seems that it is either this guy in SA, that is advertising on Gumtree, or http://watersidemetalart.org/
or http://www.ernst-refflinghaus.de/amboss.html
I have fancied a refflinghaus for a while now. Really want a southern german pattern with the side shelf and the smooth transition from square to round.
The prices directly from the manufacturer are much better than the US rep, and the shipping fees are very low too. I am working on lowering the fees at our end that as usual are a bit of a rip off, and I may have a deal for a number 58/ 100 kg.

I'll let you know how I go.

I'd be interested to see the final costs, what are the ones like on the Mont de Lancy site, ? http://www.blacksmithing.com.au/forsale.html

Marc
8th Oct 2014, 07:28 AM
So far Mr Refflinhaus has quoted me 1200 euros in Sydney CFI. I have yet to figure out what his agent will charge for release in sydney port. I have my own fright forwarder so may be able to strike a deal. Will let you know but likely some $200 on top.

DSEL74
8th Oct 2014, 07:28 AM
I've heard 3rd hand Oscars @ Mont de Lancey are a bit soft.

Marc
8th Oct 2014, 07:44 PM
I've heard 3rd hand Oscars @ Mont de Lancey are a bit soft.

I spoke to the manufacturer that advertises on Gumtree, and he said his are 51hrc, manufactured in Victoria and hardened in SA.
Made of 4140 steel.
He can cast in 5160 and can do up to 61 hrc but did not give the additional cost.

i am not experienced enough in metallurgy to direct an anvil manufacturer to change his steel to suit extra hardness.
I rather go for a brand that was tested by time.

Refflinghaus does them up to 59 and one inch deep penetration.

DSEL74
8th Oct 2014, 09:55 PM
So far Mr Refflinhaus has quoted me 1200 euros in Sydney CFI. I have yet to figure out what his agent will charge for release in sydney port. I have my own fright forwarder so may be able to strike a deal. Will let you know but likely some $200 on top.


What size/weight?

Marc
8th Oct 2014, 10:09 PM
What size/weight?

http://www.blksmth.com/images/large_size/From%20Catalogue.jpg

No 58 in 100 k

Marc
8th Oct 2014, 10:12 PM
Then there is Kohlswa of course, their prices are even higher than Refflinhaus. They do however have a very large selection of shapes

http://www.kohlswagjuteri.se/brancher-smidesstad.asp?activeImg=brancher&activeLang=en&activeChild=brancher-smidesstad

Prices:
http://www.kohlswagjuteri.se/pdf/pricelist_anvils.pdf

I like their C51 shape and it seems to be better priced, slightly.

daveylad
9th Oct 2014, 10:58 AM
I spoke to the manufacturer that advertises on Gumtree, and he said his are 51hrc, manufactured in Victoria and hardened in SA.
Made of 4140 steel.
He can cast in 5160 and can do up to 61 hrc but did not give the additional cost.

i am not experienced enough in metallurgy to direct an anvil manufacturer to change his steel to suit extra hardness.
I rather go for a brand that was tested by time.

Refflinghaus does them up to 59 and one inch deep penetration.



Marc
Is this Mont de Lancy one?

DSEL74
9th Oct 2014, 12:47 PM
I wish this was in Melb.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/forrestfield/other-tools-diy/blacksmiths-anvils-swage-blocks-bellows-and-tools/1058192757


This is the Adelaide bloke he has 150-100-75-50KG
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-cbd/other-home-garden/150kg-brand-new-double-horn-anvil-cast-4140-blacksmith-farrier/1057396721

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjEzWDI4NA==/z/Mz4AAOSwnDZUH3Cc/$_20.JPGhttp://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjI1WDMwMA==/z/sBMAAOSwxH1UH3Cd/$_20.JPG
I have for sale 10 150kg Blacksmith/farrier anvils in a south german pattern, They are cast 4140 chromium molybdenum based steel, Through hardned to 52 HRC and the face and horns tempered to provide outstanding impact resistance and hardness.

Anvils come in finished state, machined and painted. Anvils stands can be provided for each anvil weight at an extra cost.

Anvils are in based in Bendigo so shipping is calculated from there.
Basic specifications of the anvil are as follows:

Face Width: 135mm
Total Length: 813mm
Height: 305mm
Foot LxW:330mm

Hardy hole: 25mm
Pritchel hole: 10mm

daveylad
9th Oct 2014, 01:27 PM
I wish this was in Melb.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/forrestfield/other-tools-diy/blacksmiths-anvils-swage-blocks-bellows-and-tools/1058192757


This is the Adelaide bloke he has 150-100-75-50KG
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-cbd/other-home-garden/150kg-brand-new-double-horn-anvil-cast-4140-blacksmith-farrier/1057396721

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjEzWDI4NA==/z/Mz4AAOSwnDZUH3Cc/$_20.JPGhttp://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjI1WDMwMA==/z/sBMAAOSwxH1UH3Cd/$_20.JPG
I have for sale 10 150kg Blacksmith/farrier anvils in a south german pattern, They are cast 4140 chromium molybdenum based steel, Through hardned to 52 HRC and the face and horns tempered to provide outstanding impact resistance and hardness.

Anvils come in finished state, machined and painted. Anvils stands can be provided for each anvil weight at an extra cost.

Anvils are in based in Bendigo so shipping is calculated from there.
Basic specifications of the anvil are as follows:

Face Width: 135mm
Total Length: 813mm
Height: 305mm
Foot LxW:330mm

Hardy hole: 25mm
Pritchel hole: 10mm

Loks lehe ha a 4 week? wait while they are forged and has to wait until they have a order of 4 or more

Marc
9th Oct 2014, 07:09 PM
Marc
Is this Mont de Lancy one?
No, that is the one advertising on Gumtree, made in Victoria, see post above.
And in relation to those photos, the owner told me the photos are for illustration only (well what is a photo for right?) and that he does not cast them with side shelf. There are some drawings on that ad that show the pattern.
A bit of a disappointment for me since I like the side shelf. I used the side shelf when I was an apprendice at age 15 yet never owned an anvil with one.

As far as that auction in WA, that is a collector that has been hoarding anvils for years. Don't expect a bargain though.

daveylad
9th Oct 2014, 11:32 PM
Still looking for an Anvil just missed out on one on EBay I bid up to $680, I emailed a seller about another on EBay and it looks like they are from the Mont De Lancy forge in Wandin and Melbourne http://www.blacksmithing.com.au/forsale.html , advertised also on EBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121448748453?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

the answer I got back from them is;

"It is made of cast alloysteel, not cast iron, and are toughened as they cool, but not heat treaded. Wedo not have as specific hardness rating but will suit hot working steel, and wehave never had one crack".

Could I get some comment this I thought Cast Steel was the material best suited

Marc
10th Oct 2014, 07:32 AM
Ask what sort of steel they use. Modern anvils are cast tool steel like 41xx chrome molybdenum or 51xx chrome nickel they have different qualities, can be flame hardened and are certainly better than the old way of cast iron with a plate welded on top. I could never understand why someone would pay the cost of a new anvil for an old beaten up cast iron with a plate.

I once bought an anvil from Dough slack's foundry. They used to make anvils for the mines. they were not heat treated yet hard enough for rough work as required by mines.
I got it flame hardened by Gearco in sydney and it is a decent anvil and did not get any dings from my hammer. The Victoria anvil is 4140 I am told and hardened to 51 hrc. If that is enough, I am not qualified to comment. Europeans manufacturers go higher to 59 or so. If that is a significant difference or not, again I do not know.

It all comes down to money. You want an anvil that has a good rebound and obviously can not get damaged by a missed blow with a hammer. You choose the weight of your anvil according to the size of your work and the max weight of the hammer you are likely to use. There is a 3/100 rule doing the rounds yet I doubt that can be taken to the letter. After all you can have a second blacksmith with a 5 k sledge hammer on a 100 k anvil and the blow will be cushioned by the hot iron and not the anvil ... anyway that is another debate .
And finally you choose the shape of the anvil according to either your experience or your taste. I learned to work an a Swedish anvil with two horns, so I am biased. I notice that in Sydney it is all single horn with a step. I am lost without a smooth surface and have no use for the step in front of the round horn. Furthermore I think a round horn should be round not some mysterious oval shape like the claw of an alien creature, but hey, don't go quoting me, that is just my idea of the tool I like.

if you want to know my opinion that by no means is the only one, nor academic certainty, I think that for ornamental blacksmithing you need something over 70 kilos, with two horns and possibly with a side shelf. If you can get a bargain (meaning half price from new) you can gamble on an older anvil considering you will not work on it 40 hours a week. If not, bite the bullet and buy a new one from a reputable manufacturer.

New unknown manufacturers offering products no one knows nor used, are just that... another toss a coin and hope for the best. May be they are really good. I don't know, never seen them never used them nor do I know anyone that has.
If I were to manufacture a tool I would go to great lengths to present it to those more likely to buy them and turn up at shows with them.

DSEL74
10th Oct 2014, 09:16 AM
I was at a life time working blacksmiths the other day getting a tour of his work shop. He has a Mont de lancey anvil and demonstrated how if you his it square on with the face of the hammer it was fine, if you slightly miss hit and got the edge of the face it put a dent and it do right in front of me. Same risk with a peen. The major problem he has is with smiths who try to taper (draw down) a bar in the middle of the anvil face not over the edge and put plenty of dings in it as a result. He also has several anvils that are just large chunks of suitable steel, bisplate and duraflex. These he thinks work better.

Based on the above I think the anvil in question would be functional as long as you watch your hammer work and take reasonable care with it. If you want something to bash on that can take the abuse and not show it get a block of steel from a scrap yard. Plenty of smiths in the world have and still do use a rock for an anvil.

daveylad
10th Oct 2014, 09:22 AM
I think at this time I'm going to keep looking and settle on a chunk of rail track or large billet. One will come along soon enough I'm sure, thanks for the comments all helpful.

DSEL74
10th Oct 2014, 10:01 AM
I think at this time I'm going to keep looking and settle on a chunk of rail track or large billet. One will come along soon enough I'm sure, thanks for the comments all helpful.

There is a 1' length of track on ebay for sale as an anvil currently. When I looked it was $5

daveylad
10th Oct 2014, 10:26 AM
There is a 1' length of track on ebay for sale as an anvil currently. When I looked it was $5

just stuck a bid in now to see how it goes, I suppose it will donut wouldn't mind an bigger lump, trouble is here at Sunshine Coast freight I the killer,

P<S anyone else have problems with keyboard missing when typing o the replies

Marc
10th Oct 2014, 10:32 PM
I was at a life time working blacksmiths the other day getting a tour of his work shop. He has a Mont de lancey anvil and demonstrated how if you his it square on with the face of the hammer it was fine, if you slightly miss hit and got the edge of the face it put a dent and it do right in front of me. Same risk with a peen. The major problem he has is with smiths who try to taper (draw down) a bar in the middle of the anvil face not over the edge and put plenty of dings in it as a result. He also has several anvils that are just large chunks of suitable steel, bisplate and duraflex. These he thinks work better.

Based on the above I think the anvil in question would be functional as long as you watch your hammer work and take reasonable care with it. If you want something to bash on that can take the abuse and not show it get a block of steel from a scrap yard. Plenty of smiths in the world have and still do use a rock for an anvil.

An anvil that is not flame hardened is an unfinished anvil. It is not a problem to take it for heat treatment. It will cost a few hundred dollars. Better to do that than to fret over each missed hammer blow I think. As far as using a rock ... well ... what can I say? If you talk to someone that is into woodwork, he will happily spend thousands on the latest drop saw, cordless tools, boffin style planes you name it. When it comes to blacksmithing for some reason unknown to me, everyone is thinking 3 centuries back. No one would think in making wooden planks by digging a hole in the ground and sawing a tree trunk with a two man saw. Well almost no one ...
Blacksmithing be it for fun or for profit is a trade and as such has evolved from the time of the caves. Yes, it can still be done the old way. I don't see the fun nor the advantage in doing it the hard way. I use stick or MIG when necessary, I have at least 10 different grinders, electric pedestal drill (not one with a pedal) cold saw, plasma cutter and plan to install a cad cutting table with its robot and computer to cut out silhouettes that I can later mold in the forge and on the anvil. Not for the purist? Perhaps, but I don't really care. My master had a german forge with a blower attached to a pedal like the old sewing machines and also a "portable" wheel grinder that was a contraption he made with a motor on a rotating platform attached to a flexible shaft and felt guilty for using them. He used a stick welder and ready made rivets red faced. He thought he was cheating by using those tools. Beats me.

daveylad
10th Oct 2014, 11:10 PM
An anvil that is not flame hardened is an unfinished anvil. It is not a problem to take it for heat treatment. It will cost a few hundred dollars. Better to do that than to fret over each missed hammer blow I think. As far as using a rock ... well ... what can I say? If you talk to someone that is into woodwork, he will happily spend thousands on the latest drop saw, cordless tools, boffin style planes you name it. When it comes to blacksmithing for some reason unknown to me, everyone is thinking 3 centuries back. No one would think in making wooden planks by digging a hole in the ground and sawing a tree trunk with a two man saw. Well almost no one ...
Blacksmithing be it for fun or for profit is a trade and as such has evolved from the time of the caves. Yes, it can still be done the old way. I don't see the fun nor the advantage in doing it the hard way. I use stick or MIG when necessary, I have at least 10 different grinders, electric pedestal drill (not one with a pedal) cold saw, plasma cutter and plan to install a cad cutting table with its robot and computer to cut out silhouettes that I can later mold in the forge and on the anvil. Not for the purist? Perhaps, but I don't really care. My master had a german forge with a blower attached to a pedal like the old sewing machines and also a "portable" wheel grinder that was a contraption he made with a motor on a rotating platform attached to a flexible shaft and felt guilty for using them. He used a stick welder and ready made rivets red faced. He thought he was cheating by using those tools. Beats me.
http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/10/90/47199010/photos/undefined/Blacksmith%20Yard2.jpg (http://keithsphotos.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=163955869)
This old forge was in my old village where was brought up built in the 1700s I remember watching them work

Marc
11th Oct 2014, 07:22 AM
http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/10/90/47199010/photos/undefined/Blacksmith%20Yard2.jpg (http://keithsphotos.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=163955869)
This old forge was in my old village where was brought up built in the 1700s I remember watching them work

Very nice picture and nice memories. Where is that?
My wife grew up next to a blacksmith who made horseshoes and gates hardware day in day out. He did not even have a shed and worked under a tree. His forge had a hand actioned billow and his pay must have been a pittance. Different centuries.
Who knows why the blacksmith workshop is dark?

AndrewOC
11th Oct 2014, 09:34 AM
Hi all. A dimly lit workshop lets you see forging and even tempering colours better. The major challenge with outdoor demonstrating is the bright sunlight- it is so easy to burn a job in the forge, also to belt away at a job that is too cold- very difficult to differentiate in bright light.
hope that helps,
Andrew.

daveylad
11th Oct 2014, 10:25 AM
Hi all. A dimly lit workshop lets you see forging and even tempering colours better. The major challenge with outdoor demonstrating is the bright sunlight- it is so easy to burn a job in the forge, also to belt away at a job that is too cold- very difficult to differentiate in bright light.
hope that helps,
Andrew.
A village called Conisbrough, very old village pre Viking times next to it was a coaching house and a pub called the 3 horseshoes

DSEL74
11th Oct 2014, 11:03 PM
Hi all. A dimly lit workshop lets you see forging and even tempering colours better. The major challenge with outdoor demonstrating is the bright sunlight- it is so easy to burn a job in the forge, also to belt away at a job that is too cold- very difficult to differentiate in bright light.
hope that helps,
Andrew.

That is exactly my understanding and experience also.

Marc
12th Oct 2014, 07:45 AM
A village called Conisbrough, very old village pre Viking times next to it was a coaching house and a pub called the 3 horseshoes
Nice. is there a castle too?

Dark workshop. Yes that is the reason, yet you can develop an eye for the different colors in daylight if you avoid direct sunlight. A hood over the forge is usually enough... or a tree. ...or sunnies. :)

daveylad
12th Oct 2014, 08:51 AM
Nice. is there a castle too?

Dark workshop. Yes that is the reason, yet you can develop an eye for the different colors in daylight if you avoid direct sunlight. A hood over the forge is usually enough... or a tree. ...or sunnies. :)


http://youtu.be/uBy298MsmJA

his should show you, you couldn't dig anywhere without digging something up that was old.

Marc
17th Oct 2014, 06:30 AM
Old rusty anvil seen on Gumtree. If it is really 138k, 50 bucks isn't bad.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/palm-beach/miscellaneous-goods/blacksmith-anvil/1059424560

DSEL74
17th Oct 2014, 07:57 AM
138 I think is his street number for his house

daveylad
17th Oct 2014, 09:07 AM
138 I think is his street number for his house

Its Sold reckons it was about 87llbs????

daveylad
17th Oct 2014, 09:10 AM
presenltly a sale on prices are great for the Anvil but the shipping costs are the killer at 300 euros, http://kowalperun.com/index.php?cPath=29_39_123

A 100 kilo anvil for $480Euro which is about $700 AUD

DSEL74
17th Oct 2014, 09:55 AM
presenltly a sale on prices are great for the Anvil but the shipping costs are the killer at 300 euros, http://kowalperun.com/index.php?cPath=29_39_123

A 100 kilo anvil for $480Euro which is about $700 AUD

Looks like the same gear Waterside Metal Art in Melb are importing to me.

daveylad
17th Oct 2014, 10:27 AM
Looks like the same gear Waterside Metal Art in Melb are importing to me.

Looks the same only cheaper to do it yourself in Euro for a 75Kg is $390AUD compared to $930 AUD for the waterside similar one its the shipping the killer, the 100Kg is a good buy at 480 Euro or $700AUD.

Is that about your price?

HBH
27th Nov 2014, 11:23 PM
I've put an order in for a 35 kg anvil from Waterside - they're forged, not cast, at the Kanca foundry in Turkey. A *lot* harder than the O'Dwyer I'd been investigating. I only do small stuff so 35 kg should be a nice size.

MrSmith
13th Jan 2015, 03:58 AM
I have had the opportunity to use the anvils being imported by Waterside and I believe them to be very good quality. My understanding is that they a forged anvils and are marked as such (drop forged I suggest).
They have been independently hardness tested in Melbourne and they come up at 58 - 59 Rockwell C which is up there with Refflinghaus anvil for hardness.
I believe that these anvils have the potential to put a hole in some of the high prices being asked for badly abused anvils on Ebay.
I have actually ordered a 35 kg anvil myself to give to a friend as a present.

Marc
13th Jan 2015, 07:11 AM
Good news that someone can testify to the quality of Waterside imported anvils.

On the other end of the market if someone wants to have a piece of railway to bash on for a few dollars, and is in Sydney, try this scrap metal dealer.


There is a scrap metal merchant in Riverstone that has a very large pile of crane railway line chopped in 3m lengths piled up 2 meters high.
The railway line is massive and has a web that is 40mm thick. This has some mass and will do a decent small anvil if you had the patience to cut it to shape and grind it to your liking. I have never seen railway line of that size and no railway line "anvil" that I have seen has anywhere near that size and mass. Not saying that a railway of any thickness will ever substitute a decent anvil, but for the money, it is probably a good start.

The company is called All Steel Merchants - 02 9838 1533

MrSmith
15th Jan 2015, 11:41 AM
Roughly what size is the head of the rail Marc?
Were there any markings on the side of the web you could see?

Marc
19th Jan 2015, 12:12 PM
I was there to pick up PFC and when I tried to get closer to this pile, I saw a big brown slithering away, so wasn't too keen to get close but the head was probably 3" and the web easy one and 1/2 inch thick, massive stuff most probably used by a crane. I am not a big supporter of making an anvil with rail, however I acknowledge it is popular in OZ it is a cheap and quick way to have something to hammer on. They also have scrap plates 1 and 2 inches thick and some bits even thicker that could be used if cut properly as a makeshift anvil for very little money. The guys there are reasonable good with the oxy so could do some good cuts. didn't see any marks from the safe distance I was but I could see it was a crude demolition job the way the ends had been cut

MrSmith
22nd Jan 2015, 12:30 AM
I was asking Marc because I like to forge railway line to bar stock.
It is a nice tough material,medium carbon with high manganese content, I have to make a few trips to Sydney over the next few months, so I might have to check it out.

Saxon01
16th Aug 2015, 08:21 PM
Im glad i came across this thread, there are some really useful suppliers listed. I have used this one at North Richmond N.S.W. http://www.hawkesburytoolworx.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5&zenid=b1e5f60be18727b73fd11e949758ef4c i bought a some boker brand tongs from there, the guys in there are very helpful!

Corin
19th Aug 2015, 11:24 AM
Gameco have added nail headers, Blacksmith calipers, tomahawk handles and mandrels to their range in the last few months...

there is a lot in stock there!

DSEL74
19th Aug 2015, 04:50 PM
Corin, have you got a link to the tomahawk drifts & handles?

Corin
21st Aug 2015, 09:18 PM
http://gameco.com.au/files/62.pdf

here mate all in the catalogue here.