Projects from THE COMPOUND

[DRIVEN]

I was getting kind of burnt out on the chassis build so I made a detour and did some work on the anvil and stand. Since my boss is on vacation (gotta be sneaky) I took the anvil in and removed a couple layers of paint so I could more clearly read the numbers. This is what I found...
M&H
ARMATAGE
MOUSE
HOLE
FORGE
0*3*20

Through some quick research I found that it was made in England between 1854 and 1875. The numbers are the old British stone weight measurement indicating 104 pounds. This thing is AT LEAST 100 years older than I am. Pretty cool.
On the base I started with a scrap section of 2"x8" box with a section of angle iron welded in to keep the center from collapsing. I capped the end then filled it with dry concrete mix. The theory is that it will add weight while acting as a dampener. It also won't have the same moisture issues as sand. Once filled and compacted I capped the other end.

For the stand portion I welded two pieces of C-channel together and filled it as well.

Welled the top and mount points on then tipped it over and ground all the welds.

Gave it a quick coat of primer then back in the corner until I get motivated to finish it.

I have plans to add a vise mount to it so I can get the vise off of my work bench and out of the way. Once that's sorted out I'll paint everything and dress the striking surfaces of the anvil.

 

[Longroof79]

That's quite an anvil. I'm sure if it could talk, it would have a rich history. Perhaps in a blacksmith shop.
Nice stand to support it. Good job!

 

[DRIVEN]

Thanks! I'm sure it could tell some stories. My dad got it from a friend of his who owns a large nursery. I think it was from one of the farms he absorbed. It's been at my house for probably 20 years. I figured it was old but was surprised it was as old as it is. Has a really nice bounce. I plan to keep using it like I always have -- It'll just live inside now.

 

[Mike P]

Nice anvil, and very nice workmanship on the stand (as usual). Not to throw stones but is the base wide enough to be really stable?

 

[DRIVEN]

It does look pretty skinny. It's fairly stable though. The next phase will add an axle and wheels on the back side that just barely touch the floor (think training wheels). They'll be a couple inches wider on each side too to increase stability. I'm also planning a receiver for a handle to tip it back on to the wheels for mobility. It's hard to explain but it'll make more sense when you see it. Basically, I was just tired of tripping over the anvil so I threw the stand together to get it off the floor and in the corner. I'll probably refine it over time.

 

[Mike P]

Suddenly makes a bunch of sense.

 

[RustRocket]

I've gone through this thread and noticed some very nice VW's in here. It just so happens I'm trying to decide between a crate motor for my Cutlass, or a budget Baja Bug build. I'm leaning towards the VW a lot more. Also, I grew up in Tigard and had a lot of family in the Hillsboro area

 

[DRIVEN]

I've been toying with the idea of a Baja project too. One thing at a time though.
If you've spent time in Tigard and Hillsboro you've probably driven right past me.

 

[DRIVEN]

Did some more work on the anvil stand. Welded on a receptacle (pipe) for a handle along with a receiver for a vice pedestal. The jam bolt is to keep the pedestal from wiggling around.

Vice pedestal with a coat of silver Hammerite.

Cut a section of old mudflap to attach to the bottom using some leftover roofing tar.


Added an axle to the back and gave it a couple coats of paint.


Painted the anvil with the last of a can of paint that might be older than me. Then dressed the striking surfaces before treating them with Froglube to deter rust. Note the preheating on the radiator style heater -- Turns the Froglube from solid to liquid. Cool stuff.

Added the wheels and set the anvil on the base. The wheels just barely touch the floor and add some stability.

A view with the vice in place...

Showing the height leaving room to swivel 360 degrees...

 

[Mike P]

Great design and nice work!!!!

A lot of people who don't have or use and anvil regularly don't realize how much space they actually take up. It's not the anvil so much as the 4-6 feet (or more) of clear you need 360 degrees around the anvil. Unless you're Driven, moving an anvil out of the way when you're done with it is not a fun job.