How to Repair An Anvil

[@BuddyWildMan]

On particularly tough days, today being one of them, your videos help me find peace. Can't wait to see what you'll teach us next.

[@blhack123]

Hope you're finding a lot of peace, jacob.

[@ThompsonJosh98]

Hopefully those tough days have become few and far between man!

[@Rishnai]

Amen to that Jacob

[@simonfreeman6790]

Ive watched many anvil restorations, and I must say this is the best in my opinion. Straight to the point info and visual success.

[@AndrewReuter]

Your videos consistently are well produced, packed with knowledge, and cut with dry humor. Great stuff! Thanks for your (and your team's) work!

[@jonnybkuehl878]

That was Great!! I appreciate your passion and the ability to bring old anvils back to life. I'm glad I've found your channel. I'm looking forward to getting into blacksmithing!!

[@jackwiltsey5703]

Sir, you make the only videos I watch from start to finish. Every time I watch,I learn so much. Thank you for these lessons.

[@SludgeFuZZ]

Of all the anvil restoration projects I've seen, this is by far the best. You took heat and type of electrode in to consideration and that anvil deserves at least that.

[@antoner1386]

Finally got my hands on a 1800s mousehole 100 lber this morning! I've been in search of one that was in decent condition for a while now and I finally found one with a nice flat face, the horns intact, one nice and crisp Edge, and one radiused Edge, all feet intact, and the heel is not chipped! Much thanks to you and your videos my friend! I've taken a lot of your advice on what to look for we want to pass on. Then without patience and your expertise helping me along, this would not have been possible. Couldn't be happier. Thanks a lot E C 👍

[@frankyandle6953]

Beautiful! Nice to see someone that knows the proper way to use a grinding stone. Seen so many get ruined/less effective in 2 minutes. Thanks for your videos. You are an Essential Craftsman!

[@ChrystianGuy]

I want to thank you. I followed your advice on telling the most people when you are looking for an anvil and after 3 weeks, one was given to me. It was sitting in a barn, gathering rust. 115 pounds of memories! lol I'm picking it up next week!

[@giblet2955]

This is Absolutely a fantastic video!!! I repaired a beat to death, cracked heel, worn through the face plate into the wrought, old Trenton. I used Amtec Railtec rod for filler, Amtec 64 rod (no more than 4 passes) for hard surface and edges. It is holding up well. I am not savy enough to have video'd the process. I am told by purists that I reduced the collector value of my anvil. Your method of stagger-spacing the weld lines is genius. I wasn't smart enough to do that and simply stopped after 2 inches to let the whole thing cool. It took forever!!!! I so appreciate your channel and thank you for taking the time to share your craftsmanship with us! All the Best Kevin King from Fayetteville Arkansas.

[@jessejoslin9908]

Man was I excited for this video. I've been tormenting over wether or not I should recon my hay budden. the edges aren't too terribly chipped or broken the face is just awfully beat up and nowhere near flat. After this I think I may just dress it a little and clean it up well. Thank you for another awesome video. Can't wait for the next one! Oh, and tell your boy he's done a great job so far as well!

[@jessejoslin9908]

hardened plate unfortunately.

[@ShaneHolly]

Damn, nice work. I am 42 and when I lost my father it was losing my go to guy when I had a problem or question during a build. Your videos are quality, your shop is amazing and watching you is like watching my dad in a way. Good work and thanks for the videos.

[@Prairie_Barbarian]

Thank you for this!!! I have a beautiful old Arm & Hammer that's in great shape (face still very flat and free of dents) but the edges are so worn. Not chipped, just rounded away and uneven. It makes fullering a pain, and I've been wanting to repair it. This video gives me confidence that it can be done!

[@BerserkerGang2019]

A wesome. Im from Germany and I love collecting old anvils. very intresting video.

[@richstewart9338]

As always great job well done! Now I can start my project on my Peter Wright anvil! Thanks

[@chunkyharper9467]

your children and grandchildren are really lucky to have a man like you close buy with such an abundance of knowledge and great drive to teach. I really enjoy your videos you have a relaxing voice that I don't get tired of hearing and talk when you need to an work when it's time to work. great job I always look forward to new videos

[@MCCORMICK10202236]

Beautiful! Love your videos. I'm a mechanic who starts out with the basic essentials. Makes me feel like I should dig out my blacksmithing equipment and start practicing making and repairing iron.

[@cdanielh128]

I'd be proud as hell to have that anvil in my shop. Fine work. I know this is an old vid but please keep up the great videos!

[@shadowcastre]

Nice work... looks like new! I have seen a number of anvils that were repaired this way that turned out really bad. Thanks for the video...

[@steveswinnigan4418]

I just love all the thing you have show me how to do in my shop Thanks.

[@jonathanmarklee10]

Love your videos!! keep em coming! I discovered an anvil in a salvage yard wasting away. it turns out it is a Trenton, from 1906. 188 lbs and i am trying to restore it. your guidance has helped!

[@lifeonwheels9874]

Its always a pleasure to watch anything you do, you're very knowledgeable about many things and very humble. Thank you, found the video very helpful!

[@montanalivin8248]

Love your videos... I'm at the 'looking for my first anvil phase of my love for blacksmithing' and your videos have helped tremendously. I am currently trying to decide between 3 different used anvils I have found and am in the process of building my forge. I currently am leaning towards a propane forge. What are the pros/cons of gas fired vs coal fired?

[@julianitama468]

This is great. I bought my first anvil for $300 a few months ago and the edges are all cracked off. I'll definitely be using this method to repair it eventually.

[@alessandrolok5450]

Did you buy it when it was allready broken or did you broke it?

[@julianitama468]

@@alessandrolok5450 Lol, I don’t even remember making a comment. No, I never ended up fixing the edges. To be honest, the edges aren’t that bad in hindsight. Some of the edges you wouldn’t want to forge over, but it’s only a minor inconvenience. I might fix it someday but it’s not worth the effort right now. Edit: wait that wasn’t your question. No I didn’t break it myself, it was an old anvil and the owner was never coming back for it, so he sold it to me.

[@alessandrolok5450]

@@julianitama468 tnx for your answer to the asked and not asked question lol. Always love extra info

[@jameswoodrum1405]

You're a god send. I've learn more from you in the past week then I've learned in the last 10 years.

[@vincelindataylor4168]

You said putting that straight edge piece was silly I say you are just showing respect to all the work that has been done on that anvil.

[@jrix2041]

Great video. I have watched all of your videos in my spare time which is not much between work, church, family etc... I have to come learn more from you. Thank Pres. Craftsman :)

[@terencejenner5935]

Good job Scott on the reconditioning of that anvil face. Congratulations to Jake for wining the anvil giveaway competition well deserved winner to at that.

[@jasonmotley7933]

Very good job on the restoration of the Anvil. I remember watching the video of when you brought that yellow anvil home. I am going to pick up an American Wrought Anvil tomorrow, about 136 lbs.

[@MrB82901]

Good looking anvil. Stoody makes many different products just know your base material and the desired results and go to work. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@mjoe877]

Fantastic workmanship!

[@franknapolitano2745]

Just wonderful , learning video my Dad worked in a pipe mill , and fatherlaw in the Republic Steel open heartsteel mill.

[@ShainAndrews]

It will live to work another day. The second you mentioned welding the corners I wondered how well hard surfacing rod would work for the application. I suspected it would be more prone to fragmenting off, probably worse than the original damage.

[@ThompsonJosh98]

Thanks for the educational video!

[@HeartPumper]

As an addition, not dissing, there's an awesome short article in Anvil Magazine about anvil restorations (google "Anvilmag Anvil Restoration"). Basically summarizing, what's here :D Absolutely awesome restoration, some "purists" may be offended only by taking a sanding disk to the anvil's face. But you made this thing "working again" :). Great philosophy and skills behind it Sir. Thank you!

[@archenemy1124]

I'm very grateful that i found this channel. Entertaining and informative.

[@benhenry1116]

wow. that is amazing. just looking at the weld it looks like you are very experienced. great job on that restoration.

[@mccloskey2011]

As always, very interesting and informative. I recommend your site to people frequently. Thanks for the dope.

[@yebonuts]

I'm thoroughly impressed with you knowledge of your subject matter, and your love for things old and rustic. Keep em coming my friend!

[@DjeehBear]

More comprehensive and accurate knowledge. Really enjoying this channel!

[@jimtomlinsom1279]

love your channel. Similar to a old steeple jack/back yard mechanic here in the UK call Fred Dibnah. if you've not heard of him check him out of you have time. that man, like yourself, was extremely skilled in many different trades. his back yard in Bolton was something to behold and is now a museum of his life. Great channel. inspiring stuff.

[@JIMPONYD]

Thanks for posting your video.

[@jameslucas6589]

Great job. I just noticed this and hesitated before watching as I need to repair my Peter Wright anvil in the same manner and was wondering what rod would work best. I thought 7014 would work but be soft. Thanks for the pre heat step as well. Now all I need is a welder and torch set which I once had but no longer posses. Such is life. I guess it's time to find a good welder ( person). Great video.

[@michaellohre1470]

Excellent work, showing patience in the process, and the subsequent payoffs.

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

I am a huge fan please come out with more videos on carpentry your skilsaw video is why I ordered a mag 77 (which by the way is an amazing tool. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@mossyhollow3732]

Peening makes it more work hardened. If you must repair just pre heat to 200°F and use 7018. Don't waste your money on build up or hard face rods like I did. Build up rods are great but a pain. Hard face rods requires an advanced knowledge to properly apply. I know a master smith who has repaired many anvils with 7018 with no pre-heat for 40 years and they hold up to abuse by students. I'm not talking down this video. Just adding what I have learned as a metal nerd.

[@krombopulosrick7920]

Wierd to see your comment I was watching your videos 2 years ago when learning about anvils love that collection. Since then I found a 144 pound Peter Wright. Its has a 1.5" chip on the edge and the center of the face dips in 1/4 inch what would you recommend to repair it

[@spencerestes]

Mossy Hollow how would you harden the welded areas on a 160lb anvil after welding it with 7018

[@brianfalls5894]

Nice job on the anvil repair!!!

[@BrazilWeldsMessiasCarvalho]

Good Job my friend!!

[@angelaragon6482]

I love your work and how much you put into it.! I never see you do anything half ass always looks like your putting your full effort into whatever your working on. I love it keep the good content coming!

[@kadevohn]

That outtro track was a certified slapper my guy. You're keeping that acoustic folk vaporware on dolo, family. And that's for the str8 success my guy. Very clean!!!

[@ryanv.3999]

Absolutely amazing work. Love watching your videos. I want an anvil so bad.

[@matthbva]

I have an early 1800s Wilkinson anvil that's in surprisingly good shape, considering that it spent decades in a garden in Rhode Island. But there's a fair sized chip out of one corner of the face. I have been very hesitant about trying to repair it, but I have also been afraid to use it for fear of delaminating the face. Thanks for giving me the courage to go ahead with a repair.

[@klassnas9924]

Looks super fresh. Good job 😄

[@jessehannah2989]

Beautiful work. Im currently making a 200 pound anvil out of a few forklift forks. That is some tough steel whatever it is. Takes about an hour for 1 cut. Im styling it after german anvil design. Then ill just use an end cut on a plate for an upsetting block and stepface so i dont marr up the face. Just hoping it wont be too hard to weld with a 220 mig setup

[@humbleheart7196]

Very nice job. Best i have seen in a while.

[@KP-es9cq]

I just want to say thank you for the great education I receive every time I watch one of your videos

[@tobyemerson8595]

well done, I like the # 10 can use for elbow support. Thanks

[@cameronrees-middleton7726]

Beautiful job, thanks for taking us through this

[@brandonburdette7895]

That looks very good nice work as always bud

[@cliffwarmoth9070]

Fun to watch! Thanks!

[@AgentZ3R0.]

By selecting the welding rod that you did, do you expect the edges that you repaired to be susceptible to indentations from you hammer, while forging? or did I misunderstand you? Great Video, I'm always learning from you. Thanks!

[@jadney]

Nice video. I've always wondered about how anvils were made. Is the top surface a separate piece, or was it somehow hardened differently? If it's a separate piece, how was it attached?

[@clipper6403]

Nicely Done!

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Great Job Fella'.

[@leviblackwood3258]

omg that turned out so nice. what an awesome find. heck I have a guy offering me a german or Swedish 450lb double horned anvil with an upsetting block and side shelf for $1200. my only problem is that I have to get it off of Vashon island.

[@jailer23044]

Looks awesome, nice work. Doesn't seem to be much you can't do. That anvil will make a pretty nice addition to the forge.

[@Calhoun1224]

I have an anvil I have had for about 15 years. It is around a 100 lbs. Before I got it someone welded a 1/2 plate on the face of the anvil. My question is should I remove and try repairing as you have demonstrated? I know it ruins the value of the anvil but it works ok for what i use it for. Thank You Karl

[@imitatingmax]

EC, I love the videos. I recently bought my first house and am interested in setting up a small shop in the garage. I realize I'll want a vise but have no idea what qualities to seek. How about a new video talking about vises and what to look for in an old one?

[@althesmith]

Looks interesting. I've got a nice 300pounder but some idiot years ago torch-cut metal along one edge leaving grooves.

[@Mr.BigweldNBTX]

So informative , this video is exactly what I needed. I recently picked up an old anvil and the edges are broken plus the rear of it is completely broken off and missing. I could use some advice on what type of steel to use to weld on the missing section. I thought about using some A 36 mild steel 1" plate stacking them for width and welding it on, but now I'm thinking it might be too soft. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@sageavatar]

Any concerns with ruining the face temper? Perhaps this is why you ensure you heat the anvil to only 400 degrees? Great video. I appreciate the kindness and respect for things with so much history.

[@stephenranti173]

Wow you do beautiful work. I am just starting to get my things together to start Blacksmithing and only have a RR track for an Anvil but I keep looking!!

[@shanek6582]

I've got a big fisher that doesn't need any welding but I've been wanting to get it surface ground, looks like you can get it pretty flat with one of those cup stones.

[@zenmaster1979]

thank you for this video I've got an old anvil that needs some edge repair and you answered many questions that other videos did not.

[@geoffreypotts2410]

Very cool..thank you

[@brucemcnally3924]

What a superb restoration, good to see.

[@HandToolRescue]

Would you say the hardy hole condition does or does not need to be repaired?

[@dondawson1]

I would love to see a video of fixing a Hardie hole. Mine is tapered and so does not allow a 1" square tool to seat properly.

[@johnstewart9237]

Donald Dawson than forge your own smaller tool!

[@dondawson1]

Essential Craftsman Yes please do a video on correcting the Hardie hole size and shape.

[@carpespasm]

As I understand it, hardie holes and tools are meant to be tapered rathern than square all the way down to keep from the tool getting stuck, and to make it easier to pull new tools you make for it while they're hot.

[@melgross]

I’ve got a nice cast steel anvil that has a face that’s about 45-50 Rockwell, by my scratch tests. But the Hardy hole isn’t even square. Also, it tapers, but isn’t straight. I would love to fix that. The round hole, I forget what it’s called now, but it isn’t round, or straight. That I could drill out .

[@dougbourdo2589]

End result is ultra sweet. WE had a 200 lb. anvil in my dad's tractor repair shop when I was a kid. I killed many a hearing cells back then hammering on anything I could get hold of. Man, would I like to have that anvil now.

[@sheriffwoody4232]

thanks for the help. I needed to repair my anvil in minecraft for a while now

[@larrybair8074]

Beautiful job. Someone will be glad to purchase this from you.

[@AndrewBuchen]

You inspire me to learn the Blacksmithing trade. Keep up the informative video's.

[@randychom]

Thanks for making what everyone else states is a impossible task into a simple process , a lot of people lose their minds when they see someone stick weld a anvil. My opinion is if it not usable what good is it? The heat pencils are a great thing to have so you don't screw this up, thanks for sharing.

[@howardfluty566]

great video! Could you not have the surface and edge machined smooth and flat or is it just you preference to use a hand grinder? Really like you channel!

[@jamesgarrison6859]

Incredible video. Thank you.

[@johanvanzanten8927]

Nice work, I really love when people bring a bad anvil back into working shape

[@doofer1715]

I hope one day I am a third as skilled as you are. A very impressive restoration.

[@nitramretep]

Nice repair!

[@aaronwood3540]

well thanks a lot, I have a 1830ish armitage mouse hole that is in great shape. however it could use an edge sharping. now I have a new project to do. as if I needed another one. great video thanks.

[@57fitter]

Nice job!! My Vulcan need some of that. Someday when it's worse I guess I'll try it. Never seen it done until here, many thanks.

[@KENNEY1023]

Looks great

[@drbrono]

Beautiful job! You are very skilled and talented.

[@scrambler350]

Beautiful.

[@TheAussiePirate]

I have so much respect for you man.

[@countryjunction625]

Love the channel. I have an anvil that needs this done as well. Could you give me some more information on the welding rods that you used? Where did you buy them? Thank you.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Nice job. Better than new. Or at least as good.

[@danielsbackforty8094]

VERY NICE JOB!!!

[@alinamuntean902]

sir..my hat is off to you..i ve got a heavy two hand hammer that rusts and m going to restore it:) that last pas is "multimaterial"called a strong density plastic with some carbon fibers in it..i never knew you can polish steel..i use it for wood only...thnx!

[@TrojanHorse1959]

You are "persnickety" with the details. I like that, I am much the same in things that I do. One question though, "Why not weld up the square hole damage too?

[@dominicbianco3826]

GREAT VIDEO THANKS FOR SHARING!! Maybe You Can Help Me I’m one of the last scissor manufactures here in the USA i am in need of an anvil with a hardened cap. Not too heavy 50 lbs or so. Any ideas please share. Thanks again.

[@ugotit33x]

NICE JOB