Old World Stake Anvil - First Try

I picked up the Stake Anvil set from Old World Anvils ( www.oldworldan... ) and this was my first go at using them. I'll need to practice more to really get a sense for how effective these little anvils really are and once I've had that experience I'll report back to everyone.

[@shadetreeforge]

I have a stump anvil, and a stump stake. T he anvil is an antique, and the stake is a small crude affair from India. Got both from Ebay. I pre drilled pilot holes and drove them in, secure the log and your problem should go away! For people who say you need a big anvil? No way! All you need is a surface the same size as your hammer face! I have full size anvils as well I like to take my "toys" and other tools to public club demos to show people you don't need all the bells and whistles to do blacksmithing!

[@WatersIronworks]

I'd love to see some photos or videos of your setup.

[@brittinghammerforge9441]

Hey Frank

[@brianhunter1543]

I’d love to see a part two and your thoughts on using it for over a year. You are right through history most blacksmith’s didn’t have anything larger than this to work on because iron was very precious.

[@MisterRose90]

I've seen Bertram from the channel Bertram - Craft and Wilderness use one of these. He actually dug a nice little pit for him to sit on and stick his legs in to bring his work to a more comfortable level. He used a much much smaller stump dug into the ground for his. Really cozy little set up and the best part is you can do this outside while being amongst nature. Totally legit. This is something I definitely wanna have.

[@brittinghammerforge9441]

I think it would work well on an actual stump still rooted in the ground. I made a stump anvil out of railroad rail

[@WatersIronworks]

A better stump would be a huge help.

[@luciusirving5926]

I usually forge on a plate over wood. I'm also thinking about putting a red hot hammer head over a log until it's steady enough.

[@MrOldclunker]

Stump and a piece of firewood are definitely two different things. You did a great job of working through the first time use of a stump anvil. It appears harder than you make it look. Thanks for the informative video.

[@WatersIronworks]

Yah. That "stump" was not as stable as I remembered it being when I got out there. I've got them anchored into a much sturdier block now.

[@deanrantz1112]

You're better off just altering a splitting maul/wedge or Sledge Hammer......Pre drilling or burning in a pilot hole ( in the stump)helps

[@WatersIronworks]

I think you're probably right. That's on my list to try as well.

[@nietztsuki]

FYI-- drilling a pilot hole 3/4ths the width of the anvil spike will help prevent the stump from splitting.

[@WatersIronworks]

How far down do you recommend drilling? 1/2 the total length or 3/4s?

[@nietztsuki]

@@WatersIronworks Hi Philip. You could drill all the way, but I would recommend stopping the drill a 1/2" or so short of the length of the anvil spike in order for the tip of the spike to embed itself into the stump. Forrest

[@glenndarilek520]

About 2 pound anvil for about $15 a pound, you provide the stump.

[@WatersIronworks]

I've heard of people using sledge hammer heads for an even cheaper option. I might give that a shot also.

[@johnjude2685]

They are useful for slyeth ( tool for cutting hay by hand ✋️) Do you feel a good rebound?

[@WatersIronworks]

Rebound was pretty hard to tell. Honestly though if you're hitting hot steel I don't normally feel that much rebound since the metal I'm hitting is deforming.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Nice video. Very true and onestly review. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. God bless.

[@WatersIronworks]

Thanks 👍

[@brittinghammerforge9441]

Hey Jared

[@y-notforge8913]

..yep, a bit challenging. i went and looked at this set. to me they look like peening anvils for scythes and sickles. mostly because of the crown they both have. not to say you can't forge on them tho. Well done sir...

[@WatersIronworks]

I thought the same about them looking a lot like peening anvils when I got them. That's not how they are marketed though with an image of someone making a sword on one.

[@woodsroamer6175]

Your angle is not good. Try sitting down or squatting while working

[@WatersIronworks]

That's an interesting idea. I'll give that a shot.