Risky Anvil Repair: 80lb Peter Wright

[@Nightman2152]

Before Quarantine: "That's not worth repairing" During Quarantine: "I'm gonna repair that" -Every handy person right now.

[@adamliske]

Now if only my two sets of small helping hands were slightly more on the helpful side of things, rather than me having to look up every five minutes and try to figure out where on the property they have ran to.

[@Fernandestres]

The truest of statements!

[@allanlavallee7171]

20 years ago I heated an 80 lb. peter wright in a coal forge and welded the face, had it ground in a machine shop and have worked on it as a farrier for the past twenty years. Still perfect.

[@vessmachineen193]

Exactly

[@CleaveMountaineering]

@@adamliske My 1 year old likes to play in the quench bucket... The 3 and 5 year old like to get twigs and scrap wood and throw them in the forge.

[@KarlBunker]

It's always a joy to see an old, beat-up tool being made beautiful and usable again.

[@jacksonbennett6151]

The old AvE tinkering methodology, “if it’s already f*&$ed, you can’t f*&$ it anymore!”

[@taunokekkonen5733]

Or, if it isn't broken, keep fixing it until it is!

[@egy_fekete_volga755]

We use to say when something is total crap; well, it cant fall any deeper.

[@andrewut7ya511]

As my partner at work say when jumping into a messy job, "well, were fucked anyways, lets do it."

[@lastmanstanding5338]

You can apply this to most situations in life. 👍

[@dannyoktim9628]

I will NEVER repair an anvil but I will use a a 2x4 when welding . . . life Hacks . . .thanks for that one!

[@ADBBuild]

I didn't even notice that. Glad you said something or I would have missed that trick too!

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

I came here to comment the same thing. This is the real tip. Half a 2x2 is what, $1? $1 for a job you're going to be working on all day? That's value. One of the oft-underestimated perks of leverage is control. Everyone knows levers make you stronger, but they also turn large movements into small ones. By stabalizing your arm you've shortened the lever of your arm and given it a fulcrum near the workpiece.

[@gremlinmech]

I've been welding for years and lately even been seen coping a seat for some but never felt stable couldn't tuck the arms into the body right but that 2X is a gonna try idea. One of lots I have picked up on this channel. Thank you again

[@DrewToner]

A Welders Crutch!

[@deadcrow6888]

Its brilliant

[@TyphoonVstrom]

The most difficult, yet most valuable skill for a tradesman to develop- patience. I srarted appreciating patience a lot more around when I turned 40.

[@danstrikker6465]

Ain't that the truth. Something I gotta work more on.

[@hocuspocus4871]

I like how he says he needs to take his time and do it slowly. He then proceeds to blaze through it in under 4 minutes while also making a sword.

[@hocuspocus4871]

And, yes, I know it was sped up.

[@michaelroberson2546]

I'll probably never repair an anvil much less a 'risky' one like this but in my daily life I work with what is known as industrial athletes. Scott this video is a great example of good body mechanics and awareness of space, work, time, and exertion. Your set up in talking about why going slow is so necessary for the anvil also applies to the work load of the worker. Your 'assistive device' of the wood 2x4 to support your left arm/hand is truly a tip for all upper extremity workers. Also you had the anvil set at just the right height to be able to sit down and improve your position. The way you moved about your work without twisting/tuning/flexing in any combination while keeping a neutral spine throughout. Now, having said this we all know that sometimes these conditions simply cannot be met but when you are the one setting up the work and you have control over the set up, this, my friend is a master class on how it should be done in my opinion. You and I spoke at your meet-up in Mesa last year and you mentioned you were seeing a physical therapist or had seen one in the past. Your PT served you very well and you took your PTs instruction and advice to heart. May I say to you then, "Keep up the good work." Best regards.

[@jakespede7540]

It's amazing how you make difficult undertakings look so easy! Great job as usual.

[@patrickweckermann9121]

The 2x4 arm rest is by far the biggest take away I have from this video. Brilliant!

[@janderson8401]

My questions are: What is the purpose of scribbling on the side and face of the anvil? What are marking the anvil with?

[@essentialcraftsman]

Temple Stick...They are markers made of wax that melts at different temperatures. That’s a 350° stick and melts when you’re at 350°.

[@mabmachine]

Temperature indicating sticks. They are formulated to melt at a specific temperature.

[@susanbarbier5053]

J Anderson That crayon looking thing looks to be a temp stick. It will melt at a certain temperature range to let you know how hot a surface is. They come in a kit with a handful of them for different temp ranges. He is making sure to not overheat the anvil. Just enough preheat to help the welding and prevent damage to the anvil. He is scribbling so he can tell right when the markings start to melt and scribbling all over the anvil to ensure it’s even. Hope that makes sense.

[@BCM1959]

Good question and answers.

[@janderson8401]

@@essentialcraftsman thanks for the prompt answer.

[@SweeturKraut]

This reminds me of the old story about the engine repair man. He showed up, listened to the engine for a bit, then he banged on it with a hammer and it started right up. He gave the customer a bill for 500 dollars which he thought was crazy... "500 dollars, all you did was hit it with a hammer!"... So the repairman wrote an itemized bill.... $5 for hammer strike, $495 for knowing exactly where and how hard to hit it.

[@carolinacambo]

SweeturKraut he’s a crook 😂 he just crawled under and tapped on the starter haha I woulda done that for a case of Budweiser lol

[@marcelorodriguez566]

i like how much you try to do a good job..no lacking in effort. you're a badass and you know it.

[@brianhigginbotham4489]

This is the first small Peter Wright I’ve seen that matches mine. The one I have was given to me by my late uncle & was used for general home repairs for many years. The neatest part was this anvil was found by my grandfather in a pile of junk deep in the woods of southern Wv & was dragged home by a small Honda trail 70 pops used to go hunting on. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

[@markbell9742]

To keep the heat in your anvil after bringing it up to temp and making it more uniform, build a dam of cardboard/plywood around the anvil and fill it with vermiculite up to the repair area. Build the dam so the front panel can be removed to dump the vermiculite into a trash can if you need to reheat. After the repair cover the top of the anvil with a few inches of vermiculite and let if cool slowly over night. Maybe this is over-kill, but that's just me. Cheers, Mark

[@johndunbar2393]

The piece of wood to stabilize your hand is a genius life hack! I'm definitely going to use that.

[@motor2of7]

I’ve got a 107lb Peter Wright and the edges are in need of some attention, although not nearly as chowdered as the one you repaired. Great video.

[@johanjotun1647]

I cringe when I hear the Name PeterWright, people think those things, in useless condition (edges gone and sagging an inch plus)are worth the prices of a Holland Anvil new, cause someone's fool Pappy told them they were the best, you'd be better off putting it on craigslist, or using it as a boat anchor.

[@gregz7159]

Thank you, Scott. You are making COVID-19 quarantine much more bearable. Your content (and music) is inspiring. You bring joy to my life in this challenging time. For that I will forever be grateful. Peace.

[@shotgunsam23]

That titanium stick welder is actually pretty good. I picked up one back in December and I love it.

[@cm5838]

Hand forging fascinates me, I’d probably never get into it but enjoy learning about the process. I refurbish and restore things ranging from antique appliances to atv’s, I’ve also been known to be a bit of an inventor and fabricator, for me my 20” section of train rail works just fine. My dad had a 16” section of narrow gauge rail he used as long as I can remember. I may grab that when I pick up his tools. Anyways always good to learn things even if I never use that knowledge

[@JoshSmithsOverallForge]

Great content as always Scott! My general rule is that if you have enough patience, you can get pretty much anything done! Turned out beautifully! Happy Easter to you and your family! Take the time to celebrate that old empty cave! God bless!

[@davidstreeter9426]

Some things have a high enough intrinsic value that it is worthwhile to repair them and a Peter Wright anvil certainly qualifies. Quality is always worth at least an honest evaluation and sincere effort at conservation, in this engineer's opinion.

[@ducatista1098s]

The little kid at the end made my day with his glasses. Great video, sir.

[@smoothbore4377]

Over the past 55 years as a "fix-it" man, the "what have you got to lose" equation has become a ruling philosophy of mine.

[@fencingrocks3]

Okay using that board as an arm support for stick welding is genius! Totally stealing that idea, thanks!

[@kevinalexander7710]

Looks to me like he didn’t take his time at all. Only took like 8 minutes.

[@sammylacks4937]

I was a sawfiler 33 years, hammering saws on 5 ' anvils that had to be sent out once in my time to be ground flat. I used Tig to repair teeth or cracks in bandsaws and the annealing or tempering is just as important as good welding. I'd bring up slowly not red hot we called it bluing. Then let it cool slowly to return steel ( Udderhom) to close as possible original temper.

[@jackgreen412]

It's always calming watching your videos. I'm a little impatient have a bit of a temper. Relaxing watching your work and hearing your commentary.

[@jackdelyria2356]

You have to feel pretty good about that. You took a marginally useful tool and brought it back to robust live. Very inspiring.

[@leftymalonewertyu]

I use a Needle Scalier to chip slag and de-stress after each 1" weld. This also slows you down.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice repair. I have been considering do this to my Peter Wright 163#. Thanks for the walk through. Stay safe and well.

[@B-leafer]

I really like your well thought out, methodical work ethic especially since that tends to be my own type of mindset, so I appreciate your approach all that much more. "Keep the faith!"

[@KENNEY1023]

Turned out really nice, glad you decided to repair it and thanks for sharing the repair process.

[@rch317]

Great idea using that stick for support under your arm. Stealing that!

[@captcarlos]

That was the first time I have seen an arm crutch, steady, call it what you will, but I'm taking that also. Reduce the variables I say. Not that I'm getting old or anything!

[@psidvicious]

@@captcarlos I make those hand/arm welding ‘crutches’ in my shop and can make a custom one for you for a very reasonable price 😉

[@captcarlos]

Thank you for your kind offer sir but I feel I'm up for the challenge, I've certainly got time on my hands, hahaa. Thinking of a telescopic ....

[@psidvicious]

@@captcarlos Ok. Well, if you already posses the skills to produce the ‘welding crutch’ yourself and you prefer to save a cpl hundred bucks, I’d be glad to sell anyone a detailed set of plans for the tool as well. At a discount rate, of course. 😉

[@ADBBuild]

I'd love to find an anvil this size. I'm not into blacksmithing, but I do work with metal fairly often and having something to shape metal other than the anvil on my vice or on my bench would be a great tool to have. A small anvil like this allows for it to be put away when not needed and doesn't take up more valuable and limited floor space.

[@mattschoular8844]

I have no interest in metallurgy but somehow you just entertained me for 8+ minutes. Thanks Scott & Nate. Happy Easter to you and your family.

[@MaverickandStuff]

Having a old kitchen oven is great for doing work like that. Just put the metal in the oven at the temperature you want for about 4hr and to use it to control the cooling.

[@RealRonSwanson]

Scott, It's cool to see your grandkids grow throughout your videos (albeit scary to see how quickly time passes). Rusty(?) looks pretty steady on his feet. Soon he'll be ready for his own anvil! 😆 Be well, Wadsworth Fam.

[@anvilstudio5279]

Always learn something great from you! You are so generous with your wisdom and knowledge. Thank you. I love my Hay-Budden. It’s a plowmaker. Take care, may you and your family stay safe and healthy.

[@garymeierhenry3223]

I like the stick from the floor as a steady rest. I come away with something all the time. :) So whats with the baritone horn....back on the bench. Now that is the kind of horns I work on.

[@essentialcraftsman]

I lost one of the valve springs on that old campaigner and have not gotten around to finding a replacement! Where would I look or what would I ask for or something like that?

[@jasonmacpherson936]

Great video. I have a Fisher anvil I picked up. Been looking at tip of the horn repair. Mine the last 2-3 inchs have been cut off and would like to bring it back up. You gave a few really good tips on this. Mainly go slow and a way to preheat the anvil

[@logicalguy488]

Glad to see you had the little man there watch and learn. I can't wait to get my grand son going in the shop. I have so much to teach him.

[@alhodge4051]

I love humble, but you ain't no "rank" amateur. you are the teacher. thanks

[@taprockcenturylink]

looks good. I have an old Peter Wright . it weighs 103 lbs. I drug it out fro under the bench and used it the other day.it could use some edge work. what rod did you use?

[@essentialcraftsman]

Stood Build-up LH

[@tonybrannen1740]

Thanks so much for helping me get better!

[@kidheadcase]

Magnificent uploads. You, sir, are worth your weight in gold.

[@MatthewRulla]

Thanks for showing this repair. I have a 200lbs Peter Wright that needs similar repairs. You've inspired me to attempt the job. I'll be sure to make a YT video of the success or failure. Looked like you were using 7018 rod, is that correct?

[@josecanisales3491]

What rod did you use?

[@swampwhiteoak1]

You are not older and slower. You are WISER. As usual, a beautiful and perfect result.

[@janderson8401]

When I was young, I started out working for a general contractor who worked mostly as a mason. Since he owned a number of rental properties I also learned a lot about patching drywall and plaster, as well as painting. Most of the actual mason work was done by the boss’s younger brother Nick who was about Scott’s age back then. What Nick used to say was that he had lost as far as speed and strength he made up for by being more efficient.

[@susanadams4944]

I was watching Engles Coach shop and noticed his huge anvil. It looks like it has had the edges repaired at one time. Are you familiar with his channel? Does a lot of blacksmithing. Looking forward to getting back to the house.

[@forjanatalense]

what electrode u used for the repair? absolutely genious work sir! you are a inspiration for us young craftsman. greeting from a 18 yo brazilian blacksmith!

[@bobw7066]

I like your arm rest, having been a welder for many these sort of aids takes a lot of strain from your arms, shoulders and backs also a good repair on the anvil and the use of temperature sticks.

[@roccoconte2960]

Wish i had as much energy as you , you are a master of many trades , very interesting to watch , thank you for the many videos.

[@egg8764]

I’m wondering what kind of angle grinder attachments you used to remove the hardened anvil face

[@Psyrus88]

I believe it was a standard abrasive grinding disc. If you're referring to the other one, it is a stone "cup" attachment.

[@jeffputnam8554]

Nice repair Scott. How is the sword coming? What kind of rod did you use?

[@ramosel]

Point 3) if you're like me, in these times of "sheltering in place" you're going through your other rainy day projects at an alarming rate.

[@arondennis4810]

I've got a 75lb Vulcan. Inherited, it's in worse shape than yours was. After watching you I just might give it a shot to repair. Thanks for the info on heat control.

[@andybyerly5629]

I had mine done the same way ! When it came back the rebound was GREAT on the face, as was the ring you get! When I tested the horn ( no work to horn) it rang with a different "pitch" to the ring. Which I might expect because 'Its' a different size bell'....Could this difference also be caused by the horn night be cracked ( but not separated) from the saddle? I bought this Peter Wright from a farmer and don't know it's history.

[@SL-ez7qn]

Very informative I’ll have a go at repairing the chip I have on my anvil.

[@deadcrow6888]

This was the exact anvil repair video i needed at exactly the correct time.

[@msw9671]

Got into blacksmithing not to long ago and have ben trying to find a good old anvil that won't cost me a fortune for a little while now without much luck.I only live an hour or so from you so I think you just beat me to them lol. Good video as always 👍

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Forney are made 2 miles from my house in Colorado. Good company. But we are quarantined 6 hours away from my tools building our Modern Cabin. Be Blessed Scott.

[@esigman1]

Without risk, without reward

[@ExplosiveWeaponForum]

ya i helped reface an anvil for a friend as the corners did the same thing called and old salt welder i know he busted out this box of welding rod dated 1943 for welding on casting (sherman tanks and the like) told me to use this and go slow and watch the temp my buddy is still using his anvil 6 years later

[@johnlaflash8327]

Thank you my friend!

[@lancecpldave]

I have questions. Why does it have to be arc welds? Can you not might or tig weld it? It seems like it wouldn't heat up as fast that why and also one that size could you possibly gently heat it up and cool it down in a oven so you could slowly control temperature? I've had bad luck cracking things on the cool down

[@Vasilis_Chatzis]

Great video ! Could you make a video to explain the use of carpenter's hatchet hammer ?

[@mrsimpson2022]

for some reason I trust this GUY.

[@HoOtgibson70]

Did you mention what Rod you're using? 6011/7018/ Stoody 21 hardfacing? If I remember, Richard Postman of "AIA" says a 6011 rod is sufficient?

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Scott, great little video, and good information for us would be anvil repairers, looks like you now have a user ,instead of a paperweight, lol. Loved the shot of your grandson at the end, I think he fancies that anvil for himself, I hope he's doing ok now,? Thanks for your time, stay safe all of you, Best wishes Stuart uk.

[@marcosgarcia705]

Great job. I just found an anvil but it has seriously injuries on it face. And I'm gonna fix it, that's de reason why I saw this video, but I have a question, wich rod did you used to weld that surface?? And know about a laser thermometer could help to still checking the temperature??

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

nicely done absolutely worth it!

[@johnschiltz6440]

Nice work on anvil...expected. Scott setting up the camera...surprise. Nate's trained you well.

[@eigencap]

Question! Is that horn laying on your back bench playable?! Looks like an old style baritone.

[@kellywadsworth4495]

Oh yeah that's playable for sure! Scott is actually a trombone and bass player but he picks up that old Bari once in a while! K

[@AnonymousPicPro]

Thanks for the video! Is that a 110v welder? Is that why you were "forced" to go slower due to the max amperage limitation? (Not an experienced welder here)

[@andrewalexander9492]

It's a Harbor Freight 120/240 V welder he did a review video on it a few months ago. It's the duty cycle that slows him down more than the amperage.

[@TandD1w]

Picked an anvil last night and when we cleaned it up we realized the deepest of holes had been previously repaired. The repair looks sound and doesn’t look to wearing any faster than the face. The thing is, I’m trying to figure out what the repair material could be. It has a brassy-gold color but is not smooth like brazing. Instead the surface has a sandy finish. Almost like it was spray welded?

[@Whistlin10Speed]

What is the music in this video? I’ve heard it in a few of your other videos and really like it.

[@317926584]

Great repair. Can you tell us what welding rods you were using?

[@Rob-Hannon]

Did you have to repeat your preheating after taking breaks, or did it retain enough temp?

[@essentialcraftsman]

It stayed nice and warm. I had to take the brakes so that it did not overheat. Came back about every 20 or 30 minutes.

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Keep up the good work!

[@LUTHERJ304]

I'm not anything close to amateur but couldn't you use that marker to tell the temperature while preheating. The same marker while welding to tell temperature?

[@bobbailey4954]

Very cool if you had enough welding rods and time could you make your anvil a 180 pound Peter Wright? I enjoy your videos very much and I’m always looking at auctions, yard sales, bulletin boards etc. for an anvil still no luck. Are anvils of quality still being made? And no I’m not talking about made in chinesium.

[@MrRandychristian]

Mr craftsman, I've got an anvil after looking for one for a while, but it needs refacing. How can I do that safely without destroying the deck and ruining the anvil?

[@tonylozano2742]

Great video, I need to do the exact same thing to my 80 lb Peter wright anvil. Were you welding in AC or DC and what type and size welding rod were you using and at what amperage? Thank you for your time.

[@jimmypayne6319]

Thanks Scott. I have a 100 lb Columbia’s that I am considering doing the same repair to.

[@roachdoggjr45]

Your son has got a good father :)

[@redrider6855]

Have one question What was the number on your electrode Getting the job done do you think the rod had anything to with completing the job successfully

[@williamemerson1799]

That turned out nice. Questions. 1, did you just build up the area that was missing part of the face with the welding rod that you used on the edges? My 134# PW has a delam on one corner of the heal but the face is still there. Thought about cutting the small portion of the corner off and rebuilding but have read many comments about the types of rods that should be used and so far have just decided to use as is. 2, do you know who makes grinding cups rated for 11-12k rpms. I can't seem to be able to find one for my Milwaukee 4 1/2 angle grinder. Thanks, Bill

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

i heard the 4 1/2 grinder run too fast for the cups - i asked what was he using for the cup but i dont think we'll get an answer

[@williamemerson1799]

@@SAXONWARLORD1000AD I believe you're right.

[@chalcedony6858]

Beautiful job. Wonderfully executed!

[@edzachary8657]

I love his armrest, piece of wood that will move with his arm, brilliant

[@RT-kh4ck]

Really great. Thank you. I have an old anvil with a broken horn. Can I rebuild it, or might you have other suggestions? My inclination is simply to grind it to a near point as much as possible and leave it at that. It’s 196lb Southern Crescent: (sorry can’t attach a pic). Is there a way I can send you a pic?

[@Hellyers]

Do you have a brass band that meets in your workshop? Do you have a tenor horn sat in the background whilst you were welding? 📯

[@donedwards5242]

Grand video sir! Keep up the good work!

[@johnathanosborne4099]

I repaired an old mouse hole. The face was completely destroyed so I completely ground of the hard face and welded on a completely new manganese face. It was softer than I would like but not much and worked great.

[@jwhiteker1]

Did you use any special hard face type wire in your welder? I have the same machine and a vulcan anvil that needs the face repaired. Going to attempt it and need any help I could get.

[@coasterbrookie]

I am thinking of buying a Peter Wright of unknown vintage. It will need the same work done on it but slightly more along the face. The edges are chipped-out but the face is also very rounded at the edges. Do you think a wirefeed would work in this scenario? I have a 200amp machine and would likely anneal the entire anvil. Any thoughts or advice?

[@kingpen]

Little Dude in his Cool Guy glasses coming to check on grampa~ :) I love the video, You make me want to go anvil-hunting and try this myself~!

[@billwoehl3051]

I'm trying to weld a piece of farm bucket sacraficial blade to the top of a railroad track anvil, what's your thoughts on this and any tips or suggestions? Keep in mind that it's been 30+ years since I have stick welder, and wasn't very good back then, I don't have a M.I.G. welder which I have knowledge of using.

[@andruloni]

Coming here as a layman, more of an electronics enthusiast. That said, what is the repair procedure here? Are you welding on pieces of similar alloy as the face plate, or just the metal from the welding sticks? Are the sticks any special ones?

[@enderlord5412]

Hmm, would it be possible to re temper the whole thing? Cause it sounds like the issue is in the construction. And if not could it be re cast and re made all together? I know that would require allot more specialized equipment but if possible it might be worth it to recycle anvils

[@karljacobson1575]

I have a peter wright like that one, are they a good quality anvil?? I farm and hardly use it! Just curious what you think about them. It was my Grandads so it has sentimental value....