Old anvil & blacksmith tools

[Jed]

I am after an old large anvil (50kg+) and old blacksmith tools to try my hand at making Damascus steel for some decent steak knives

Hope this is not too off topic Nugget.

cheers Jed

 

[Guest]

http://gameco.com.au/index.php/australian-knifemaking-blacksmithing-materials-and-tools/

Have new stuff but may be able to help re: used gear or put you in touch with a blacksmithing association etc.?

 

[gtsjeff]

I am after an old large anvil (50kg+) and old blacksmith tools to try my hand at making Damascus steel for some decent steak knives

Hope this is not too off topic Nugget.

cheers Jed

Hey jed your in canberra why dont you give this a go.
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/

 

[Jed]

http://gameco.com.au/index.php/australian-knifemaking-blacksmithing-materials-and-tools/

Have new stuff but may be able to help re: used gear or put you in touch with a blacksmithing association etc.?

Many thanks mbasko. I hope to keep the setting up cost down by buying 2nd hand if I can at meet & swap days/ gumtree ads etc.
cheers Jed

 

[Jed]

I am after an old large anvil (50kg+) and old blacksmith tools to try my hand at making Damascus steel for some decent steak knives

Hope this is not too off topic Nugget.

cheers Jed

Hey jed your in canberra why dont you give this a go.
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/

Thanks gtsjeff. I have been in touch with Karim Haddad of Tharwa Valley Forge & am going to do his knife making course in late Nov13.
He is also on the look out for 2nd hand tools/anvils so I have some local competition for equipment cheers Jed

 

[thesmithy]

Hey Jed,
I am an industrial blacksmith.........& Master Farrier.
I collect anvils. My largest over the years has been a 570lb Swedish soligen ......called a walking anvil
Second hand in any condition ( rare as hens teeth) you are looking at $ 5.50 per pound or around $12.00 per kg.
New price for a no2 O'DWYER $750.00 ex Sydney. Retail about $780.00 35kg a good working anvil.

My shop anvil is 3 1/2 penny weight a penny weight is 112lbs so it is 330 lbs.
My out on the job Anvil is just 88lbs Swedish soligen. (Portable blacksmith shop on wheels)
The sons anvil is a no2. O'Dwyer
We both run portable gas forges (both will easily fire weld) produce them ourselves.

Do the course and make your own tools.
It will be more satisfying and you get what you need.
Second hand tools same as anvils pricey.
Independent Farrier supplies in Sydney have everything you need.
A good set of starting tongs around $40 up $100 that will last a lifetime
Hand made tongs $5 for a bit of mild steel.
Hope this helps
TheSmithy

 

[calala]

112lb = one hundred weight(cwt). Not penny weight.

 

[thesmithy]

112lb = one hundred weight(cwt). Not penny weight.

Sorry my bad 3 1/2 hundred weight (cwt )
6th generation blacksmith....I need to wash my mouth out.......great great grand dad would be turning in his grave.
Cheers
TheSmithy

 

[misscadillac1964]

Unfortunately the only places i've seen anvils over the past few years are the antique shops. Everyone knows they're worth good coin thesedays. Aside that try and keep a look out at the clearing sales in papers - theres still a few hidden away and they do pop up every now and then.

 

[calala]

Jed before you buy any blacksmith stuff go to the knife course, Damascus steel is the hardest steel to make & work. It requires a clean fire so a gas forge will be required and a hydraulic press, grinders & not necessarily an anvil just a flat lump of steel, don't want to turn you off it mate but it is a specialised field and takes a lot of practice. cheers John

 

[Jed]

Many thanks thesmithy, calala & misscadillac1964 for the info and your tips - looks like doing the course and making my own tools is the best way forward.
Went to the Cootamundra Swap Meet on Fathers Day & I was in Man Cave heaven :lol: I was amazed at the prices of old rabbit, dog traps & old signs.
cheers Jed

 

[HeadsUp]

Jed before you buy any blacksmith stuff go to the knife course, Damascus steel is the hardest steel to make & work. It requires a clean fire so a gas forge will be required and a hydraulic press, grinders & not necessarily an anvil just a flat lump of steel, don't want to turn you off it mate but it is a specialised field and takes a lot of practice. cheers John

you can buy damascus steel blanks on ebay now of varying quality from 30 to 90 bucks

no guarantees they are tempered right or used the right quality alloy steels but on rare occasions some of them would be okay

its a subjective thing though , making it yourself is priceless art if you have the passion.

 

[Jed]

Thx headsUp - I am keen to make my own Damascus steel billets so my knives will be of a known (top) quality - as you say "making it yourself is priceless art".
cheers Jed

 

[calala]

Jed there is more into putting the different patterns into the blade face than people think. Please come back with a report after you attend the club as to your intensions, I do have some vids which I am not allowed to post if you know what I mean. cheers John.