How to Make an Anvil: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a blacksmith or just love to work with hot metal, then having an anvil is a must in your workshop. An anvil is a heavy piece of metal on which you hammer hot metal pieces to give them shape, bend or flatten them according to your requirement. You can buy an anvil from a hardware store but if you are on a tight budget and want to try making one yourself, then this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss how to make an anvil at home using readily available materials.

Making an anvil at home is a feasible option for beginners who want to experiment with blacksmithing or those who cannot afford to buy a professional anvil. There are many ways to make an anvil but the process can be time-consuming and requires patience and precision. However, by following few simple steps and guidelines, you can make a functional and durable anvil from scratch. So, let’s dive into the process of making an anvil.

Section 1: Materials Needed to Make an Anvil

1. Choosing the metal for your anvil

The first step in making an anvil is to decide on what metal to use. The most common materials used for making an anvil are steel, wrought iron, and cast iron. While cast iron is the most commonly used, if you want a more durable anvil, steel or wrought iron is a better choice. Make sure your chosen metal is high quality, sturdy, and hardy; it will be used for pounding on after all!

2. Your anvil’s dimensions

The next step is to decide on the anvil’s size and weight. A standard-sized anvil is usually between 100-300 lbs, but larger ones can go up to 800 lbs or more. Generally, a heavier anvil will be more sturdy and provide better stability for your metalworking projects. Additionally, the dimensions of your anvil should also have a flat surface, a rounded horn, a pritchel hole, a hardie hole, and other details depending on the specific project you want to undertake.

3. Tools needed for anvil making

In addition to the metal you choose and the size and weight of your anvil, you’ll need some tools to start building your anvil. A forge, tongs, hammer, chisel, and arc welder are necessary for making an anvil. Apart from these, safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a welding helmet are crucial to avoid injuries during the anvil making process.

4. Making an anvil’s base

Before adding the anvil’s top, you’ll need to lay the foundation – this is what your anvil will rest on. Start with cutting and welding metal plates to make a sturdy frame. Be sure to make the stand wider than the anvil base, an anvil that is too narrow can be hazardous when you strike metal with it.

5. Shaping the body of the anvil

Use your forge to heat the metal and shape the anvil’s body using the hammer and chisel. Start by forming the face, horn, and heel of the anvil. Use a metal plate to enclose the bottom, welding it to the stand. A proper anvil should have a pronounced face that’s flat, a sharp horn, and a curved heel.

6. Finishing touches on the anvil

At this point, you’ve successfully constructed your anvil’s body. Now it’s time to refine it. Grind the horn and the face of the anvil using an angle grinder to smooth off any unwanted roughness or imperfections. The anvil is ready for the finishing stage.

7. Hardening the anvil

Once you’ve shaped the body and added the finishing touches, it’s time to harden the steel. To accomplish this, heat the steel to a temperature of at least 1500°F in a forge. Once it’s red hot, dunk it into oil. This “quenching” process creates a hard, durable surface that can withstand repeated blows.

8. Tempering the anvil

After the quenching process, temper the anvil by heating it gently until it reaches 400°F. This process removes any residual stresses from the anvil. Once the anvil has cooled thoroughly, you can prepare it for use.

9. Mounting the anvil to its base

Now it’s time to assemble the anvil onto its base. Make sure you align the base with the bottom plate of the anvil, ensuring optimal stability. Use clamps to hold them together as you weld them permanently. Before using the anvil, test its stability and balance to avoid accidents.

10. Maintaining your anvil

Now that you have successfully created your anvil, it’s crucial to maintain it to avoid any damages that can render it useless. Keep the anvil’s surface clean and well lubricated to prevent rusting. It’s also recommended to oil the anvil’s face after each use to prevent rust. In addition, refrain from using heavy tools that can cause damage to the anvil’s surface. With proper maintenance, your anvil can last years without needing any repairs.

Section Two: Steps to Make an Anvil

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Making an anvil requires some special tools and materials. You will need:

1. Metal plate
2. Forge
3. Hammer
4. Chisel
5. Anvil stand
6. Angle grinder
7. Saw
8. Welder
9. Safety glasses
10. Heat-resistant gloves

Create the Anvil’s Shape

Start by drawing out the shape you’d like your anvil to take. This is where you’ll use the metal plate, saw, and angle grinder. Cut the metal plate to size using the saw and then shape it using the angle grinder.

Heat and Bend the Anvil

Once you have the anvil’s shape, it’s time to give it some curvature. To do this, you’ll heat the metal plate in the forge until it’s malleable enough to bend. Use the hammer to shape the edges of the anvil.

Deal with the Hardy Hole

The hardy hole is a square-shaped hole in the middle of the anvil used for inserting anvil tools. To create this, use the chisel and hammer. It’s recommended that you create the hardy hole before shaping the anvil’s edges.

Weld the Base on the Anvil

Now that you’ve shaped the anvil and given it curvature, it’s time to attach a base. This can be done by welding another piece of metal plate onto the bottom of the anvil. Make sure the weld is strong enough to take on heavy use.

Grind and Sand the Anvil

Once the base is attached, use the angle grinder to smooth out any rough areas on the surface of the anvil. Then use sandpaper to sand the surface of the anvil until it’s smooth and ready for use.

Check for Balance

Before using your newly made anvil, make sure it’s balanced. A balanced anvil will help you work more efficiently. Use a level to determine if it’s balanced or not and make any necessary adjustments until it is.

Finish the Anvil

Now that you have a balanced anvil with a base, it’s time to finish it. Use the angle grinder to shape and smooth out any remaining rough edges or imperfections in the surface. This will give your anvil a polished and professional look.

Test Your Anvil

To ensure your anvil is ready for use, test it with a few strikes from your hammer. If the anvil rings out loud and clear, then it’s ready for use. If there’s a dull thud, it may need more work to be properly balanced.

Maintain Your Anvil

Your anvil is now ready to use, but it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity. Keep it clean and dry, wipe it down with a cloth after each use, and store it in a dry place when not in use. With proper care, your anvil can last a lifetime.

Materials Needed for Making an Anvil

Before embarking on the process of making an anvil, it is important to gather all the necessary materials required. Some of the materials that are needed for making an anvil include:

Steps for Making an Anvil

Here are the steps involved in making an anvil:

Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Steel Bar

The first step involves cutting the steel bar to the desired size. The steel bar should be at least 1 foot long, 6 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. After cutting, smooth out any rough edges using a grinder or sandpaper.

Step 2: Weld the Steel Bar

Using a MIG or TIG welder, weld two smaller steel bars to the bottom of the main steel bar. These will serve as the anvil’s feet and allow it to sit on a solid surface. Take care to ensure that the bar is level and straight before welding.

Step 3: Shape the Anvil

Using a sledgehammer, shape the steel bar into the desired anvil shape. Anvils typically have a flat top with a rounded horn on one end and a square heel on the other. Shaping the anvil may take time and effort, but be patient and take breaks to avoid exhaustion.

Step 4: Harden the Anvil

After shaping, heat the anvil in a forge or with a propane torch until it turns red. Allow it to cool slowly overnight to anneal the steel and relieve any internal stresses. Then, reheat the anvil to cherry red and quench it in oil or water to harden the steel.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Using a 5-pound hammer, smooth out any rough areas or edges on the anvil. The anvil should be smooth and have no sharp edges. If desired, apply a coat of paint to protect the steel from rust and corrosion.

It is important to remember that making an anvil requires time, effort, and skill. Take the necessary precautions when working with hot steel and welding equipment. Always wear safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, to protect yourself from burns and fumes.

Time to Forge Your Own Anvil!

Now that you’ve learned how to make an anvil, it’s time to put your skills to the test and start creating your own metal masterpieces. Don’t forget to thank the folks who helped you along the way and share your newfound knowledge with others. Whether you’re a seasoned blacksmith or just starting out, building your own anvil can be an immensely satisfying and rewarding experience. So go ahead and get cracking – there’s no time like the present. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit our site again soon for more wonderful DIY projects and home crafts. Happy forging!