I found a piece of angle iron at a garage sale a few months ago.
Decided right off to try and make an ASO out of it; bought an angle grinder
and have about completed roughing out the shape. So I thought I would
call the local metal vendor and get an idea what a piece of A2 tool steel
to make a face / work surface for the project would cost. Size I asked to be quoted-
4 1/2" x 13" x 1" (thick) Price=$400.00 plus shipping
Can this be within the confines of reality?
Was bracing myself to pay that kind of money for an old welder (if I could get real lucky)
Can justify outlay of funds for a welder due to other projects it could be used on.
Guess I need to find a scrap yard that sells metal around here. Most of the places are recyclers
that buy only. Alternative thoughts welcome; only striking surface I have now is on the back
of a small Wilton vise. It has a seam right down the middle of it?

Hello, Mike. I think the odd size comes into play. Most places sell by the foot, or. 1/2 foot, so you are probably getting a quote for the next size up. 4-1/2 is also tough, most places sell in whole numbers. You need to dig a little deeper, don't let one quote scare you off!! Try ebay, or even Amazon!!!  McMaster Carr has a 1/2 x 4 x 12 for $92.00. Good luck, Lou

if you have a railroad near you, take a short walk along the track, Yes I know it trespassing and you could get run over by a train. They will not give a piece of track when replacing old track but there might be one left behind for you to find. Also pick up old spikes as they are handy for new blacksmith's wanting to make  knife and tool projects.

Mike, take a look at the link below. It may save you some money and you'll have a real anvil. Lot of reviews to read.

https://www.amazon.com/Happybuy-Blacksmith-Equipment-Jewelers-Metalsmith/dp/B075YSCQ4Q/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=Anvil&qid=1599250020&sr=8-9#customerReviews

Good luck, Mike

On the amazon page under the one noted it shows a 55# for $99. I have that one and have been using it for years, well worth the cost.

Thanks for suggestions
Went to a scrap yard this afternoon
Fellow who walked up and said can I help you
when asked if they had any tool steel said
I don't know much about metal?
Hopefully recent hire
Anyhow no luck there
Would like to finish the project so will look around a little more
In truth this thing will probably be used more for straightening nails
than any serious smithing

I have tubs full of pieces of steel I am saving for when I retire or when I die (more likely).  If you nudge me with a PM tomorrow night or the next day and can wait a few days, I will walk to the back barn and see what I have.  I would sell a piece for not very much if I have it, and that size would fit in a flat rate box.

My schedule is all out of whack because of a death in my wife's family.  I will not be able to look for a piece of metal until Monday night.

WV Tools:
Sorry to hear that news
There is no hurry at all as I haven't even finished the
rough shaping on that thing
Mike H

Mike,

I am sorry, but the biggest piece I could find is 8 5/8L x 2 1/2W x 1H.  I really thought I had one about the size you need leftover from a machinist's estate, but I do not know where it is. 

John

Mike, It's not cheap but better than your quote.

https://www.hudsontoolsteel.com/catalog/products?shape=flat&cut=nonstock&grade=A2

Mike

wvtools Thanks for looking. Still haven't gotten back to work on ASO;
been getting a little work in my shop which has to come first

mikeswrenches That is more like it; I don't know anything about market prices for metal
but 4 Yards just seemed out there.  I have written down Hudson's phone number.
Thanks again to all for input.
Mike H.

Thanks for making me look in my stock.  I have some N gauge rail.  I think I will stick weld or forge weld the piece I found to some of it and cut a horn on it with my metal cutting bandsaw to make a medium sized bench anvil.

wvtools
cool deal; needless to say - pictures when complete

Another good source for very hard steel is the State/County/city garages. This is the time of year when they replace plow wear bars. Good stuff, but your timing has to be lucky.