RR Rail Anvil

Papaw · September 02, 2015, 05:48:46 PM

Local antique dealer wants $125 for this anvil. He says he is sure it is factory made. I think it is repurposed RR rail with a nice long horn and a hardy hole.

Lostmind · September 02, 2015, 06:29:49 PM

I agree , rail made anvil. I have one on my work bench. I use it a few times a year.
I see a couple during the summer at flea markets.
Common project in the 50's I think. Maybe a Popular Mechanics feature?

mikeswrenches · September 02, 2015, 07:12:43 PM

You see a lot of them on the 'Bay. Usually a bit nicer than that one.

I managed to snag two in Maine this year. Would be more than happy with $125.

Mike

oldgoaly · September 02, 2015, 07:16:27 PM

think I sold one exactly like it for 25$ last yr.
I even put it in the molasses tank to clean it up.

Twilight Fenrir · September 03, 2015, 07:56:29 AM

No way I would pay $125 for that... It's not a BAD RR anvil, but it's not a great one either. But it is DEFINITELY an RR anvil.

$50 tops, and only if you want to do real light work.

RR can make a great anvil... If you stand it on its end.

http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/planfile/

Yadda · September 03, 2015, 09:49:20 PM

Quote from: Twilight Fenrir on September 03, 2015, 07:56:29 AM
No way I would pay $125 for that... It's not a BAD RR anvil, but it's not a great one either. But it is DEFINITELY an RR anvil.

$50 tops, and only if you want to do real light work.

RR can make a great anvil... If you stand it on its end.

http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/planfile/

This definitely gives me an idea. I have a nice hunk of metal that might work as a small vertical anvil.

DM11 · September 03, 2015, 11:36:16 PM

If he gets $125 he'll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Aunt Phil · September 04, 2015, 01:59:21 AM

I wouldn't be willing to torch it out for $125, and I damn sure wouldn't torch it and grind it for that money.

I might cut one for myself if I didn't have an anvil.

Twilight Fenrir · September 04, 2015, 07:21:00 AM

Quote from: Aunt Phil on September 04, 2015, 01:59:21 AM
I wouldn't be willing to torch it out for $125, and I damn sure wouldn't torch it and grind it for that money.

I might cut one for myself if I didn't have an anvil.

I might :P Assuming someone else provided the rail. I don't think it would take 10 hours.

johnsironsanctuary · September 04, 2015, 08:42:53 AM

I have one about the same as Pawpaw's photo. Paid $35 for it in a junk shop. I have always wondered how someone put a hardy hole in it.

Twilight Fenrir · September 04, 2015, 08:53:25 AM

Quote from: johnsironsanctuary on September 04, 2015, 08:42:53 AM
I have one about the same as Pawpaw's photo. Paid $35 for it in a junk shop. I have always wondered how someone put a hardy hole in it.

Drill a hole, and drift it or broach it are the best ways I know of.

gibsontool · September 04, 2015, 09:23:17 AM

I don't think the layout and torch work would take all that long,maybe a couple of hours tops. I would try drilling a pilot hole for the hardy, 1/2" or so then open it up with the torch and finish it with a lot of filing. The horn would take the most time,you can get the basic shape with the torch but it would take a lot of grinding to get it looking good. A 9" grinder can really chew up a lot of material but you'd have to keep it cool and then do the last grinding with a smaller grinder. Not saying this is the best way to tackle it but that would be the way I would do it. If you were selling them for $125 dollars I don't think you would be making much money. I would estimate about 8 or 9 hours or so to make one.

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RR Rail Anvil