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Blacksmith and Metal Working Forum => Blacksmith and Metalworking Forum => Topic started by: OilyRascal on April 10, 2012, 10:48:15 PM

Title: Rail Section for Anvil
Post by: OilyRascal on April 10, 2012, 10:48:15 PM
Knowing my dad is friends with a guy that owns a local private rail company - I mentioned to him I would like to get a section of rail.  My desire being to make a small anvil I can use in the garage.  I do not currently own an anvil.  My dad says to me in that conversation "just go see Jack he'll give you a piece".  I told him repeatedly I didn't know the guy and didn't feel real comfortable just stopping by and name dropping for a freebie, but that if he happened to have some scrap from the re-rail project I'd like to have it.

Months have gone by, project to re-rail come and gone, and today my dad calls me late on his way home and asked if I'll be around.  I was and he stopped by and, you guessed it, had a section of rail for me.  I haven't weighed it nor measured but I'd approx.  24" and something around 75lbs.

I'm very excited to have this guy.  I could use it as is to be honest.  I'll get pictures taken and posted after I weigh and measure it.  I did find several good threads here on rail anvils.  I solicit your positive comments on how I might proceed with this project.  I would really rather have a horn but I'm not a blacksmith and I'm concerned I may just axe it up trying.
Title: Re: Rail Section for Anvil
Post by: Branson on April 11, 2012, 07:55:45 AM
You can cut out an end to make a horn.  Here's one site that shows examples:

http://spaco.org/Blacksmithing/Anvils/RailAnvils.htm

And here's a video that goes through the process, including making the horn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIabZZJF2EQ&feature=related