Anvil,,, test

That"s whats in the add. I have read the steel ball and 3 lb. hammer test,,, think"n the paint mite affect the test. I have mailed"em to see if he will let me remove paint for a test. I would like to see whats under the paint, don"t need yard art,,, would like a working piece. Enny thoughts on this,,, Thanks

dont want to mortgague the farm either.

Thanks,Gene

Newer anvils are cast steel, I think you need to test them to tell them from the cast iron junk from Harbor Freight.

Those of us who frequent Tool Talk lose sight of the fact that a huge number of people in this country own no tools and/or don't know how to use any tools, and prefer it that way. Not because they're poor, either. For these people an anvil is a big piece of metal which they may or may not find attractive or interesting. People like this wouldn't know anything about anvils---quality, flaws, how to conceal flaws, etc. Whether they'll let you remove paint on the striking surface might depend entirely on what they're afraid they'll be left with if you do that and then decide not to buy it. It might help to discuss that with them.

All the best, Stan

Ringing an anvil was WAS a good way to test when all anvils were wrought iron with a carbon steel face. An anvil that did not ring generally concealed internal flaws or was not hard enough at the face. But you don"t want to hit it too hard, as hammer directly on anvil can chip the face.

However, most modern anvils are cast steel and many perfectly good modern anvils do not ring.

Now you know...

Cliff (VA)

I almost bet the seller will not let me remove paint or do a hammer test,,, If not I am stay'n at home.