Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work.

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  #1   Report Post  
Shawn
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file, I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn

http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/RR_Track_Anvil.txt
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_1.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_2.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_3.JPG

Contents of "RR_Track_Anvil.txt" are as follows:
=============================================
Railroad Track Anvil



Files:
RR_Track_Anvil_1
RR_Track_Anvil_2
RR_Track_Anvil_3


Description:

These are pictures of the railroad track anvil I built. There are really
only two purposes for this anvil. The first is to hammer out over bends I
make on my Hossfeld bender (pictured in the background) and the other is for
ease of changing sickle (sp?) bar cutter sections. The track is approx. 18"
long and is 115 lb/yd. The base was built from 3/16" x 2" x 1 1/2" angle
iron in a pyramid shape. All eight edges have re-bar welded at the midpoint
into the concrete. The footprint of the base measures approx. 12" x 16" and
is filled with concrete for weight and stability. The anvil is bolted to a
piece of 3" x 1 1/2" channel iron welded to the top of the uneven leg angle
iron. There is a 1/8" thick layer of rubber sheet between the anvil and the
channel iron to keep the noise down. To finalize this project I will be
painting it and attaching a piece of 3/4" plywood to the bottom of the base
with TapCons, this will keep the metal edges off the floor. This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the weight
is at the bottom.

=============================================


  #2   Report Post  
TomNBanderaTx
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Looks good, but now you need to temper the face or top so it doesn't dent or
cut as easy. grind and sand it till all the gouges, dents are gone and the
surface is smooth and shiny. Then heat it to about 450 degrees then set it
face down in either water or oil, if you use oil be careful of possible
flash fire. Then you can paint the sides and bottom. Good luck

"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...
At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,

I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below

so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn

http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/RR_Track_Anvil.txt
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_1.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_2.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_3.JPG

Contents of "RR_Track_Anvil.txt" are as follows:
=============================================
Railroad Track Anvil



Files:
RR_Track_Anvil_1
RR_Track_Anvil_2
RR_Track_Anvil_3


Description:

These are pictures of the railroad track anvil I built. There are really
only two purposes for this anvil. The first is to hammer out over bends I
make on my Hossfeld bender (pictured in the background) and the other is

for
ease of changing sickle (sp?) bar cutter sections. The track is approx.

18"
long and is 115 lb/yd. The base was built from 3/16" x 2" x 1 1/2" angle
iron in a pyramid shape. All eight edges have re-bar welded at the

midpoint
into the concrete. The footprint of the base measures approx. 12" x 16"

and
is filled with concrete for weight and stability. The anvil is bolted to

a
piece of 3" x 1 1/2" channel iron welded to the top of the uneven leg

angle
iron. There is a 1/8" thick layer of rubber sheet between the anvil and

the
channel iron to keep the noise down. To finalize this project I will be
painting it and attaching a piece of 3/4" plywood to the bottom of the

base
with TapCons, this will keep the metal edges off the floor. This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the weight
is at the bottom.

=============================================




  #3   Report Post  
mongke
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

On Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:15:42 +0000, Shawn wrote:


http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_2.JPG


You seem to have some ghosts around your shop :0

And your anvil looks real nice. I might try to make something like that.


--

Regards,


Mongke

  #4   Report Post  
Shawn
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"mongke" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:15:42 +0000, Shawn wrote:


http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_2.JPG


You seem to have some ghosts around your shop :0


Actually that is cigarette smoke. I didn't see it in the 2" x 2" LCD
preview or else I would have set the cigarette down and taken another shot.

Shawn


  #5   Report Post  
SteveB
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...
At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,

I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below

so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn


OMIGAWD, Shawn! Do you realize what you have done? Built an anvil out of
stolen rail. Given our enemies an inroad to our techniques and metallurgy.
I know it seems innocuous, and a small step, but to coin an old phrase,
"Loose rails sink ships." Or something like that.

Anyway, it starts that way. Soon you will be tempted by subliminal messages
in the arc rays of your welding rig. Polarities and electromagnetic fields
will have all manner of effects on you that you were once immune to.

SAVE YOURSELF! It's not too late.

BTW, nice anvil. ;-)

Steve




  #6   Report Post  
The Guy
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built



SteveB wrote:

"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...

At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,


I

had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below


so

you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn



OMIGAWD, Shawn! Do you realize what you have done? Built an anvil out of
stolen rail. Given our enemies an inroad to our techniques and metallurgy.
I know it seems innocuous, and a small step, but to coin an old phrase,
"Loose rails sink ships." Or something like that.

Anyway, it starts that way. Soon you will be tempted by subliminal messages
in the arc rays of your welding rig. Polarities and electromagnetic fields
will have all manner of effects on you that you were once immune to.

SAVE YOURSELF! It's not too late.

BTW, nice anvil. ;-)

Steve



Yep...better line the inside of yout welding helmet with tin foil just
in case the subliminal messages have started. Since those characters
who were responsible for the mass of computer popup ads were shut down,
you might start seeing popups on the window of your welding helmet. Just
to be safe, cover the glass with tin foil too!

the anvil, what did you use to cut and shape the anvil? A gas torch
or plasma? I like the weighting of the base. Nice job.

Tim


--
No BoomBoom for me! -

  #7   Report Post  
Shawn
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"The Guy" wrote in message
news:lPwOc.118$7k6.23@trndny05...


the anvil, what did you use to cut and shape the anvil? A gas torch
or plasma? I like the weighting of the base. Nice job.

Tim

O/A torch and alot of foul language.

Shawn


  #8   Report Post  
Richard J Kinch
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Shawn writes:

This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the
weight is at the bottom.


Having made similar things, I figured out next time I would use some 1/2"
PVC pipe to cast in an axle through-hole near the bottom of the base. That
way you can put an axle and some wheels just off the ground, and some
sockets for a handle, and you can wheel it around the shop. I imagine you
could retrofit this by welding onto your angles.
  #9   Report Post  
Rick Barter
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Shawn wrote:

"The Guy" wrote in message
news:lPwOc.118$7k6.23@trndny05...


the anvil, what did you use to cut and shape the anvil? A gas torch
or plasma? I like the weighting of the base. Nice job.

Tim


O/A torch and alot of foul language.

Shawn


Foul language? That's my favorite tool! Come to think of it, it's my
favorite greeting, insult, and general purpose communication device
too! Ahhh the versatility.

rvb
  #10   Report Post  
RoyJ
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Now THATS a good idea!

Richard J Kinch wrote:

Shawn writes:


This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the
weight is at the bottom.



Having made similar things, I figured out next time I would use some 1/2"
PVC pipe to cast in an axle through-hole near the bottom of the base. That
way you can put an axle and some wheels just off the ground, and some
sockets for a handle, and you can wheel it around the shop. I imagine you
could retrofit this by welding onto your angles.



  #11   Report Post  
Grant Erwin
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

I have a similar anvil stand. No wheels. I scoot mine too. I thought a lot
about putting wheels on it and decided not to. Feet and hot metal go lots
of places when I'm working, and wheels would get in the way. While I applaud
your idea of putting in a hole that clever way, I would personally not
choose that design feature were I to build it. - GWE

Richard J Kinch wrote:
Shawn writes:


This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the
weight is at the bottom.



Having made similar things, I figured out next time I would use some 1/2"
PVC pipe to cast in an axle through-hole near the bottom of the base. That
way you can put an axle and some wheels just off the ground, and some
sockets for a handle, and you can wheel it around the shop. I imagine you
could retrofit this by welding onto your angles.


  #12   Report Post  
RoyJ
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

But putting the holes in when you pour the concrete means you have a
convienient way to move it when you need to. Spending a few minutes to
put the pvc in before the pour sounds like a good idea to me. If you
odn't use it, you are out 15 minutes. If you need it, it will be the
only way for one person to move it.

Grant Erwin wrote:

I have a similar anvil stand. No wheels. I scoot mine too. I thought a lot
about putting wheels on it and decided not to. Feet and hot metal go lots
of places when I'm working, and wheels would get in the way. While I
applaud
your idea of putting in a hole that clever way, I would personally not
choose that design feature were I to build it. - GWE

Richard J Kinch wrote:

Shawn writes:


This anvil is
fairly heavy but VERY easy to scoot around the floor as most of the
weight is at the bottom.




Having made similar things, I figured out next time I would use some
1/2" PVC pipe to cast in an axle through-hole near the bottom of the
base. That way you can put an axle and some wheels just off the
ground, and some sockets for a handle, and you can wheel it around the
shop. I imagine you could retrofit this by welding onto your angles.



  #13   Report Post  
The Guy
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built



Shawn wrote:
"The Guy" wrote in message
news:lPwOc.118$7k6.23@trndny05...


the anvil, what did you use to cut and shape the anvil? A gas torch
or plasma? I like the weighting of the base. Nice job.

Tim


O/A torch and alot of foul language.

Shawn



Was that SAE or Metric foul language? It makes a difference.

Tim
--
No BoomBoom for me! -

  #14   Report Post  
Martin H. Eastburn
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Now SteveB did it - told us where rail is available - on Ships in the Iron Grave Yards...

scraps here and here. :-)

Martin

SteveB wrote:
"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...

At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,


I

had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below


so

you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn



OMIGAWD, Shawn! Do you realize what you have done? Built an anvil out of
stolen rail. Given our enemies an inroad to our techniques and metallurgy.
I know it seems innocuous, and a small step, but to coin an old phrase,
"Loose rails sink ships." Or something like that.

Anyway, it starts that way. Soon you will be tempted by subliminal messages
in the arc rays of your welding rig. Polarities and electromagnetic fields
will have all manner of effects on you that you were once immune to.

SAVE YOURSELF! It's not too late.

BTW, nice anvil. ;-)

Steve




--
Martin Eastburn, Barbara Eastburn
@ home at Lion's Lair with our computer
NRA LOH, NRA Life
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
  #15   Report Post  
SteveB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...
At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,

I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below

so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn


I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve




  #16   Report Post  
Rick Barter
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

The Guy wrote:

Was that SAE or Metric foul language? It makes a difference.

Tim


I'm fluent in both. Just ask my wife. I've been saying the F-word
since the 5th grade. I'm 35 now. She's trying to get me to tone it
down, but I doubt she'll F'ing succeed.

rvb
  #17   Report Post  
Erik
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

In article i1GOc.3187$8k.1248@fed1read03,
"SteveB" wrote:

"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...
At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,

I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below

so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn


I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve


I have one too... about 21" long, cut out in kinda a crude anvil like
'shape' with a O/A torch, and cleaned up a little with a disc grinder.

I'll slap a photo in the drop box if anyone's interested.

Bought it for $5.00 several years ago at a tool swap meet.

I love it! Wouldn't sell it for $300... it's just the right size for my
'anvil' needs, and still (reasonably) portable. I don't really beat on
it all that much, mostly straightening smaller stuff, driving bushings,
and wow, what a heat sink. Keep on the bench... and use it almost daily.
Rings like a bell!

Haven't been careful with it in the least, and don't think I've left a
mark on it yet.

Wish I'd have gotten it (or a small 'real' anvil) 30+ years ago... now
that I look back, it would have been just the ticket for all kinds of
things through the years. That's 20/20 hindsight for you kids out
there...

Erik
  #18   Report Post  
Stephen Young
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Erik wrote:

In article i1GOc.3187$8k.1248@fed1read03,
"SteveB" wrote:


"Shawn" shawn_75ATcomcastDOTnet wrote in message
...

At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file,


I

had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below


so

you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn


I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



I have one too... about 21" long, cut out in kinda a crude anvil like
'shape' with a O/A torch, and cleaned up a little with a disc grinder.

I'll slap a photo in the drop box if anyone's interested.

Bought it for $5.00 several years ago at a tool swap meet.

I love it! Wouldn't sell it for $300... it's just the right size for my
'anvil' needs, and still (reasonably) portable. I don't really beat on
it all that much, mostly straightening smaller stuff, driving bushings,
and wow, what a heat sink. Keep on the bench... and use it almost daily.
Rings like a bell!

Haven't been careful with it in the least, and don't think I've left a
mark on it yet.

Wish I'd have gotten it (or a small 'real' anvil) 30+ years ago... now
that I look back, it would have been just the ticket for all kinds of
things through the years. That's 20/20 hindsight for you kids out
there...

Erik



I just got what you're describing at the local recycling center for
$7.00. It was headed for the Chinese scrapyards I presume...

  #19   Report Post  
Lane
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane


  #20   Report Post  
Sunworshipper
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

On Sat, 31 Jul 2004 09:29:38 -0700, "Lane"
lane_nospam@copperaccents_dot_com wrote:

I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane


That's really nice, but how does one run across a small part of rail?

All I have is an I beam from the Mirage Casino. The top and bottom are
2' X16" X 2.25" with a web of 1.25" X 3'. SS copier rods work great
for moving it around.


  #21   Report Post  
SteveB
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Lane" lane_nospam@copperaccents_dot_com wrote in message
...
I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed

on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight

end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane



The one I had didn't have so much metal removed on the "pointy" end. (is
that called the horn?) It was flat all the way from one end to the other.
Someone put a lot of time in on yours removing some metal. Did you do that?
Nice job all around, whoever did it.

Steve


  #22   Report Post  
SteveB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Sunworshipper" wrote

That's really nice, but how does one run across a small part of rail?


I would start at a scrap yard, then maybe check with the railroad to see
where they are repairing or replacing track. It is trash to them, and I
think a guy could get a piece pretty easy there with just a six pack or a
few bottles of cold water.

Steve


  #23   Report Post  
Sunworshipper
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

On Sat, 31 Jul 2004 12:39:15 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote:


"Sunworshipper" wrote

That's really nice, but how does one run across a small part of rail?


I would start at a scrap yard, then maybe check with the railroad to see
where they are repairing or replacing track. It is trash to them, and I
think a guy could get a piece pretty easy there with just a six pack or a
few bottles of cold water.

Steve

Aren't you here in Vegas? I used to know "where" the U.P. R.R.
was... Recently I asked a guy what the brushes where for and don't
they wear out ?, on the truck for riding the rail. Bummer, asked the
wrong question.

Still have the coal problem. I've heard of a place , but its far to
check out for 20lbs. or zero.
  #24   Report Post  
Rick Barter
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

SteveB wrote:

The one I had didn't have so much metal removed on the "pointy" end. (is
that called the horn?)


Yes, the 'pointy end' is the horn or bick. If anyone is interested, I
scanned an image taken from _The Art of Blacksmithing_ by Alex Bealer
that shows the nomenclature.

View it at my web site:
http://www.indyironworks.com/~rvb01/...nvil_parts.jpg
  #25   Report Post  
Dennis van Dam
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

In article , "Lane"
lane_nospam@copperaccents_dot_com wrote:

I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane



Very nice!

Dennis


  #26   Report Post  
Shawn
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Lane" lane_nospam@copperaccents_dot_com wrote in message
...
I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed

on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight

end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve



Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane

Nice anvil! What size track is that?

Shawn


  #27   Report Post  
The Guy
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built



Rick Barter wrote:
The Guy wrote:


Was that SAE or Metric foul language? It makes a difference.

Tim



I'm fluent in both. Just ask my wife. I've been saying the F-word
since the 5th grade. I'm 35 now. She's trying to get me to tone it
down, but I doubt she'll F'ing succeed.

rvb


he he he...
--
No BoomBoom for me! -

  #28   Report Post  
The Guy
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built



Lane wrote:

I used to have one like it, but only about a foot long. It was pointed on
one end, and straight on the other, like yours. But on the straight end,
the vertical part of the rail had been trimmed out. Very useful.

Steve




Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane


Nice job.

Tim
--
No BoomBoom for me! -

  #29   Report Post  
Artemia Salina
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

On Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:15:42 -0400, Shawn wrote:

At the objection of some, I finally got around to building the anvil. It
needs a paint job but is basically completed. Sorry about the .txt file, I
had word wrap on so most of it is one VERY long line. I'll post it below so
you can skip the hassle of the one in the dropbox.

Shawn

http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/RR_Track_Anvil.txt
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_1.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_2.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...ck_Anvil_3.JPG


Having used a chunk of rail as an anvil, I can say that it's
*very* handy to have a flat area on the anvil's face (mine
was borrowed from a neighbor, so I didn't feel free to modify
it). So one thing you might consider is to grind a flat area
on the top of your anvil, with one edge being "sharp" and the
opposite edge having a small radius. Once you've ground the
flat area you can toughen it up (although I guess railroad
track must be pretty hard/durable stuff) by laying beads of
hard facing rod to cover the top surface and then grind and
sand it smooth. Having one side "sharp" and the other side
radiused gives you more versatility when working things to
a right angle.

I forget what they're called, but you can buy (if you can
find them), or make attachments for anvils that drop into
the hardy or pritchard holes which give you all sorts of
odd-shaped striking surfaces. I have no idea how you
would make a square conical hole in that chunk of track
though.

  #30   Report Post  
Lane
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


Here is my version.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.JPG
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Anvil_RRTrack.TXT

Lane

Nice anvil! What size track is that?

Shawn




Gosh I have no idea. I found it at a scrap metal place close by.




  #31   Report Post  
Lane
 
Posts: n/a
Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"SteveB" wrote in message
news:XxSOc.6670$8k.5647@fed1read03...


The one I had didn't have so much metal removed on the "pointy" end. (is
that called the horn?) It was flat all the way from one end to the other.
Someone put a lot of time in on yours removing some metal. Did you do

that?
Nice job all around, whoever did it.

Steve



Yup, did it all myself. After the cutting torch there was lots of grinding
with the 4" HF angle grinder. Thanks for the kind words.

Lane


  #32   Report Post  
Lane
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

Having used a chunk of rail as an anvil, I can say that it's
*very* handy to have a flat area on the anvil's face (mine
was borrowed from a neighbor, so I didn't feel free to modify
it). So one thing you might consider is to grind a flat area
on the top of your anvil, with one edge being "sharp" and the
opposite edge having a small radius. Once you've ground the
flat area you can toughen it up (although I guess railroad
track must be pretty hard/durable stuff) by laying beads of
hard facing rod to cover the top surface and then grind and
sand it smooth. Having one side "sharp" and the other side
radiused gives you more versatility when working things to
a right angle.


Yes I agree that is why I mounted mine in the mill and ground the top flat!
See my previous post for pics.

Lane


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SteveB
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built


"Sunworshipper" wrote

Aren't you here in Vegas? I used to know "where" the U.P. R.R.
was... Recently I asked a guy what the brushes where for and don't
they wear out ?, on the truck for riding the rail. Bummer, asked the
wrong question.

Still have the coal problem. I've heard of a place , but its far to
check out for 20lbs. or zero.


Yep. Live in Vegas. Grew up here.

There are still a few places far out where one might find some rail. It
would be near old lines that are still used. Meadow Valley Wash comes to
mind. The UPRR runs right through town on a southwest to northeast line,
with jogs here and there. In some rural spots, rail might be available, but
you would have to have a torch to grab a piece. In other places, ties,
rails, and all have been pulled up, and scavengers have taken everything
that the railroad missed. But still a few old beds around where you can
ride an ATV and look for things.

We think that no place is too far out. Sometimes we go in fifty miles on
dirt roads to explore. Just be prepared, take water, avoid going in summer,
and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Taking more
than one vehicle and not going alone are also good ideas.

This desert is unforgiving.

Steve


  #34   Report Post  
Rich McCarty
 
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Default Railroad Track Anvil, Built

If you live in central Connecticut, I can show you where there's miles of
old track, within easy walking distance of my house. Judging by the size of
trees growing on the track, I'd say it's been 20-30 years since the line was
used. There are a few short bridges. I've always thought that those large
pieces that join the ends of the little extra track that's built on the
inside of the main tracks on bridges (I hope I described it OK ) would make
excellent anvils. All one needs to do is drag it out of the woods....

"SteveB" wrote in message
news:7Q%Oc.7670$8k.5211@fed1read03...

"Sunworshipper" wrote

Aren't you here in Vegas? I used to know "where" the U.P. R.R.
was... Recently I asked a guy what the brushes where for and don't
they wear out ?, on the truck for riding the rail. Bummer, asked the
wrong question.

Still have the coal problem. I've heard of a place , but its far to
check out for 20lbs. or zero.


Yep. Live in Vegas. Grew up here.

There are still a few places far out where one might find some rail. It
would be near old lines that are still used. Meadow Valley Wash comes to
mind. The UPRR runs right through town on a southwest to northeast line,
with jogs here and there. In some rural spots, rail might be available,

but
you would have to have a torch to grab a piece. In other places, ties,
rails, and all have been pulled up, and scavengers have taken everything
that the railroad missed. But still a few old beds around where you can
ride an ATV and look for things.

We think that no place is too far out. Sometimes we go in fifty miles on
dirt roads to explore. Just be prepared, take water, avoid going in

summer,
and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Taking

more
than one vehicle and not going alone are also good ideas.

This desert is unforgiving.

Steve




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