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. ============================================= |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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! - |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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! - |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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... |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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! - |
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! - |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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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