Any advice?

[Dark Horse]

Hello all, I'd like to get into blacksmithing, I'm 63, this would just be a hobby... Having said that, there are 3 anvils I'm considering, 110 # Vevor for 210 + tax, so, $227. A 132# for $356 or a 330# for $950. All Chinese, all cast steel and all with a "70%" rebound. Or would you recommend something else? What advice would you give, if you were to offer any?
Thanks!

 

[Chase Sparks]

Hello all, I'd like to get into blacksmithing, I'm 63, this would just be a hobby... Having said that, there are 3 anvils I'm considering, 110 # Vevor for 210 + tax, so, $227. A 132# for $356 or a 330# for $950. All Chinese, all cast steel and all with a "70%" rebound. Or would you recommend something else? What advice would you give, if you were to offer any?
Thanks!

Hi @Dark Horse. I have not posted here but I am checking in here after just mostly occasionally lurking. I have a few years experience blacksmithing but arthritis removed me from the fun. Hopefully , when I visit, I can assist someone or help with their questions. If I may make a couple of suggestions:
First, get ANY anvil so you can start learning. Second, get the best and largest anvil that you can afford to spend on this hobby. One can trade up later as your interests and abilities increase.
Typically, an anvil 100#s +\- is a good starter anvil.
A cheap anvil is a good one to start on because it is best to work out your technical strengths and learn hammer control on an anvil you can afford to “destroy “.

Read and research your hobby. It will make the hobby more enjoyable.

Kind regards, Chase Sparks

 

[Alan]

Hi @Dark Horse. I have not posted here but I am checking in here after just mostly occasionally lurking. I have a few years experience blacksmithing but arthritis removed me from the fun. Hopefully , when I visit, I can assist someone or help with their questions. If I may make a couple of suggestions:
First, get ANY anvil so you can start learning. Second, get the best and largest anvil that you can afford to spend on this hobby. One can trade up later as your interests and abilities increase.
Typically, an anvil 100#s +\- is a good starter anvil.
A cheap anvil is a good one to start on because it is best to work out your technical strengths and learn hammer control on an anvil you can afford to “destroy “.

Read and research your hobby. It will make the hobby more enjoyable.

Kind regards, Chase Sparks

That’s exactly it, getting started matters more than chasing perfect gear right away

 

[FPDoc]

Hello all, I'd like to get into blacksmithing, I'm 63, this would just be a hobby... Having said that, there are 3 anvils I'm considering, 110 # Vevor for 210 + tax, so, $227. A 132# for $356 or a 330# for $950. All Chinese, all cast steel and all with a "70%" rebound. Or would you recommend something else? What advice would you give, if you were to offer any?
Thanks!

I've been smithing for over 50yrs.. I've got lots of stuff now but if all I had was a piece of truck axle, cut square on the end and stood up or buried in the ground (like a fence post) and a 2lb ballpeen hammer I could make all sorts of things and find out if I like blacksmithing (you'll tell others the same thing when you're a couple of years along and you are asked... and.. you will have a piece of axle and a 2lb. hammer to loan them... Have FUN !!