Hardy work: breathing new life into anvils

[Alan]

Anvils really take a beating over the years and sometimes the only way to keep them in good shape is through repairs or mods. Whether it’s welding up chipped edges, hard-facing worn spots, or even reshaping them for specific tasks. How have you tackled repairs or mods on your anvils and what methods have worked best for you?

 

[Tempered3dge]

To tackle chipped edges, I’ve had good results with a TIG welder and the right filler rod to build them up, then I grind it back to shape. Just a heads up preheating the anvil can help prevent any cracking while you’re at it.

 

[t_bone]

The biggest repair I've done is welding up chipped and swaybacked edges on my vintage anvil. You can't just use regular MIG wire.
I preheat the area slowly, build up the edges using high nickel welding rods, and then peen the welds while they're still hot to relieve stress. I then finish by grinding the profile back to a smooth, slight radius. Never rush the cooldown. wrap it in blankets to let it temper slowly

 

[Alan]

That’s some impressive work! I really appreciate you breaking down the process particularly the peening and the gradual cooldown. That’s top-notch advice.