Subject: Re: Rolling yer own?

From: [email-masked]
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 1996 10:19:48 -0400

Frosty..

That sounds like one heluva anvil.  What brand is it?

Kent   :o)
[email-masked]

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From: [email-masked] (Frost, Jerry)
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 01:29:38 -0800

> That sounds like one heluva anvil.  What brand is it?

Kent and everyone else intvolved:

I'm replying to everybody at once; cause I'm basically lazy.

It's a Sorcoress #5 (125lbs) from Sodorfors Sweden. Date stamped 1938. 
It made a living for three generations of smiths before I aquired it in 
1984. Niko Caspers, and probably, Ralph Snel can tell you more than I 
can about this line of anvils. Hell, I could be all wrong about it's 
construction, my information came from the last owner, the casting marks 
on the body and reading. In a post on this thread Ralph mentions his 
53kg Dutch cast steel anvil that has similar characteristics as mine, 
I'm always aware that a mis-strike on an edge can chip it. This is 
something that a modern alloy like 4140 isn't subject to, also it work 
hardens over the years without embrittlement, getting better and better.

Every material and process has it's inherent strengths and weaknesses as 
do those who use them. A tool is made by the one that uses it and each 
one has it's own feel and "personality." What I mean by this, is that 
you can buy a tool but until you learn to use it, it is just a thing. 
And the tools we use the most are usually the ones that feel best.

I'm sure we all know people that think the tool does the job; buy a 
lathe and you're a machinist. Not true! These are the folks that have a 
shop full of tools and machinery and can't seem to do much until they 
get that one tool that will do the job. These are also the ones that 
look with resentment and secret envy upon those that can take What's at 
hand and get the job done.

My point is, it's intellect, talent, and most important of all long hard 
practice that allows a craftsman to do the job with or without the 
proper tool. And as everyone's talents, touch and experiences are 
different, our preferences in tool and process will vary enourmously, 
even working side by side on exactly the same pieces. This, is what 
makes it an art.

An anvil is a far more complex device than it might appear to be on the 
surface. Making one is loaded with considerations that must be taken 
into account for the project to be successful. Each has its upside and 
downside and the clearer our understanding of these the more likely our 
success. Success however, will come at the end of long practice and many 
errors, with enough research we can eliminate many of them but in the 
end it will be the doing, that will teach us how. As I would someday 
like to make a few anvils myself I welcome any and all ideas and 
criticisms.

And yes, it is for the love and challenge, that I even consider making 
things I could more cheaply and easily buy from another.

Regards,
	Frosty
-- 
If it ain't forged
It ain't real
wrought iron is
The FROSTWORKS