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Ready to start forging
osage outlaw:
I finally got my anvil mounted on an osage stump. I made a stand for my forge next to it. I have 2 shelves for tool storage. Hammers hang on both sides. I want to make an adjustable tool support for the forge. I filled the center void of the stump with 5 tubes of silicone caulking. I put some under the anvil also. I put some rubber mat pieces around the bars holding the anvil down. I'm pretty happy with how it dampened the ringing sound. I'm going to keep a couple gallons of water next to the forge, just in case.
osage outlaw:
Here's a short video of the anvil ring.
ht tps://youtu.be/oSOSTrZzocw
Handforged:
Get a hand held belt sander and work the face of that anvil down to smooth and shiny. Don't get it hot to the touch and start with 40 grit. Then go up to about 220 or further if you want to. A smooth, dead flat surface is what you're looking for and it will vastly increase your efficiency when you strike metal on it. That dark rusty surface will leave pits and junk will get smashed into the metal as you work it.
Decrease the ring even more by wrapping the waste of the anvil with chain. Doesn't really matter what size but you'll need enough to go around it a few times. It will decrease the noticeable ring by half or more most of the time.
I wish I had access to osage that large. I have three anvils and the best I can do here is spruce. It works ok but I'd really like a hardwood base. We just don't have any around to get.
Handforged:
One more thing. How tall are you? That anvil face looks really low to me... maybe personal preference but most consider a proper height to be measured like this. Standing at the anvil with a hammer in hand, the top of the anvil should be slightly higher (inch or two) than your knuckles. I prefer mine a good bit higher myself. Having to bend over, even slightly while swinging a hammer will result in a good bit of fatigue and pain after a while.
osage outlaw:
I'm vertically challenged. It's at the correct height for me.
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