Actually, I can do just like Ron Popeil--set it and forget it!
Printable View
Thank you for the info Roy.
I just bought a nice looking section of rail.
Has nice end cuts.
It measures 10.5 inches long and is 26 pounds.
Cost was $38.50 with Free Shipping!
I may leave it be or I might have a small section, maybe 2.5" or so, cut off to use strictly as a pinning anvil.
It will be really useful for many things as is though.
We shall see.
Pete <:-}
I couldn't resist--- I bought a small 10# section. Should be interesting. I'm wondering what would happen if I cleaned things up a bit then heated the top of the rail to red hot and quenched it in water. I would think that it would harden at least the surface. :thinking: :shrug:
There are nice examples here but don't limit yourself to railroad track.
This is a gear box that I have used.
Attachment 289082
If you can find a fabricating machine shop, they will sell you hardened steel mistakes that they have made. They usually sell it by the pound, so it is cheap and is usually already milled flat and square. It might not look like a traditional anvil, but a 2" thick piece of milled hardened steel makes a nice pin setter.
Checked with my local machine shop and he said he'd use a abrasive cut off saw and it would be about $5 per cut. i'm going to see if i can still get that piece i passed up at the garage sale.( if he still has it)
I have not done it this way but read to cut it from the bottom or flat side and then when you get close to the top that is hardened hit it with a hammer and break the rest.:shrug:
Would probably work.!