Appreciation post: that old anvil at the Turlock swap meet saved my project

Last month I was at the Turlock swap meet down in California, digging through a pile of rusty junk. Found this beat up anvil, 150 pounds maybe, with a flat spot on the face from someone using it as a hammering plate for years. Guy wanted $40. I almost passed because the rebound felt dead. But I took a chance, cleaned it up with a wire wheel, and the thing rings like a bell now. That flat spot? It actually helps hold smaller pieces steady without slipping. Got my first real forge weld done on it two days ago. Anyone else find hidden gems at swap meets that turned out better than new tools?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia_miller244h ago

$40 for a bench grinder you'll use once a year?

the_john4h agoMost Upvoted

Well Julia, my grandpa bought one in 1975 and it's still going.