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Naturally an anvil needs to sit on a sturdy base and I didn't just want to settle for the old tree stump solution. I wanted something epic, preferably medieval looking with a mix of charred wood and bare steel.
So I started off with a 100x100x2400 timber post that I cut in 4 and glued together to create the 200x200x600 blank to work from. I used a power planer to get the sides relatively flush without completely ruining it's rugged looks, and also threw a bevel on the edges while I was at it. I traced the anvil's footprint and used my router to drop it by about 10mm so that the anvil sat nice and snug and couldn't slide around. I also used the router to create 2x 25x3mm channels around the base, 150mm from the top and bottom ends.
Once I was happy with the shape and size, I used a blowtorch to char the exterior and really bring out the wood grain, followed by a quick Scotchbrite scuffing to blend it nicely. I sealed the charred base with two layers of boiled Linseed oil.
Finally, I created the 2x metal straps that fit snugly in the channels I had milled, welded the ends and drove 16x 45mm coach screws through it to bring it all together. Overall, I'm super happy with the outcome. The last step will be to add the tool holder to the top and secure the anvil with some brackets that I'm yet to make
PS: Below you will see the welds I did where the ends of the flatbar met. I welded this in place because the strap sits in a channel and could not be fitted over otherwise. I did these with a little Ozito gasless MIG I bought last week: The new one, where the feed and voltage are both adjustable rather than just the feed rate. It works like a charm 
Happy building!
Hey @MitchellMc
"I've been working on a tomahawk for a close friend for a while now."
Dunno if this is classified as a Tomahawk but we always called it that. Belonged to my father and I remember using it to chop kindling wood over 50 years ago. At home we needed a wood fire connected to a stove - for cooking and to produce hot water.
I can just make out Brades Criterion 1591...
Hi @MartiPedia
I think you would enjoy and appreciate something like a propane/oxygen torch. You already have the propane. I'm still an amateur - but you can amputate big sections of steel with ease and it's cheaper than an oxygen/acetylene set-up. Certainly quicker than the angle grinder/cutter.
Unless the heat applied will ultimately affect the durability of the knives you're making?
Cheers
Graeme.
Good afternoon @MartiPedia
What sort of 'dust' - for a better word - does your Diablo Steel Demon blade make - when you cut through metal?
There are stories of dual-saws (remember those?) on the internet tossing very small pieces of metal that would penetrate skin - urban myth maybe.
In the meantime - I'm wondering if you could make something like this.....?
Here's that other little blade I made with a handle on, Belotta Razor logo still visible from it's hoof-rasping days 😋
Hi @EricL
"That looks very nice and I'm sure it will come in handy during this cold season."
Yes, I enjoy it.
It was 5 degrees and dropping when I lit one tonight. Red wine and spotify - I like to reflect on the day's events and life in general.
Also with this fire bucket I can fit both feet under it and I find the heat particularly comforting to the surgical area on the left foot.
I was talking to a British friend recently who found it amusing we call them fire buckets - he sees these as buckets to help put out fires.
Maybe fire pit is the correct term?
Do you have/use one?
Cheers.
@NoyadeHaha thanks
The Aldi-axe is pretty lightweight and as you say, has a cool looking blade as its primary appeal. I changed the edge on mine to be a bit more aggressive than it came from the factory and gave it a nice polished 600-grit finish, but I'd be lying if I said I've ever used it for anything other than looking at and chopping random things in my garage. That little bearded axe I made is 100 times as practical as the Aldi one I reckon. Good weight, good hardness, good edge.
