Anvil bridge

[Philip Davies]

This has been quite challenging to make. I could have done with a pair of assistants. Whenever I tried to use a fuller or set hammer, the block would jump up from the anvil, often out of, or from beneath, the holdfast. Sometimes I might only strike 8 blows in a heat. Especially if it fell on the floor. Having to turn the piece frequently necessitated moving the holdfast, losing heat rapidly. Then again, I might not be able to go on for more than two hours, yes, it took many hours. However, I was determined to finish it, for my own satisfaction. The block is the last bit of 1 & 1/4” plate I salvaged from Howard at Shadow Supplies.
I should think I have used at least half an ephah of charcoal. Yes. ...... No?
About the size of a barrel.
No? 36 gallons.
No? 160 litres.
Actually, I am not sure about these conversions, because I cannot find my little book of tables, which includes measures for coal. I am just being provocative.
The fuel cost me nothing except the labour, although of course the blower and extractor were going.
I forged a shank for the hardy hole from 3/4” round, welded this and a bit of gauge plate on top.


This last shows the principal holdfast. My next post will show the holdfasts, with comments on their demerits.

[Toolmaker51]

When looking at variety of products made before machine tools/ mass production; inevitable question is "what extent of blacksmithing tools made all that possible?".
Does that hold-fast normally clamp well, or height of bridge not allowing enough engagement with dog hole?

[Philip Davies]

When looking at variety of products made before machine tools/ mass production; inevitable question is "what extent of blacksmithing tools made all that possible?".
Does that hold-fast normally clamp well, or height of bridge not allowing enough engagement with dog hole?

No, not very well, but it’s better now I have thinned it. It was a tyre lever, very rigid. I am still working on it.

[clavius]

Please educate me. What is an anvil bridge typically used for? Is this a tool for a specific type of work?

[Philip Davies]

Please educate me. What is an anvil bridge typically used for? Is this a tool for a specific type of work?

Handy for fork tines, or U-shapes.