If you intend to progress to larger projects, you will outgrow this anvil and need to purchase a larger one. While the size and weight of the anvil can be great for a smaller shop or the beginner blacksmith, this anvil is not suitable for heavy blacksmithing. Since this anvil is intended for a specific purpose, the cons related to its use would be relevant when it is used for purposes other than farrier work and include the following. This anvil is designed to work horseshoes hot or cold, making it a great tool for farriers. It can be used for hot or cold shoeing.Many smaller anvils do not include both a Hardie hole and a Pritchel hole, but this anvil offers both, improving the overall versatility of the anvil. The anvil features a 1-inch Hardie hole located in the anvil horn, where most of the mass in this anvil is centered. The 4-inch wide by 6-inch long face provides greater versatility for smaller blacksmithing jobs. The anvil has a larger than usual face for an anvil of this size. This anvil is great as a starter anvil for blacksmiths or as a lightweight anvil for smaller jobs. The smaller size means it is not bulky and easy to store, making it a good-sized anvil for smaller workshops or garage spaces. This is a 70-pound anvil, classified as a bench anvil. The Big Face anvil has some features that count in its favor for light-duty blacksmithing, which include the following. We have included this anvil in the list because it is a great choice for farriers, but it is also suitable for knifemakers, beginner blacksmiths, and for use in any blacksmithing shop for smaller lightweight jobs. The NC Tools Company Big Face Anvil is a smaller footprint anvil with features designed for farrier work rather than heavy-duty blacksmithing.Įven though this anvil is intended for use by farriers and has all the features needed for this type of work, it does not exclude using this anvil for other forms of blacksmithing. The company started its own line of tools for farriers, which included the Big Face Anvil, to make it easier for their farrier students to source quality tools for their occupation. NC Tools Company started teaching farriers the art of shoeing horses but found that students struggled to find quality anvils for farrier work. The NC Tools company is one such manufacturer of blacksmithing tools specializing in tools for a niche market, namely tools for farriers.
We have put together a collection of anvils that can get you started blacksmithing at any level! NC Tools Big Face Anvilīlacksmithing encompasses a wide range of metalworking tasks, some specialized for very specific markets. In other words, the best anvil for you is the best anvil you can afford within your budget that you can use to learn the skills you need to improve as a blacksmith.Īs with any craft, there is a place for the big and expensive and the small and affordable. The best anvil for blacksmithing is the anvil that gets you beating hot metal! While there is much debate about the best anvils for blacksmithing, we have a different take on the subject. We have some suggestions for anvils to get you started and anvils you can aspire to acquire as you commit to your blacksmithing!
This strategy for anvil purchasing can be a little more expensive than what you bargained for. Many people who get involved in a new hobby or a new interest want to get the best and the biggest equipment available to get started.
3 The RIDGID 69642 Model 12 Forged Anvil.