Anvil Question

[2treks]

I saw a video with a fellow that was forging on a "Post Anvil"
It looked like a 6"-8" square steel anvil coming out of the floor. My question is this, How hard does an anvil top/surface need to be? Does anybody have advice on making something like this?
How would I harden the face?
Thanks
Chuck

[Lin Rhea]

Chuck, I would first try using it as is and see if it does one of two things. If it works ok, I would just dress it from time to time. If it was just too soft, I would weld a hard face on the top and use it like that. It's a large undertaking to harden something that size. It can be done though. 4140 steel would be about right for an anvil.

[2treks]

Thanks Lin. By "Dress it" do you mean "re-flatten"?

Thats a good idea about adding the hard plate. How hard should it be?

[Lin Rhea]

Yes, re flatten. A higher carbon steel will be harder even when in an unhardened state due to the carbon, depending on the actual steel. But if I were wanting a hard face, I would get a 2 inch thick 4140 plate, bevel the bottom for welding, harden the face under flowing water (water hose running full open in circular motion), then weld it with an arc welder trying to keep the top 1/2 inch cooled for the most part. I think a sprayer on a water hose would serve to keep it cooled. Wear gloves an watch out for the steam.

[2treks]

Thanks again Lin. I will study up on your recommendations.