Restoring a 150 lb Fisher Blacksmith Anvil from the Early 1900s

Restoring a Vintage 150 lb Anvil

Antique anvils are highly sought after by blacksmithing enthusiasts for their durability and historic charm. Dating back to the early 20th century, these 150 lb Fisher anvils were workhorses in blacksmith shops across America.

I was lucky enough to acquire a 1900s era Fisher anvil that had seen better days. After decades of use, the anvil's face was dented and rusty. The horn was bent sideways from repeated strikes. Though still sturdy, it was clear this vintage 150 lb anvil needed some TLC to restore it to its former glory.

Step 1: Disassembly

Before restoration work could begin, I fully disassembled the anvil. Removing the horn freed me up to work on smoothing out dents and defects on the face. I also detached the anvil from its base. This allowed me to remove rust and re-finish the contact surfaces so the anvil would sit solidly on its stand.

Step 2: Horn Repair

With the horn separated, I could now address the bend in it. Using a metal straightening tool, I applied controlled pressure to gradually bend the horn back to its original centered position. I was careful to avoid brittle fractures in the cast iron. Slow, even adjustments were key.

Step 3: Removing Pitting and Dents

A pneumatic chisel made quick work of knocking out the deeper dents and pits on the anvil's face. I smoothed out smaller defects using an angle grinder fitted with a grinding disc. My goal was to restore a flat, even surface while retaining the vintage patina and character.

Step 4: Welding Repairs

Some cracks and gaps required structural welding repairs. Using a stick welder and low hydrogen rods, I built up worn areas and reinforced vulnerable spots prone to future damage. Welding is an artform; controlling heat input preserves the base metal. I applied multiple passes to achieve full penetration welds without burning through.

Step 5: Rust Removal

A muriatic acid bath dissolved away oxidation on the anvil's body. After neutralizing the acid, I washed down all surfaces. This removed decades of grime to reveal bare metal ready for finishing.

Step 6: Polishing

I polished the dulled anvil surface using an angle grinder and abrasive pads. Working progressively from coarse grit to fine, this brought back the smooth factory finish while retaining the well-worn antique look. The anvil's edges were sharp enough to easily mark metal again.

Step 7: Painting

The anvil stand and base received a fresh coat of iconic blacksmithing black paint. This gave it a renewed yet vintage look. I re-assembled the anvil pieces onto the stand using sturdy new fasteners.

Restarting an Anvil's Working Life

With a bit of time and some simple restoration techniques, this classic 150 lb Fisher anvil was ready to serve another century in the smithy. It just goes to show that old blacksmithing tools can be brought back to life with some welding, polishing and elbow grease.

This type of anvil repair restores strength and functionality while preserving antique character. Now when I use this anvil's smooth face to shape metal, I feel linked to generations of blacksmiths who swung their hammers on the very same spot so many decades ago.

Do you have a worn old anvil waiting for restoration? With basic skills and the right techniques, you can refresh an antique anvil for modern-day hot metalwork. Give that vintage anvil a new lease on life!

FAQs

How can I tell how old my anvil is?

Check for manufacturer markings on the anvil to identify the brand. Research the history and trademarks of anvil makers to determine when it may have been produced. Details like shape, size, materials and design features can also hint at the age.

What's the best way to repair dents and damage on an anvil face?

A pneumatic air chisel makes quick work of pounding out dents and pits in the face. Follow up with an angle grinder and smoothing discs to refine the surface. Go slow to avoid removing too much original material.

Should I keep or remove the original patina?

Preserving some of the old worn patina will maintain the anvil's antique look and feel. But you may want to remove grime, active rust and layers of flaking paint from past repainting.

Is it safe to weld repairs on a cast iron anvil?

Yes, welding is an effective technique for repairing cracks and filling worn areas on cast iron anvils. Use low hydrogen welding rods and control heat input to prevent cracking or warping.

What type of paint should I use when refinishing an anvil?

A durable enamel paint resistant to oil and solvents is best. Traditional blacksmithing black paint finishes are also great options for refinishing anvil stands and bases.