Debate: Is it better to weld a crack or forge a repair on an old anvil?

Got told by a smith at a meetup in Harrisburg last spring that my welded repair on a 150-pound Peter Wright anvil would fail inside a year. He insisted on hot forging a patch instead. I changed my method after that, spent two weekends heat-treating and upsetting a piece of old rail to fit. Now I'm wondering if the extra effort was worth it or if the weld would have held just fine. Anyone here stick with welding on anvil repairs and had good results long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

ericp671d ago

Yeah that Harrisburg guy changed my mind too. Used to just weld everything and call it good. Tried the hot forge method on a beat up anvil last year and honestly it's held up way better than any weld I ever did.

sean_park81d ago

Hot forge method" is the way to go. I did the same on a 100lb Fisher last spring. Heated the face to almost welding temp before hammering in the new edge. That bond is way deeper than stick weld ever gives you. Weld just sits on top. Forge work blends into the metal. My anvil still rings like a bell after a year of heavy use. Worth the extra time setting up the forge.