An anvil is a solid block of metal used in metalworking, with a flat side and a protruding horn. It is used for shaping and molding metal, and comes in various sizes for different applications. Farriers, jewelers, and ironworkers all use different types of anvils for their work.
An anvil is a solid block of steel, wrought iron, or other similar strong metal. The anvil has been used by humans for centuries, with the basic anvils being used to work metals in the early Bronze Age. The anvil is used in a variety of metalworking situations, from jewelry making to shoeing horses, and most metalworkers have at least one anvil in their tool collection. The anvil is a cornerstone of metalworking, allowing metal to be worked quickly when hot or cold against a strong, durable surface.
An anvil usually has a long protruding horn and a flat side called a butt, although some anvils have an irregularly shaped horn and butt. The horn is used in some detail work and for shaping metal into curved shapes. Some anvils also have holes into which various tools can be inserted, as well as a pad to support the metal as it is chiselled. The top of the anvil is usually flat, although some curved anvils are used for specialized applications.
The basic shape of the anvil hasn’t changed in thousands of years, because it is a highly functional, strong and flexible shape. Metal can be easily formed on an anvil and is a relatively portable work surface, depending on the size of the anvil. Anvils can range in size from very small, delicate designs for jewelry to large anvils that can weigh hundreds of pounds, used in large-scale ironworking projects.
Farriers, who shoe horses, usually have a small portable anvil and forge with which to do their job, which allows them to mold the shoes to the specific shape of the horse’s foot. Jewelers often have an assortment of anvils in a variety of finishes so you can use the right tool for the right job. This was especially true for soft metals such as gold which could be damaged during the metalworking process. Ironworkers work with much larger and sturdier anvils that are capable of withstanding heavy hammer blows.
When working with cold metal, the anvil is used to hold the metal, which can also be clamped. The metal can be hammered for effect or shaped as desired, depending on thickness. In other cases, the metal will need to be heated in order to be worked, and is handled with tongs and gloves to avoid serious burns. Once the metal has reached a workable temperature, it is transferred to the anvil for shaping.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
