anviltop

Anviltop refers to the flat, hardened steel surface at the center of an anvil, and it serves as the primary work surface for shaping metal by hammering. It provides a durable, smooth plane for flattening, planishing, and forming metal stock, whether hot or cold. The design and size of the top surface vary with the intended use, but most anvils feature a large flat face designed to withstand repeated blows without significant deformation.

Common features on the anviltop include a horn, a curved projection used for bending and forming curves, and several holes such as a hardy hole and a pritchel hole. The hardy hole accepts tooling shanks and attachments, while the pritchel hole is used for punches and smaller tools. The face is typically hardened steel and may be ground, polished, or lightly buffed to optimize smoothness and texture for various tasks.

Materials and construction: Anvils are typically forged or cast from steel or cast iron, with the top surface heat-treated to improve hardness and wear resistance. Over time, the face can wear or develop minor deformations from use; regular maintenance helps preserve flatness and prolong the tool’s life.

Maintenance and care: Keep the anviltop clean and dry to prevent rust, and apply a light coat of oil after use. Periodic inspection for mushrooming, cracks, or excessive wear is advised, and professional resurfacing or re-hardening may be needed for heavily used anvils.

Usage: The anviltop is used by blacksmiths, metalworkers, farriers, and students of metal forming as the central surface for shaping and detailing metal parts.