Anvil or “ASO” from RailRoad Track
I’ve used many things to hammer out different components for projects over the years. Using concrete curbs and a hammer to straighten out twisted pieces of metal. Using the edge of a metal handrail to fabricate a bend in a bracket. We’ve all had to improvise some makeshift Anvil to provide some type of striking surface to finish off that piece that will bring our projects to completion. So when a friend told me he knew of a scrap pile that had some remnants of old railroad track, I raced over to legally acquire a piece of my own.
As soon as I had it in my possession, I got to work designing an anvil that would suit my needs. I did a lot of research on forums and related websites which gave me some general idea as to what demensions I would make it, but ultimately, I just used my own design.
I kept the traditional horn and added a twist at the opposite end by flipping a section to use the flat bottom of the track as a striking surface. What I ended up with was a 24”, 50 lb Anvil that I plan to use for many future projects. No more breaking concrete curbs or denting those handrails. This cool DIY ASO (anvil shaped object) is one of my new best friends.