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Which Farrier Anvil Should I Choose?

Which Farrier Anvil should I choose?

An anvil is one of the biggest investments you make as a farrier and if you look after it and use it correctly, it can last you a lifetime.

Mustad Australia stocks and sells several types of anvils. There are four models in the O'Dwyer Anvil range. We asked Carl O’Dwyer to go through the features of the popular range he designed.

What are the O'Dwyer Anvils made from?

The anvils in the O'Dwyer Anvil range are cast using a 4140 steel under strict quality controls. Each anvil is hardness tested using the Brinell Hardness testing scale, with each anvil required to be within Brinell (BHN) 400-450 hardness.

Other features of the O'Dwyer Anvil range are as follows:

What are the features of the O’Dwyer 20Kg Anvil?

• Our most portable anvil.  Ideal to put in the back of your vehcile and take to mulitple locations throughout the day.
• Used mainly for cold shoe shaping, however can also be used to shape hot shoes.
• Turning cogs for shaping of the heels either inwards or outwards. The Turning cogs are orientated to suit right handed farriers.
• Rounded anvil heels which enables the shoe to be spread out, with minimal indentation to the inside of the shoe.
• 1” Hardie Hole and round pritchel hold are ideally located near the heel of the anvil.

What is the difference between the O’Dwyer 40Kg Anvil and the 20kg Anvil?

The 40kg anvil has all the same features of the 20Kg Anvil PLUS:

• Larger surface area than the 20Kg anvil, making it easier to hand make shoes.
• 1¼” Hardie Hole and round pritchel hole are ideally located near the heel of the anvil.

What are the features of the O’Dwyer 38Kg Centurion Anvil?

The Centurion anvil has been designed with the focus on a larger surface area without adding extra weight. This is achieved by gusseting out metal from the sides of the anvil and putting it into the surface area.

• It is ideal for the mobile farrier. 
• Turning cogs are located on the heel of the anvil.
• A Clipping deck has been added to the anvil surface just before the horn.
• Horn has a flatter design.
• 1” Hardie Hole and round pritchel hold are ideally located near the heel of the anvil.

 Where would I use an O’Dwyer 95Kg Anvil?

The 95Kg anvil is a shop anvil.  It can be used by Farriers and Blacksmiths for hand forging or hand making shoes.  

• Can be set up for both left handed ot righ handed farriers.
• Large surface area and well designed horn for forging.
• 1¼” Hardie Hole and round pritchel hole are ideally located near the heel of the anvil.

How do I look after myself and my anvil?

• We recommend that the top of your anvil be setup at a height that is approx 4 foot OR 10cm below the height of your belly button.
• All Anvils should be bolted down securely to an anvil stand before use to avoid injury.
• Over time, cold shaping shoes on your anvil will wear in a groove in the horn and in your turning cogs. This is a very normal occurrence and should be expected when you are striking blows on cold steel using a steel anvil.  Hot shoe shaping and forging will result in less wear into your anvil.
• Avoid hitting the surface of your anvil directly with your hammer as this will cause unnecessary damage.

Check out with video with Carl O'Dwyer who shows you the features of the O'Dwyer Anvil range.

All O'Dwyer farrier anvils, as well as the additional farrier anvils in our range (including JHM 120 lb Legend Anvil by Anvil Brand and Future 5 anvil) are available through Mustad dealers and mustad.com.au