So several weeks later than I thought I’m posting my next steps!
In order to get anywhere further with the arms above I need round shape that I can use to refine the shape without removing the curves I’ve already got in. I picked up this stake anvil on eBay for £90 - it’s got a nice conical horn on one side which should provide a good next surface. Interesting aside - It doesn’t have a makers’ mark on it and there are a few seems from forge welds here and there on it and no modern welding that I can see so I suspect it was home made by someone.
I need to set it in a block of some kind to make it usable. A vice at the right height would be ok but it’s quite tall and I’m not so a block feels like the way to go. I picked up the oak cube it’s resting on for fairly cheap with the plan to cut a hole to fit the anvil’s shank.
My natural approach to this would be to drill a big hole to the right(ish) depth and then square it up with a chisel until the anvil sits nicely. The shank is a little wonky but it’s about 35mm x 35mm square and 11cm long. That’s a fairly big hole in pretty hard wood - I’m inducted but not yet very familiar with the wood shop yet - can anyone weigh in on what’s able/suitable to drill a big hole to that kind of depth in the wood shop?
Thanks!
Lawrence