Anvils are made of wrought iron or a special quality of cast iron. In the latter case the face is sometimes chilled to harden it, or is made of steel which is secured to the base when the anvil is cast. Those that are made of wrought iron are composed of three pieces: the first is the base _B_ which is forged to the required dimensions; the second is the top which includes the horn _C_ and the heel; the third is the face _A_ of tool steel which is welded to the top at the place shown by the upper broken line. The top and base are then welded together at the lower broken line.
After the anvil has been finished, the face is hardened with a constant flow of water, then it is ground true and smooth and perfectly straight lengthwise, but slightly convex crosswise, and both edges for about four inches toward the horn are ground to a quarter round, thus providing a convenient place for bending right angles. This round edge prevents galling, which is liable to occur in material bent over a perfectly square corner.
The round hole in the face is called the pritchel hole, over which small holes can be punched in the material. When larger ones are to be punched, they can be made on a nut or collar placed over the square hole or hardy hole. This hardy hole is used mostly for holding all bottom tools, which are made with a square shank fitted loosely to prevent their becoming lodged.
The flat portion _D_ at the base of the horn, and a little below the level of the face, is not steel, consequently not hardened, and is therefore a suitable place for cutting or splitting, because there is not much liability of injuring the cutter if the latter comes in contact with the anvil.
The horn _C_ is drawn to a point and provides a suitable place for bending and forming, also for welding rings, links, or bands.
The anvil is usually mounted on a wooden block and is securely held by bands of iron as shown in the illustration, or it may be fastened by iron pins driven around the concave sides of the base. It is sometimes mounted on a cast-iron base made with a projecting flange which holds the anvil in place.
A convenient height for the mounting is with the top of the face just high enough to touch the finger joints of the clenched hand when one stands erect. It is generally tipped forward slightly, but the angle depends considerably upon the opinion of the workman who arranges it in position.