One of the biggest challenges facing the aspiring blacksmith is procuring the tools of the trade. And that means tackling the unenviable task of finding a decent anvil. Sure, one can buy an ASO — ...

Anvil: medium-sized anvils you can only find in jewelers' tools stores or handmade tools. A few years ago, when I couldn't find a suitable anvil, I used a flat, glossy ceramic tile instead.

POP Projects is a collection of new and classic projects from more than a century of Popular Mechanics. Master skills, get tool recommendations, and, most importantly, build something of your very own ...