34 MODERN BLACKSMITHING 



should not be placed on a butcher block with the tools 

 on, but on a timber the same size as the foot of the 

 anvil. Set the timber down in the ground at least 

 three feet. For heavy work the anvil should stand low 

 in order to be able to come down on it with both ham- 

 mer and sledge with force. When the smith has his 

 hands closed the knuckles of his fingers should touch 

 the face of the anvil and it will be the right height for 

 all-around blacksmithing. 



COAL BOX 



Close to the forge under the water tank or barrel 

 should be a coal box 18x24x16 inches, this box to be 

 dug down in the ground and so placed that one end 

 will protrude from under the barrel or tank far enough 

 to let a shovel in. This opening can be closed with a 

 lid if the tools are liable to fall into it. In this box 

 keep the coal wet. In figure i a plan is given from 

 which you can get an idea of a shop and how to place 

 the tools and different articles needed. 



TOOL TABLES 



On the right hand of the anvil should be a tool bench 

 or tool table 20 x 20, a little lower than the anvil. 

 Outside, on three sides and level with the table, make 

 a railing of i}{ inch iron, about i^ inch space between 

 the table and railing, this makes a handy place for 



