Looking to learn

[Doug M]

James,

Any wood chunk will make a "stump" (search "stump make" and you should find lots of discussion). You can (and probably will) shape 3 before you like one. You'll go back to the first one for some project where it'll "just fit". End grain works the best and doesn't have as much tendency to split but the side of a salvaged beam will work for a while. If it's a big enough beam 8X12 or bigger a 28" section stood on end will work great, to long cut it off, to short stand it on some 4X4s. Brace it to keep it from falling over (Height is kind of a personal thing). keep the rest to make other "stumps".

I've known Blacksmiths that worked for years with an old engine block as an anvil. Even going back to it after they had a genuine anvil because THAT shape would work real well to do THIS.

No cutting the mud guard off the tractor because THAT piece is just the perfect size to do THIS. (just a personal rule)