I've been watching your videos for a couple of months now, but haven't felt compelled to comment until now. I lost a good friend a few weeks ago, a 'first responder/fireman/EMT' ....this loss shook me to the core, I will not forget the impact he made in my life, and today the story you shared of the man drowning touched me, I got up from my chair, kissed and hugged my wife and daughter. My wife asked "what was that for?" so I shared with her the story and she began to cry. I do not take anything for granted, life is fragile and precious. Even if there are better videos on tools/woodworking etc, there aren't many out there as good as yours that inspire me to be a better man, father and husband.

As a retired EMS/Fire Fighter I completely understand how you feel. I too have seen the end to many mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. It can happen at any time. The one item you said in today's video that had never crossed my mind as a fire fighter was the comment of " they had coffee this morning and went about their day not knowing it was their last" - it made me think of some of those car accidents we went to where someone was at the wrong place at the wrong time, or those free accidents that no one would have expected. Thanks for the levity and reminder to what is important.

I volunteer as a C.I.T. member with my local PD and the ending of your video hit me hard. I won't go into too much detail, but I understand the pain you felt and were trying to suppress. All life is precious, every moment we have is a gem. Just wish people would grasp that tomorrow isn't promised. Thank you for standing the line that many will not, we are blessed to have people like you to walk that path.

I am working on starting blacksmithing. I have some rail I plan to use to make anvil(s?). I will need some bases. I am glad I saw you doing this. I knew there needed to be four spikes. My Mamma was a nurse. She did not speak much of the ones that did not make it. She did seem to handle it well over the years. I liked the talk you had at the end. As I write this my wife is on the other side of the world. I spoke to her before I finished this video. "I love you" was part of the conversation from both sides. God bless you. I love your videos.

lol seeing the 3 rail road spikes was driving my OCD crazy lol there is no way I could have lived with myself knowing you had 3 spikes, not 4.....then you put the 4th in and it made me happy inside lol

You're words at the end of this video have so much meaning and heart. We take so many things for granted today and we expect that we will have time to attend to them all. We forget that we are not promised one more breath on this earth. I can't tell you how many times I've called home after a bad run just to hear my wife's voice and to hear what the kids are doing. Thanks for sharing the pain in your heart. You can't keep it bottled up or it will damage you.

Cody, I've been there man, more times than I'd like to remember, but I never seem to forget, even the years old ones. It does put ones life in perspective. It's a horrible feeling not to be able to bring life back to those we work on but the attempt is what counts. I was also able to tell both of my parents I love them within a couple hours of their passing. No regrets there and I preach that to folks. It's awesome that you're there to at least give your best effort.

I have done several anvil stumps over the years.I never thought to use bee's wax . Ideas that I've found that worked on my anvils were ; inset the anvil down into the stump about a inch ( traced anvil with a marker and router out ) Placed a thin lead sheet between anvil and stump to curb any irregularities If using a some what of a green stump it will shrink around the anvil as it dries and holds it solid. I also like the way you have explained the height setting ( I used the knuckle for my ring finger) I've have not had success banding my stumps in the past but did bored through one and installed a piece of all thread ( countered bored for the nuts and washers) I appreciate you sharing,Your involvement in your community and your moral constitution that you live by

Thanks for the great videos. Your closing comments on this video hits close to home. I lost my wife 3 years ago while on family vacation. It has changed the way I look at things. Life is to short to worry about the little things.

When you started saying that you looked up on the internet the best way to mount the Anvil... All I could think of was I hope he doesn't super glue it to the stump...LOL I saw somebody do that on the web once... Glad you went with Railroad spikes, not only do they hold perfectly but they just look awesome!!!!

Cody your statement at the end was spot on. I've been in EMS for four years, 3 as a EMT and 1 as a paramedic. I have had lots of those in that time I think the same thing. Just remember you and your guys gave him the best chance.

You gave me a good laugh this morning. Right after you put the 3rd spike in you showed a straight down view and I actually said out loud "You're not going to leave it like that are you?" And they you answered me!!! I started chuckling out loud. I'm glad I'm not the only one with that disorder.

10:34 I'd say perrr...fect. That ain't going nowhere and that beast of a stump with all its mass and rigidness will serve its purpose well. Thanks for taking us along; it's been a wonderful time spent watching you. Great that you show your ideas and thoughts along the way; it almost feels like we were there with you... which makes me have to compliment your video editing as well!

It's amazing how one extra spike can make thousands of people happy. On the other hand, so sorry to hear of the losses you have had to witness. I have had the unfortunate experience of watching people pass and it tends to take a little something away for me. I end up lost in thought for a while too. Today is a blessing, I will try not to forget that. Thank you for sharing, "Rt"

I hear ya Cody I worked 15 years as a Detective saw lots and lots of deaths, post mortems (autopsies for the Americans) and it does hit you hard. Seeing dead bodies is one thing but those dying in front of your eyes and childrens bodies on the slab during a post mortem got to me the worst. I thank God everyday I am no longer in that position and I don't have to see those things anymore. But there are those people like you and others serving in Emergency services like the Police etc that do see these things on a daily basis. You're far better men then me because I could no longer take it, the nightmares and racing thoughts about death and dead people got the better of me. Far better now that I am out, though I never take for granted any single moment of life we have on this earth.

Wranglerstar: Having worked for almost thirty years in an industry that made me a first responder in my own right (usually the one calling in the official emergency services), I have seen a lot as well, and been in that same headspace on more than a few occasions. Add to that that I am also a parent to a medically fragile special needs child, and I REALLY get it. You have it right. No matter your beliefs, you just shouldn't leave things unsaid. At the very least, should the worst happen, you can know that nothing was. Beyond your service with the Department(for which I thank you), you seem to have the essentials covered to help you preserve yourself from PTSD; a strong family support system, and productive hobbies and activities to occupy your mind. And if it really does start to bother you, please don't make the most common mistake and feel that you have to push through it alone. There are lots of support mechanisms out there for first responders. You might even take a moment to mention that at some point point, to help point some of your fellow first responder viewers in the right direction. Meanwhile, keep doing what you do. This series on the anvil mounting was really helpful, as I am looking at undertaking a similar project soon. Keep up the great work. (All the way 'round...)

4 spikes checking in, Thank You, Whit It occurred to me as I listened to the discussion of the length of these videos to mount an anvil, that another often overlooked lesson in these videos is reason and thought process as you ponder a solution. You sir are teaching valuable lesson which goes untaught to many of our youth today. Great Job!

Thank you for being you! I called my son who is at university and had a chat, something I have not done in a couple of weeks. It was a nice discussion. Tomorrow is not a promise.

At 9:55 you had me losing my mind over the 3 spikes. By 10:05 I was back under control for the most part. Great message at the end. It hit the right spot and I HAD to call my wife and say those 3 words. Thanks and keep it up.

Man Wranglerstar, I don't usually stay for the post-video talks, but this one really got to me.

When you put in two spikes, I thought ... huh, two....turn the anvil around clockwise, and .... I would put in three. Then you of course saw the same thing, and corrected it, by adding a third. Then I saw that, and thought...now that doesn't look right. I would see that every time i would use it, and be reminded of the fact that I didn't put in the forth one... . And naturally you saw the same thing, and thought the same thing....so you finished it by adding the forth one... . That's why I like watching your video's... Keep 'em coming !

i received an incomplete set of bits like that from my grandparents house recently. wa cleaning out their house after my grandma passed, he had passed a few years ago. might be a partial set, but all tools i got from him will be treasured forever.

There are so many things on this channel that you make unique and this outro is one of them. Thank You.

I think that's one of the benefits of being a first responder or maybe a curse. It's being able to fully understand how fragile and finite life is. Over the years I have had certain calls that have stuck in my mind and I will never forget them. It's good to talk about it with your wife and just allow yourself to be in the moment and feel it. With all the pain and death one sees doing the work it's easy to burn out or suffer from PTSD. Talk about it share it express it. Then deal with it and live with it and learn from it. You do good thing Sir! Never forget that! Peace Brother.

I am not a woodworker, neither an blacksmith i just love to watch people make stuff. English is not my native language so if it is not entirely correct bear with me :) I have been watching your videos on and off when i would stumble upon them but today i subscribed... your work is quite nice and the way you talk makes it enjoyable to watch. I realy like the fact that you can experience what you did when you ware called out and share it with all of us. it helps you to process what happened and it made us see a very human and thoughtfull side of a youtube wrangler"star" :D Best regards

Mr Wanglerstar you captivate me on every video! Please don't let the haters stop you from doing what you do on youtube!

I understand how you feel, and I'm thankful for you sharing it. I work in a hospital and have had similar experiences. Sometimes it just hits too close to home to be able to bounce back easily. I try to keep in mind that God has given these experinces to me so that I don't take my wife and kids for granted that they or I will always be there/here. So I go home, hug my wife and play with my kids, though grown now, and it keeps me thankful for the many gifts he's given me.

I enjoyed your live broadcast thursday night(7/23/2015) and wanted to thank you for having it . It was my first time watching your broadcast's and i loved it . Thanks alot my friend . Looking forward to another.

I laughed out loud at you symmetry comment and then choked up a bit during your after video comments. The black and white chat has become one of the best features of your videos.

Before all fancy materials came about, they used to put slightly bent wooden shingles under the anvil as a vibration dampener. Some even put horse manure between the shingles and the tree stump. This was a sort of fine-tuning, to get exactly the right response when hitting the anvil. And as you, many still use square nails for their anvils here in Sweden.

just because others might do better on the builds, i think your videos have more safety and you are more interesting when it comes to doing your work. Your passionate about your work and you put your body and soul into what you enjoy in doing in life. That is why i watch your videos your a good man keep up the great work.

Cody, A little bit late with this idea but I agree with the guys who said to make a new base when you find a larger anvil. On the new base make it several inches taller and use your timber framing skills to recess the base of the anvil into the top of the stump. Put a wide thick collar around the top of the stump to help hold the wood in place. Put your rubber or leather noise suppression material into the recess and then spike the anvil down. You can use U shaped pieces of thicker heavier rebar and hammer them in as anchors. The rebar has rings on it just like a ring shanked nail. Just food for thought.

Thanks for driving that fourth spike! It's never easy when faced with the cold hard facts about life on earth, that's why it is so important to have faith. God bless, and thanks for another great video.

Great idea Mr. Cody , using RR spikes to mount your Anvil. I have been a Farrier for over 45 years, I have plenty of Horseshoes in my Blacksmith Shop , so I shape them to fit in the base of my Anvil, then run heavy screws through the nail holes in the shoe into the Stump. It works great. Hope this helps. Farrier John

Thank you for being a first responder Cody. It is a hard and often thankless job.

Seeing you drive those railroad spikes and hearing the clang when you struck me resonated with me and reminded me of when Christ was crucified and the Roman guards were driving those spikes in his hands and feet. It gave me chills. I really liked you reflections at the end also about life being so precious and what we deem important. Thanks for sharing. Not really spoke to me.

I was just about to comment that the anvil could rotate and slip out from the two initial spikes you drove. Good thing you caught your error and fixed it!

Hey Cody, A lot of people wrap their anvils in chain or place a large magnet on the side to deafen noise. Works good for most people, so if you're looking for ideas for noise reduction that would be my first choice.

The bit and brace is a wonderful tool to use. Every time I use one, I'm amazed at how well they cut through wood. I hope you have a couple bit files squirreled away. They are pretty easy to sharpen.

My Grandfather also had railroad spikes in his collection. Thanks for the reminder not to lose sight of what is important in life.

Be there when you can, help those that need your help and above all, know that you and yours will serve the Lord. Great video of the Anvil series.

I'm a retired (1yr) volly FF/EMT-B 12yrs on. I've been where you are numerous times. Sad. It has effected me profoundly.

Great call on using the spikes. If they can withstand the force of a train, they can withstand the force of a hammer. Nice video.

Railroad spikes are as far as I can tell the traditional modern method. Really sorry to hear about the events of yesterday. Ive been through that under other circumstances. It serves as a stark and appreciated reminder about how fragile life is. I genuinely hope he had a good morning with his wife.

I was once told by a well respected elder of a church that every morning when she got up she would say loudly ( this is the day the Lord has maid let us rejoice and be glad in it ) no matter how bad things got in her life. She is one of the happiest people I have ever got the honor to know.i think of that if I'm down some times.

I was waiting for 9:22 to get there.... LOL when you first made your statement about opposing... I scratched my head and thought.. that ain't gonna work! I'm also glad about the 4th spike!!!

Really cool way of doing it. I love the way you showed us the 3 spikes in silence as I felt the exact same way, haha. I even said out loud "that just doesn't look right", lol. Nice job with the titles too. Tragic story at the end, will definitely take the suggestions to heart. Best regards, David.

I have a friend who picks up a few RR spikes when he goes for a walk along the RR and he makes camping hatches out of them they work great to drive in small tent pegs and you can use the other end to split your kindling for your camp fire, on a note of the wood base a ring around it would help support it so that it doesnt split with use.

that's perfect. I got a nice anvil my dad made out of some RR track that I gave him long ago, it's pretty sweet. I use it on the concrete floor. I just picked up some nice large stumps (might be too soft, I think it's elm,) and even though there's gotta be some around this place, I'm going to go out to some abandoned lines and get some (4) spikes today. I already have the drill and just found some bits the other day, but didn't know what chuck holds them. Now I know. .Nice reflection. ( (i)Treat everyday as if it's the last, don't worry about it, but embrace it because it has to be one heck of an adventure that's coming up for us all. Even if we never wake up again, and it takes a billion years for some of us to make it through the rock cycle and back again, there's gotta be another after it, shooting for the stars and then cycles of galaxies. If you think this trip has been interesting, it's just the beginning. The universe is everyone of us, as much as we are it.)

The last time I said goodbye to my youngest son was the last time I would ever say goodbye to him. He went home to take a nap before his night job and never woke up. He was burned to death in a house fire. He died from asphyxiation and that was all that gave any comfort to his mother. She was devastated almost as much as me. You never know when, he was 24 and healthy. Cody hit on the proper way to mount his anvil. I used to work in a blacksmith's shop and all of his anvils were mounted the same including a big 300 pounder, but he used 6 spikes typically on the smaller anvils. One on the front and back.

A 4 part series on an anvil stand .. Well I enjoyed the progression and all the content... I didn't watch to learn how to make an anvil stand, it was more for the whole content of the video. .. Anyone can record and slap a video up on KZfaq, however it really takes talent and understanding of what will entertain people.. A well produced video takes editing, correct cinematography, the right amount of communication with the viewer, and a little bit of background music and noise.... I believe that you on a fairly regular basis get that right... Enjoying

Just as i was typing the problem you are going to have with 2 spikes, you figured it out. Looks much sturdier than 2 spikes now!

It made me chuckle when you commented on the asymmetry of the spikes. For a moment I was thinking to myself: "Please don't just leave 3 spikes in there!"

I love that you used the railroad spikes. It really looks great with those. I was wondering what would happen when you hit the anvil with any clockwise rotation but then you added the two spikes. I agree, I wouldn't have been able to leave it with only three...haha!

Hahahaha, I was noticing the flaw in the original spike pattern and I was internally yelling at the computer while watching. Then you did 3 spikes and I had the same thought as you, asymmetry, got to put that 4th in there! ;) God bless Wranglerstar!

I'm so glad you figured that out and put the extra 2 in, I was like that ain't gonna hold with 2 as you could just turn it clock wise and it would be free. I thought that would of been obvious with the whole using 2 of them I was like what are you doing lol. But glad you figured it out in the end lol we love you dude.

I routed a divet into the face of the block that fit the base of the anvil. this would also work with a bigger anvil as you can just enlarge the divet. you can then fasten it however you want but it doesn't have to be as strong as the anvil will naturally stay in the divet.

I'm so glad you decided to go with 4 spikes. Of course us viewers could see early on why 2 would not work but the 3 was itching my OCD.

Hand tools are utterly satisfying. I love the Brace and Bit like you. I also love my chisels, razor sharp, cutting thru green or seasoned wood. Love yer vids

G'day Cody. Enjoyable little clip as always mate. Just a suggestion when you're drilling a hole with brace and bit- don't drill down deep and then reverse it out of the hole each time- you can wind it out and leave most of the sawdust in there. Drill down, reverse half a turn or so, then go back to turning clockwise but pull up at the same time. You'll pull the sawdust out and leave a clean hole. This isn't a tip I saw on KZfaq- it's something my Dad showed me fifty or sixty years ago:) Regards, JayInOz

26 dislikes as of right now for this video. I am amazed how someone could dislike this message. I watch almost all of your videos and enjoy the GOODNESS of the message. I rarely post, just watching and enjoying. I am like many others here who are drawn to the REALNESS of your message. The kindness of your self reflection. Thank you for the reminder of the fragility of our mortality. If you haven't heard it lately I truly appreciate you. God Bless Kevin King, Fayetteville Arkansas.

Thank you. I called my 89 year old grandpa and told him I love him and talked to him about some of his old hand tools that I'll be passing down to my boy now. Thank you again.

Hey Cody - love your channel and I have been a regular viewer for a long time now! You talk about you want to get a bigger anvil and you are going to regret the fourth spike when you have to get it out. But from your videos it seems much easier to make another stump for a new anvil then to pry the four spikes out. Also having a small and big anvil when blacksmithing seems convenient. Kind regards from Denmark

These videos give such good meaning to what a lives worth.

Important life lesson at the end. We should all be grateful for every day we see and treat it as if it is our last. You're never guaranteed tomorrow.

I've used a loop of chain around the waist of the anvil and two lag screws that fit inside the links to secure to the base. It's adjustable to tighten later and easily removed when you upgrade to a larger anvil.

Sorry to hear that about your call Hope this is a call to enjoy all of life's moments Keep the vids coming they are awesome

While listening to your end note comments, I thought about a quote I once read. I don't remember the author but it goes like this. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Thanks for all your videos, Cody. I really appreciate all you do, and even more so, the man you are. I've not taken the time and effort to comment on any of your videos before now, and for that I apologize. I do have a couple thoughts on this one, though. The first is that life is fleeting. We are only here for a short time in comparison to eternity. God's Word says that He has written eternity on our hearts. I hope that the man you and your team attempted to save was reconciled to God. I also pray for comfort for his grieving widow and family. On a lighter note, I couldn't help but chuckle when you HAD to put in the fourth spike. It was truly bugging me, too! And then you called me out! It was quite humorous! Cody, I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed your channel over the past several months. I've watched almost every video in the playlists. I can't get enough! Your genuineness comes through in every one. Although I'm a few years older than you, I told my wife that I want to be Wranglerstar when I grow up.

Wow, so sad. I was excited to see the anvil mounted then brought back to the realities of life with your closing statement. How true that is. A good lesson to learn.

I like how on each video of this anvil series, you always add one more bandaid on your face at the end.

Enjoyed this series! Now let's see it put to use with your new forge!...when it arrives!

Hi there, As a hobby blacksmith my experience with lag bolts is, as long as you do not make a pilot hole they will not come loose. My 242# anvil hasn't budged a micron in 6 years. I used angle iron with some holes drilled in it and lagged it straight to the stump with 8" lag bolts. End grain won't split on a large stump. I ratcheted them in and no movement. I think the stump weighs close to what the anvil does. Good videos looking forward to more.

Everyone on this earth has a purpose, and you sir, serve yours well.

Hello mate, love your videos, and, it is a good job that we do not know what is round the next corner, RIP for the poor victim and prayers for those that survive...........keep those vids coming please. Regards, Rich, UK.

I took a First aid lesson a few weeks ago and they taught us CPR amongst other tings. It's nearly impossible to picture yourself performing that on a living person rather than on a doll. It must be an extremely hard situation to be in. In french we say "La vie ne tiens qu'à un fil" "life only hangs by a thread" and what you experienced remembered us all that saying.

You shared something in the end of this video, something I was by no means expecting. I am a woodworker, welder, blacksmith. electrician, sheet metal worker, inventor, and of course Mr. Fixit ...Jack of All Trades, Master of None. I typically list myself as a general fabricator, and my wife and kids like that. But I am also a military veteran, volunteer firefighter, EMT, First Responder, confined space and rope rescue.....you know how the list gets... I am also sick. They found rare stage cancer 4 year ago . It's all I can do to hug my wife and kids everyday and not brake down and sob... I have this strange drive to want to "leave something ...really special"... behind for them. My wife just looks at me all crazy. I would like to think I know the kind of man you are. I am sure we have chewed some of the same soot. I came to watch a vid on mounting a anvil to a log (THE 3rd ONE!!! ..lol... my apologies, could help myself) I have a similar project for a friend in the works... You left me with something so much more... unexpected... pure... and something I had forgotten somewhat. Thank you for that. (Peace and Calm to You and Yours)

Lmao yes, I know who I am, and I'm glad you evened out the asymmetry, haha. I saw the two-spike problem coming, but there's nothing I could do to warn you; you uploaded this a week ago lol. The two spikes opposed each other in one axis, but their forces added in the rotational direction, imparting a torque onto the anvil. Sorry to hear about your patient. While I do not hold the same spiritual beliefs as you, I have empathy for your experience and hope that you are feeling better now. Great videos, keep up the great work and engaging conversations (it makes the viewer feel like we're not just watching a video, but sitting in the shop next to you and tackling the projects together). Well done

Thank you for the 4 spikes :D

I agree about the bit n brace love using it ,I picked one up at a yard sale in good shape.great idea with the spikes.

The fourth spike was hilarious ! Everyone saw it coming.

i've always been a fan of the large hand forged staple method

wouldn't have thought about using a rail spike. Looking forward to seeing how this holds up.

Some of the "experts" recommend placing several layers of tar paper or asphalt roofing under the anvil for bedding material. I've used and it seems to help.

LOL! SO thankful you opted to use 4!! Yea, I'm one of 'those ones'!!!

By the way Cody, you talked about putting collars on the stump and maybe cutting it into some fancy shape, i think you should keep it as it is, put a few steel collars around it and on the upper steel collar you can weld on a few "hoops" to hold your hammers and tongs ^^

I'm so glad you put 4 in. Sorry to hear the sad news.

I like your idea. I never thought about fastening an anvil that way.

I had an old Sears brace (SP?) for a couple years and thought it was the worst hand drill chuck design ever, until I lucked on to a proper set of drill bits with another brace and figured it out. Those old bits, (in a cheap plastic sheath so old that it's falling apart) have these raised edges on the face that cut through the outer edges of the back side before the main bit does so the hole is perfectly clean on the back side.

Thanks to all the first responders, fire crews and SAR teams. This seems to be a trying year and season for all.

You chipped your poor anvil with that hammer.. :(

Thumbs up for the fourth spike. I was getting kinda scared for a moment there haha :)

Thank you so much for putting the fourth spike in.

TY for keeping it real. Your mistakes teaches us more then a perfect video.Ty for sharing

The railroad spikes are a nice idea. Mine is mounted with a pair of giant staples made from Rebar.

wranglerstar I dont know if you have found a solution for the strap banding on your base, but I have a suggestion. Mobile homes use a long galvanized steel strap to anchor them against storms. The straps attach to ground anchors using split bolts that act like a windless to put tension on the straps. As a bonus the straps aren't usually reused if the home is moved so you might be able to find them for free.

Fair warning-removing railroad spikes is a federal crime. Even loose ones. Have your children do it, save yourself the hassle.

Appreciate John Henry playing in the intro! Great tune

Nice work on the 4 spikes You had me worried there for a minute LOL

When you first mentioned your layout for the spikes I was hoping you would realize the small error! Project is coming along nicely. :)