Anvil building/hardfacing

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Hi Guys, This is my first post so go easy on me!I'm trying to gather the stuff to make a new anvil, or to rework my HF Russian job (or both).  I'm wondering how you could weld 2 pieces of RR rail face-to-face? I would like to cut the pieces to around 2' long, and mount them vertically to make a "Post anvil".  The forging surface would then be 2X the cross section of the rail.  Then maybe cut the web and foot away for a foot or so.What welding process would work with this?  How would I finish the face?  I was wondering if I could deeply bevel the 2 piece of rail, fill it with weld, and polish it smooth.    Then weld the whole deal upright on a thick base.For my current anvil--one of those 110#  HF jobs, the surface is getting more and more beat.  I've been using it heavily for about 3 years now.  Between me and students, it gets dented like you wouldn't believe.  Anyway, I found this excellent article on anvil building.  http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/anvil1/anvil2.htmland this one on anvil repair:http://www.cvbg.org/tips/anvilrepair699.PDFhoping I could just grind it down, then build up and hardface it back into a decent anvil.  Maybe even add some chunky plate to the sides and base to bring up the weight a bit.Thanks for any help!  I JUST started welding on Monday, and have 4 hours of MIG under my belt!J.
Reply:If i was to build up on an anvil i would probably use like an air hard tool steel. Thats just me. --Gol'
Reply:here are a couple sketches of what I'm thinking about.  Any advice on how to assemble it would be great.  I have access to a MIG and stick welders and cutting equipment.  I've worked on post anvils and I really like the idea.  All the weight is directly under the hammer blow--right were you need it. Attached Images
Reply:I would use E 312-16 stick electrode for joining those parts, and for repairing hitting area, i would use 17% Mn hardfacing alloy-it is readily avaialble from any serious welding supplier.
Reply:309 would be a better choice for that. --Gol'
Reply:309 is a stainless isn't it?  Would it hold up to repeated pounding?  Any special treatment? (pre-heating, etc)?Thanks
Reply:RR track is a pain in the *** to weld and cut. It's like an austinetic manganeese very hard. 309 is what we weld our manganese patches in at work in our shot blast. It is SS. yes i would preheat that. Get a temple stick for say 500* and preheat till it melts. It will help slow the cooling rate and usuall leads to sucessful welds. --Gol'