Tried to save $200 on a used forge and lost a whole day's work
I bought a used coal forge off a guy in Springfield last month for $150, thinking it was a steal. The firepot looked fine at first, but after three heats it cracked right down the middle. I had to shut down, drive an hour to get a new one, and lost a full day of shoeing appointments. Has anyone found a good way to check a used firepot for hidden cracks before you buy?
That old trick works for more than just engine blocks. I've used it on old fence posts to check for rot, and on concrete before drilling. A solid piece gives you a clear, sharp sound. Something with cracks or hollow spots gives a flat, dead noise. It's a simple but useful bit of DIY knowledge.
Honestly, that's brutal losing a whole day over a $150 forge. @the_xena has the right idea with the hammer tap, it's such a basic check. I'd be too mad to even look at the thing now.