vera_campbell•15d agoMost Upvoted

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?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_price2915d ago

Tap it with a hammer, listen for a dull ring.

the_xena15d ago

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.

blair2484d ago

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.