Blacksmithing materials are hardy, but they won’t last forever. Make sure you know the tips for identifying wear and tear on your blacksmithing crucibles.
The crucible is an essential piece of equipment for any blacksmith working in smelting. You likely have several of these tools on hand for all your working materials. Unfortunately, any piece of equipment won’t last forever, and you should be careful not to use a crucible that is past its prime. Here are three tips for identifying signs of wear and tear on your crucibles that you should practice in your workshop.
Know the Signs of Wear and Tear
The first step to identifying signs of wear on your crucible is to know the various conditions that can affect these tools. Over time and throughout several uses, these blacksmithing tools will start to show signs of wear and tear, including cracks, slag build-up, chips, moisture absorption, and more. While a small chip or crack doesn’t appear like much, you should avoid using a crucible with any type of damage, as the heating process can cause it to break or damage it further. Some signs of damage can be so small that they are nearly indiscernible, so here are some additional ways to spot signs of wear.
Perform Regular Inspections
Get into the routine of inspecting your blacksmithing crucibles before and after each use. Of course, wait until your equipment has completely cooled after each use. You should also take the time to clean your equipment before inspections, scraping off any slag or access material left with a shaped brush or tool. Cleaning your blacksmithing equipment will allow a more accurate inspection. Observe the outside and inside surfaces of the melting pot, as well as the bottom and top rim. Check for any chips, cracks, or other signs of damage. Once you’re finished with your inspections, be sure to store your tools carefully. You never want to stack crucibles inside each other, as this can lead to cracks. Additionally, store them in a dry space, as crucibles made with porous materials can absorb water and moisture.
Keep a Log of Crucible Use
Once you have a regular equipment inspection and maintenance schedule, be sure to keep track of your findings by creating a log of their use. Keep a log of everything relating to your crucibles, such as when you acquired them, which materials you smelt in each, when you perform inspections and any findings, and when you schedule these tools for maintenance. If you notice that some of your tools are getting older or undergoing frequent maintenance, you can use these notes as a sign to replace these older models. Always record any damage or signs of wear that you find on your crucibles so that you remember to repair or replace them in the future.
If you want to keep your crucibles in good shape and prevent them from breaking down mid-project, practice these tips for identifying wear on your crucibles. When you notice any damage to your smelting equipment, schedule it for repairs or invest in a replacement model. If you’re in the market for an extra crucible or a replacement, browse our selection of forging equipment for sale here at Cast Master Elite.