My old coal forge started eating through firebrick in under a month

I've been using the same setup for years with no problems, but the new firebrick I bought in June just crumbled. The old stuff would last a full season, but this batch was gone in about three weeks of regular use. I checked with my supplier, and they quietly changed the source to a cheaper, lower-alumina mix that can't handle forge temps. It's not just me; two other smiths at the county fair last week said they saw the same thing. Has anyone found a reliable brand of firebrick that actually holds up anymore?

3 comments

3 Comments

miller.thomas21d ago

That's so frustrating. Did your supplier offer any kind of refund or swap for the bad batch?

henry_murray21d ago

Ugh, been there. Honestly, you gotta push them hard for a credit on your next order. They usually cave if you make enough noise.

young.michael21d ago

Yeah, "make enough noise" is the key. But what happens when they just stop returning your calls? I've had suppliers go totally silent after a complaint.