Understanding the Smithing Table Fix Plugin
Minecraft’s smithing table is a cornerstone of gear progression, allowing players to upgrade diamond tools and armor into netherite. However, server administrators often face compatibility headaches when players on different versions or platforms try to use this feature. The Smithing Table Fix plugin elegantly solves this problem by introducing a simple command that mimics the vanilla upgrade process, ensuring everyone can enjoy netherite gear without frustration.
What Does the Plugin Do?
At its core, the plugin adds a /smithing command. When a player holds an item that can be upgraded in a smithing table—like a diamond pickaxe or chestplate—and is looking at a smithing table within a configurable distance (default 5 blocks), the command consumes one Netherite Ingot from their inventory and instantly transforms the diamond item into its netherite counterpart. This bypasses the need for the physical smithing table interface, making it a perfect workaround for cross-version or cross-platform servers.
Originally built to help Bedrock players connecting via Geyser on Java servers running versions below 1.20, the plugin has since become a versatile tool. Even on modern 1.20+ servers, it can eliminate the requirement for Netherite Upgrade templates, streamlining the upgrade process for players who prefer a command-driven approach.
How the Command Works
The plugin checks several conditions before executing the upgrade:
- The player must be holding a valid diamond item in their main hand.
- They must be looking directly at a smithing table block.
- They must be within the configured maximum distance (default 5 blocks) from that table.
- A Netherite Ingot with no custom NBT data must be present in the player’s inventory.
If all conditions are met, the ingot is consumed, the item is upgraded, and a satisfying smithing table sound plays (configurable). Success and failure messages are sent to the player, fully customizable with color codes using the § formatting symbol.
Permissions and Flexibility
Server owners can fine-tune access with three distinct permission nodes:
- smithing.use (default: true) – Grants basic ability to use the /smithing command.
- smithing.anywhere (default: op) – Allows players to use the command without needing to look at a smithing table, effectively enabling remote upgrades.
- smithing.free (default: false) – Removes the Netherite Ingot requirement entirely, letting players upgrade for free.
These permissions give administrators granular control, whether they want to reward loyal players with free upgrades or maintain a balanced economy. Additionally, a config option creativeSmithsFree (default: true) ensures that players in Creative mode don’t need to waste ingots unless explicitly required.
Configurable Options for a Tailored Experience
The plugin’s configuration file is straightforward, allowing you to adjust nearly every aspect of its behavior. Here are the key settings and their defaults:
- maxDistance: 5 – The maximum blocks a player can be from the smithing table they’re looking at.
- playSound: true – Whether the smithing table sound effect plays on success.
- sendSuccessMessages: true – Toggle success notifications.
- sendFailureMessages: true – Toggle failure notifications.
- creativeSmithsFree: true – Creative mode players don’t need an ingot unless set to false.
Message strings are fully editable, supporting Minecraft’s formatting codes. For example, the default success message is §aYou've successfully upgraded your item.§r, which appears in bright green. You can change these to match your server’s theme or language.
Installing this plugin is a breeze, especially if you use a modern launcher like foxygame.net. That launcher lets you browse and download mods directly from its menu, making it incredibly convenient to add the Smithing Table Fix to your server setup without digging through external sites. Its flexible design keeps your mods organized and up-to-date with minimal effort.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While the plugin is robust, it has a few intentional boundaries. It only supports vanilla upgrade recipes—custom smithing recipes added by other mods or datapacks won’t be recognized because the valid items are hard-coded. Also, the command doesn’t verify whether the player can actually access or use the smithing table they’re looking at; it only checks line of sight and proximity. This means a player could upgrade through a wall if they can see the table, which might be a minor exploit in some builds. The developer also notes that they couldn’t personally test Geyser connections, but the plugin’s design should work seamlessly for Bedrock players on Java servers.
Why This Plugin Remains Relevant
Even though Geyser updates have made the original purpose somewhat obsolete, the Smithing Table Fix has found a new niche. Many server owners prefer the simplicity of a command over the smithing table’s UI, especially in minigame or skyblock environments where quick upgrades are essential. The ability to toggle free upgrades or remote usage opens up creative possibilities for custom game modes. Plus, it’s a lightweight solution that doesn’t require any client-side mods, keeping the barrier to entry low for all players.
Conclusion
The Smithing Table Fix plugin is a small but mighty addition to any Minecraft server. It bridges version gaps, simplifies netherite upgrades, and offers extensive customization through permissions and config options. Whether you’re running a legacy 1.19.4 server with Bedrock players or a cutting-edge 1.20+ world that wants to skip upgrade templates, this plugin delivers a clean, command-based alternative. Its ease of installation and configuration make it a must-have for administrators who value both compatibility and player convenience. Give your community the tools they need to forge the strongest gear—without the hassle.