I'd point out that by denying this source of XP, it makes later gameplay more tedious – keeping multiple enchanted items in good repair is costly. The simplest solution would probably be to enable the furnace to store XP from smelting-- rather than give XP at the time the player removes items from the furnace's output slot, XP would be accumulated in the furnace's own pool as each item is cooked. The XP could be dispensed whenever the furnace is opened (to whichever player opens it), or spilled out if the furnace is broken.
George Freeland
I'd point out that by denying this source of XP, it makes later gameplay more tedious – keeping multiple enchanted items in good repair is costly.
The simplest solution would probably be to enable the furnace to store XP from smelting-- rather than give XP at the time the player removes items from the furnace's output slot, XP would be accumulated in the furnace's own pool as each item is cooked. The XP could be dispensed whenever the furnace is opened (to whichever player opens it), or spilled out if the furnace is broken.