MIDutchman

Thank you guys for the replies. I am reaching out to a couple local guys to see if they wanted to take a crack at it. It seems to me the preheat/weld/controlled-cooling method is the best way to go, heard of other recommendations involving nickel rod and laying down short and quick beads. Yeah it is indeed missing material on the sidewall near the lip, it looks like it was somewhat addressed prior. Although the pictures do nto show it, I would say that about 70% of the material in that area i missing, and that section itself appears to be slightly warped.

Good evening everyone. I picked up a Buffalo forge the other day, came with a functioning blower and is a solid setup - with the exception of the firepot assembly. I knew this, and have no problem fabbing a replacement firepot, which I am currently doing until I figure out if the firepot can be saved. I really like the idea of fixing and using the original firepot as it honors the original forge design, but the firepot is beyond my ability to deal with. The gentlemen I bought it from, a blacksmith and experienced troubleshooter himself had shied away from it. I did some research in looking at the process for preparing cast iron for welding, or making changes as such, do not think I should attempt it given breaking it moreso than it already is. What do these pictures mean to you guys? Anyone think I should run with trying to save this firepot? What would you do with the firepot? Thank you.

Hail fellows, been lurking for some time now but decided to create an account and jump in. I have been blacksmithing for just about a year now. Currently I am a hybrid between an artist blacksmith and industrial blacksmith and looking to stay as traditional as possible.