I am actually a very experienced Welder of wrought-iron.. I was just checking the hardness of the remaining plate and it is not in very good shape.. Im figuring on probably just getting it all ground down and I'll probably just resurface the whole face with 309 stainless rods... im guessing it is going to take some time getting it completed but I'm guessing this is my best bet... or maybe I'll just try to sell this one and look for a better one...