"Stacey" wrote in message
...
I have a nice large jotul model 118 box stove that recently developed a
small crack on the exteriour cast top surface. This is a cast iron piece
and the crack only appears when the stove is really going good. It's more
of a hairline type crack that, like I said, is only visible when it's
really cranking out some heat when first started, is just -barely- wide
enough to see a bit of light though at the widest point on the edge and is
about 3-4 inches long. Once the stove settles down to a good burn, the
crack closes back up and I can't even see it. It's on the front edge and I
think it happened when I spilled some water trying to fill the tea kettle
that stays on top of it. Below is a link showing what this stove looks
like.

http://jotulflame.com/box.html

My question, I know welding cast iron is basically a waste of time.

That is just plain wrong in that particular situation.

I'm thinking of drilling and tapping some (shallow?) holes to bolt a
piece of heavy strap metal along this edge to keep this crack from
opening up and getting worse. Does this sound like a good idea?

Nope, better to weld or solder it.

Also think I'll flip this top around so the 'cracked' end is less heated by
the
fire. Or should I just flip it around and see if the crack stops opening up?

No harm in trying that.

I don't think any sort of sealer is going to work
as the crack opens and closes with heat.

Depends on what you seal it with.

It doesn't smoke out of it or anything, I just don't want it to spead.

It likely will if you do nothing.

I know drilling the end of a crack helps stop them from
spreading but I hate to drill a hole -through- the top and
maybe cause worse problems if the strap would hold it closed.

I'd weld or solder it myself.

I use this to heat my house so looks aren't that important,
functionality is and I don't want it to crack any worse as right
now it's still very useable. I have tried to source a new top but
it doesn't seem to be in production anymore and hasn't been for
20 years. Anyone know where to buy parts for an old Jotul
wood stove? I read you can have new pieces cast at a foundry,

Yep.

anyone ever done this and have an idea of the cost?
I've looked at the new stoves and none seem to be this
large or take long pieces of wood like this one does. It's
a great stove and I want to do whatever I need to to save it.

I'd get it welded or soldered.