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. 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? 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? I don't think
any sort of sealer is going to work as the crack opens and closes with
heat. It doesn't smoke out of it or anything, I just don't want it to
spead. 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 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, 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.

TIA for any help or advice.
--

Stacey