Possible to resurrect cracked stove?

[drkinva]

In looking for a used stove, I've found a beautiful 22 year old Jotul stove that's been stored for 15 years. It has an 8" crack in one side. Inside the firebox it appears as a bit more than a hairline crack. Of course it's priced at practically nothing, but can it be repaired? Blacksmithy? Scrounge for a replacement side? Should I keep looking? It IS gorgeous otherwise!

 

[begreen]

What model Jotul?

 

[drkinva]

From Jotul's website, it looks to be an F118CB. It's green, and the flue is out the side at the rear, and has no glass in the door.

 

[precaud]

That would be an older 118, from the days when Jotul was promoting the "cigar burn" as a feature. A decent heater in it's day if you burn it hot. Damped down, it won't maintain a flame for long, and will plug your chimney in no time. Make sure it has the two side plates and baffle plate inside. If not, it's probably not a worthwhile experiment.

 

[begreen]

Like precaud said, examine the condition of the inner plates for warping and cracks as well. If the stove cracked on the exterior, it may have been over-fired. However, if the price is right, (cheap) I'd be tempted. Pick up a second one for parts and you could have a good stove between the two of them. Consider rebuilding the better one. It's not that hard, just be prepared to drill and re-tap some broken bolts (not that big a deal really). I did that with our 602 and it turned out great.

Or just be patient. They show up on eBay pretty regularly. There are a couple 118's posted there now.