[TheForge] Firepot Repair/Replacement Questions

[Bruce .]

We had a burn-through of one of our crummy firepots.  There are cracks and
a significant hole.  It's not worth repairing.  Money isn't a major issue
here, though I don't like wasting it.  I would like to get the forge back
into use ASAP.

Three things:
1) Is it worth patching the thing for the short term.  If so, how?
My though it to forge a "patch" for the one cracked side from 1/4" steel
plate, and to bolt it in place, using refractory cement between the two
layers.  Anyone have any experience?  We have some experience welding on
cast-iron anvils, and I really don't want to go there...

2) What cast iron firepots are worth buying these days?
Cheapest I've seen previously is $375, and I'm not sure of the quality.
Centaur.  Pieh.  There's at least one other vendor last I looked.  Anyone
know?

3) Is it worth fabricating a firepot out of (thick) steel, or are cast iron
pots still enough better and/or cheaper to be worth buying?
We may not have time for this anyway, so I'm just asking.  I just drew up
plans for a thin-walled steel firepot for demo purposes (only), and could
modify it for thick walls & different dimensions.

Bruce
NJ