Welding Tips and Tricks

So, I'll try and post some pics of the cracks.

This is a USSC 1300 hotblast.

Pretty basic stove. Plate steel. Got some cracks. Planning on grinding out and drilling.

Question I have is what process not to use. I really don't think this is a big deal. I am thinking just using mug or stick.

I realize some are going to say that I'll burn my shop down but right now I don't have the funds to buy a new one with and I really don't want to what with all the EPA crap and regs and all...so, just gonna fix this one.

Is there a filler wire or electrode that would be better than others without getting too fancy?

7018 stick. That would be my choice. If it were a code repair I'd tell you to use a 200F preheat.

7018 would be my choice too. Although I would preheat just to make sure it never cracked again. No need to heat to a certain temp as its not critical, but just enough to get her good and toasty should be enough. I would drill a hole at the ends of the crack though. Then Weld.