How to repair broken cast iron Fireplace / Mantle shelf

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Hi

AS you can see from the photo, gravity has reshaped the fireplace.
I've all but a tiny piece on the outside curve of the shelf.

What is the best way to repair it?

I've read on here people suggesting JB Weld Epoxy http://www.amazon.co.uk/J-B-Weld-Original-Epoxy-Adhesive/dp/B0006O1ICE

I was thinking I would get a thin plate of metal to act as a split on the underneath to give it some support, use the Epoxy to stick it all together, plus build up the missing piece, which can then be sanded back into shape.

Any thoughts or better ways to repair?

Thanks
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If you don't trust epoxy it's worth noting that cast iron can also be nickel brazed, welded with nickel rods using an arc (stick) welder or MIG welded using a 308 stainless steel wire
 
What you propose is fine, epoxy is a very strong adhesive and better still if you can give it support underneath.
It's possible to bronze weld cast iron if you know a local welder, consider building missing areas up with car body filler ( sorry, minute screen so can't see much detail).
John :)
 
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The only other option I can think of is a mechanical mend, drilled and tapped for screws. Doesn't look possible here. It looks very thin. If you use epoxy, then as John says you'll need something behind to increase the strength and the bond area. Areas where you put reinforcing need to be abraded back to the bare metal and "keyed" (not the joint edge itself obviously as that needs to be as invisible as poss.) and everything degreased.
 

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