I'm an active member of multiple cast iron cooking forums/groups and this question comes up very frequently. The answer is both yes and no. Yes, cast iron can be welded. HOWEVER, doing so requires both special rods and some serious welding skills. Basically, you have to pre-heat the entire area to be welded first, then you apply the weld, then allow it to cool slowly enough that it doesn't go into thermal shock and crack. Therefore, welding up a cast iron pot becomes prohibitively expensive unless you just happen to be a welder and can do it yourself (or, you are good buddies enough with a skilled welder that will do it for beer).