Troy, in returning your Cat to service, the time on the bench has no effect on the function of it. In welding the Austenetic S.S.(300 series, non-magnetic) sellect the proper welding wire, typically 308ELC. The welding process will probabley be Gas Tunsten Arc using Argon shielding gas. If it was me I would try clamping the cat back in place. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald.