Fixing a tool pick - shaky but possible?

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Short background of my welding skills: Bought an arc welder and practiced on a few pieces of steel. Then bought 75 feet of galvanized square rolled steel (bad choice of material for a beginner!) and welded a fence. Next day, tested the parts and 30% fell off. Went at it again and now its reasonably strong. I think Im getting the point now!My question: the neighbor saw what an "expert" I am and asked me to fix his 50 year old garden tool pick. The tool has a long point on one side and a flat small shovel on the other. The shovel broke in two. Its cast iron. A knowledgable friend said cast metal requires special electrodes (specifically those for stainless steel) and that I shouldnt attempt them as they tend to stick very easily if not handled correctly and I will short the power supply for sure. He also said a regular electrode (got plenty of those) wont be strong enough for such a material and tool, and I will endanger the user if I use them.Any truth to his words? Suggestions?Thanks and nice joining you all,Max
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Reply:my first ever welding project was stick welding a half of a washer to a cast iron bench.it fixed where half of a bolt hole broke off. its on there good.used 6011 rod if i remember correctly.(not saying thats the best choice)
Reply:it  is called a mattock. probably cast steel or forged steel, cast iron's no good for impact..you can confirm with a grinder, grind some steel and note the spark color, and grind on the mattock...if its steel i guess 7014 or  7018 would be ok...no doubt there are others here who know better than i do...
Reply:tig weld use ni44 filler
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadit  is called a mattock. probably cast steel or forged steel, cast iron's no good for impact...