i have heard that stainless steel can create a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium when welded. if i make a fire pit with stainless steel, would that be unsafe? quite often i see on the marketplace fire pits created with old stainless steel tubs from washing machines, which seems to suggest it is safe, but i would rather be safe than sorry.

failing that, what would be a good material to make a fire pit from? cast iron is quite expensive and heavy, and isnt really something i can work with. there are plenty of metal drums that can be bought, but they are usually painted, and the paint will burn.

I am tired of buying the whatever Home Depot steel fir pit they have for $50-100 and needing to toss it out for scrap couple years later. Any suggestions for something with more longevity? Not so concerned about the price so long it will last a long time and is wood burning.