cracked pressure bar

[J. Kehe]

After screwing down the pressure bar on a Julius Bauer vertical, I
noticed  hairline cracks radiating from 5 of the screw-holes. On this
particular Bauer there are supports which limit how far the pressure bar
can be screwed down. I don't feel that the screws were over-tightened.
The strings have not been brought up to tension--just enough to hold the
coils tight (the piano was recently restrung). I had purchased the piano
from another local rebuilder who had previously had the pressure bar
replated. There were no signs of cracks but I did notice a crazing of
the plating along the entire length. Some questions:

1. Has anyone had a pressure bar repaired with success and what process
was used?
2. Has anyone had a pressure bar manufactured and/or does anyone know a
good machinist who would want to tackle this at a reasonable price?
3. What about leaving the pressure bar as is and using longer round head
screws and washers?

Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Jack Kehe
Chicago
jkehe@ameritech.net