Can I ferment in a steel drum?

[mash rookie]

My son just dropped of a steel barrel. He figured I would use it for something around my shop. A little rusty and dirty but not in too bad of shape.

If I can get it clean can I ferment in it? Should I line it with something?

I usually only do one or two five gallon buckets of wash. This would open possibility’s of doing a little larger wash if I wanted.

In everything I have read, I don't remember anything bad about steel. People have talked about fermenting in platic buckets, garbage cans, stainless pots and wood barrels with plywood lids. (R D)

Thanks, Mash