Welding cast iron - Western Sydney

[calais]

G'day all,

My brother and I have been become somewhat collectors of cast iron potbelly stoves in the last few years and are keen to restore a few of them to their former glory.

Unfortunately with some of the bits and pieces we have, there are small cracks or missing tabs etc which prevent us from putting the units to use. I understand that because of the brittle nature of cast iron, I'm unable to just drill and weld as normal. Ive read its the carbon content being almost 10 times that of conventional steel, and the need to preheat and carefully weld in 'cool' conditions?

Might anyone know of someone who specialises in repairs to such metals who can assist? Aesthetics of any repair is somewhat important when they often become centrepieces.........

Cheers and thanks in advance.

[mik]

What state are you in ??

[calais]

Nsw

[mik]

Apologies , did,nt see the header.

[ELAUBA]

You'll need to do it using TiG, and the repaired area will always be weaker than the parent metal. We have done heaps of it, but we're in Brisbane. Like welding magnesium, brass and titanium, not many people can do it properly, and there's plenty who think they can, but can't. We often get stuff that's already had a botched repair attempted.

When you find someone who thinks they can do it, I'd give them one part that isn't your most valued thing to fix initially and see how it goes.

[Jason[98.EL]]

if you have an arc welder then you can use it to weld it

i have used these in the past

http://www.boc.com.au/webapp/wcs/sto.../castcraft-100

they are not cheep but work very well more so for the intended use you have they will be fine

hope that helps

Jason

[fte50]

If you dont have expensive equipment, use an arc welder with cast iron rods (Pacweld make good ones) and heat the area in question prior to welding.
Given your more after 'crack filling or looks', the pot belly will have a sufficient repair to return to duty.

[calais]

Cheers guys

I should have highlighted though, I have no skills or equipment whatsoever when it came to welding cast iron.

I had assumed professional services were required due to the brittle nature of the cast iron, and the skill required to make it a success. The last thing i'd want to happen is some backyard hero to destroy the little material I have to work with.

I will definately hit up a few of the engineering/boilermaking businesses in my local area perhaps?

[olfella]

What about doing a TAFE course? I used to weld it and it can be tricky but if you know about preheating, preening and patience then you should do OK on small fix it jobs with a bit of guidance.

[STINKY NINJA]

Its not too hard weldng cast,just make sure you have the correct cast rods or wire depending on how you want to weld it and heat both areas before welding.
My first attempt at welding a boom pivot on a ditch witch was very successful and i just used a mig with cast wire and heated both bits,make sure the crack is cleaned out very well.
Im no welder either.

[mr smith]

Another angle that looks good when done well is to "stich" the crack with threaded inserts. Basicly drill and tap a hole, insert a bolt, cut off and grind flat, then drill and tap another hole slightly over lapping the first. Once done dress with a flap disk, paint and use.

[Pub247]

Yeah just finding someone willing to do it might be an issue look for an older bloke running a welding joint. these we young welder dont really care for cast iron....

[Pub247]

Originally Posted by mr smith

Another angle that looks good when done well is to "stich" the crack with threaded inserts. Basicly drill and tap a hole, insert a bolt, cut off and grind flat, then drill and tap another hole slightly over lapping the first. Once done dress with a flap disk, paint and use.

LOL that's how we use to fix v6 commodores cylinder heads when i was an apprentice must have done hundreds like that