Anyone here do cast iron welding?

[RickM]

I have a saddle extension from a lathe that snapped. The material appears to be cast iron.

If you're really good at welding this material I'll send for repair. I can't seem to find any welders around here willing. I'll be happy to pay going rate. Access to a machine shop to put a nice finish after welding would be a plus.

TIA

[RickM]

Bump

[David]

There are some are some high nickel content rods made for welding cast iron. A web search will probably provide answers. If you don't find anything, send me a PM and I'll ask the welding engineer in the office next to mine.

[350HP930]

Welding cast iron is generally a no no, especially where strenth and alignment of the welded pieces are a concern.

What I would recommend is is drilling, tapping and fastening the broken part back on. If you drill your holes right the metal grain structure should keep everything aligned perfectly.

[dad911]

Can you use the existing part as a pattern to get a new one cast?

[RickM]

Thanks for the ideas.

- They do have special rods to weld the iron. Problem is finding someone with experience.

- I'd rather not go the fastener route. But one never knows.

- If I can't source a used one or get this fixed I may have no option other than replicating via casting.

I've read up a bit and there are places that say they can do this type of work well but they're high end commercial places. I believe you have to heat the pieces up to a certain temp then use the proper rod and technique. Perhaps requiring some machining afterwords.

May be more work than this is worth......

[VINMAN]

Rick, I'll find out for you tommorow. I work with a shop where we do work and restorations on old trains down here. We have a few top notch welders. I'll see if we can do it for ya.

[RickM]

Vinman, Thanks a million!

[Tim Hancock]

FWIW you could braze it.

[VINMAN]

No prob Rick, I'm sure we could do it .
You going to the P-car run Sunday?

[RickM]

I'll be there....was thinking of making a name badge on a color printer and tucking it into one of those Necklace/clear pouch things used at conferences and seminars.

Bringing the 944?

[VINMAN]

Yep I'll be there!

[VINMAN]

Rick , if you want, bring the piece with you.