Another welding cast iron thread

[Catoosa]

In the process of resurrecting an old John Deere corn planter and have three cast pieces that have been broken. All 3 pieces were broken at a bolt mounting point, read stress points. I have some of the broken off pieces but not all, will have to make mild steel pieces to fit what is missing. I have an AC stick buzz box, a wire welder with flux core wire and an O.A. torch. I am not against buying whatever rod or filler I might have the best luck with, never welded cast before and my welding skills are pretty basic. I understand the need to preheat and all three pieces are small enough it wouldn't be difficult to bury them in sand for the slow cool down process.

Given the equipment I have available, the need to join mild steel to cast and that they are stress points what would be my best bet for success?

Thanks

 

[boomer1025]

Post some pictures

 

[Shaneard]

Nickel rods for joining cast and steel. Be prepared for sticker shock when you pay for them.

 

[GLyford]

I 2nd the nickel rods, but read up first to figure out which one is machinable...in theory both the 99% and 55% are, but I think that may vary by manufacturer.

http://www.stoodyind.com/Catalogs/FISC/current/05catpg352.pdf

(I did not use their rods, that is just the first reference I found)

I used the 99% with good results (piece on a H/V bandsaw, welded on a mild steel "backer" to a cast part) but only on one repair. It was very easy to run with an AC tombstone buzzbox. Used the weld-and-peen method without much preheat...but it was also a small part that was not constrained from movement by other parts of the casting nor did it get chilled by a larger section nearby, so sort of a "best case" for success. It sounds like your part might be similar.

 

[Catoosa]

May be a couple days before I get back out to the shop. Waiting on parts for another project and too cold. Waste of energy to warm up the shop unless I'm going to be out there for several hours. I'll try to get some pictures.

 

[Stimw]

Don't overlook Brazing as an option for cast repair.
That is my "go to" repair because I have had much success with it.
Also need to see if it is cast steel. I have gotten lucky and was able to weld some in the past.

 

[flusher]

I've used Harris Super Missileweld rod (1/8", AC or DC negative, 100-130 amps) to stick weld cast iron engine blocks.
Super Missileweld | The Harris Products Group

The rod will work on dissimilar metals like you have. In general, cast steel is easier to stick weld than cast iron.

Good luck.

 

[yomax4]

You can braze it with low fuming bronze with plenty of flux but remember brazing is not fusion so if there is a lot of twist, Impact or heavy vibration you may want to try something else. 309 stainless is great for steel to cast and is more affordable that Super Missile rod which is simply 312 stainless with a red dye in the flux. I would use 312 or Super Missile if it was mine or if I was getting paid for the repair. Super missile is way over priced so look for 312 and weld it up or pay the higher price if you only need a few sticks. Best deal out there is Stoody Versalloy. Same as Missile Weld but only 8-$12 # compared to $35 #.Good Luck.

 

[Big Barn]

In the process of resurrecting an old John Deere corn planter and have three cast pieces that have been broken. All 3 pieces were broken at a bolt mounting point, read stress points. I have some of the broken off pieces but not all, will have to make mild steel pieces to fit what is missing. I have an AC stick buzz box, a wire welder with flux core wire and an O.A. torch. I am not against buying whatever rod or filler I might have the best luck with, never welded cast before and my welding skills are pretty basic. I understand the need to preheat and all three pieces are small enough it wouldn't be difficult to bury them in sand for the slow cool down process.

Given the equipment I have available, the need to join mild steel to cast and that they are stress points what would be my best bet for success?

Thanks

If you want to use your buzz box, PM me your address and I'll mail you a few sticks of SS to try..



I have Stoody Versalloy also but not certain if it runs on AC.

Terry

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Take a look at their products. Arc Braze Arc Welding Rods

In my younger days we used a lot of an arc braze product by Eutectic. This stuff is the same. Fantastic for repairing cast iron, high tensile strength. Worked well on machinery mounting feet. Good for any repairs with dissimilar metals like copper or bronze to steel. I like their prices, cheaper today than the Eutectic product of old. If you use it post the results for others.

On their web site they have a lot of neat products. Check out their arc welder that mounts on a truck or tractor engine.

Ron