Stump Grinder

[BobRip]

I was cutting a few small stumps today and the stump grinder disc came off the motor. I figured I had lost a bolt and worst case I needed a new bolt and a key for the keyway. I went home and took a closer look and there was a break on the blade outside of the hub weld. Initially it looked like the weld was broken, but it was acutally the disc. The blade and hub are still intact, but loose. I have attached pictures and would appreciate any suggestion on how to weld it back. Please note, I have a gas welder.

Should I grind into the crack or just fill out the weld from the hub to outside of the crack.

Or maybe you have a better way.

 

[J_J]

I was cutting a few small stumps today and the stump grinder disc came off the motor. I figured I had lost a bolt and worst case I needed a new bolt and a key for the keyway. I went home and took a closer look and there was a break on the blade outside of the hub weld. Initially it looked like the weld was broken, but it was acutally the disc. The blade and hub are still intact, but loose. I have attached pictures and would appreciate any suggestion on how to weld it back. Please note, I have a gas welder.

Should I grind into the crack or just fill out the weld from the hub to outside of the crack.

Or maybe you have a better way.

Bob, I would take it to a good welder and let him weld it.

 

[BobRip]

Bob, I would take it to a good welder and let him weld it.

That's an excellent suggestion and probably the best I will get. How about another. Here is a good chance to test and improve my welding skills. I hate to have someone else fix my stuff. That attitude forces me to learn new stuff, but is not always the best short term solution.

 

[J_J]

That's an excellent suggestion and probably the best I will get. How about another. Here is a good chance to test and improve my welding skills. I hate to have someone else fix my stuff. That attitude forces me to learn new stuff, but is not always the best short term solution.

Bob, I have learned years ago, that I can not fix everything that I use. At my age, I don't have the time to become qualified or certified in all aspects of the things that I use. I was a qualified electronics technician at one time, but I would not attempt to touch any of the new electronic stuff around today. I am getting better at my welding skills, but I know what satisfaction is, and I am not there yet.

 

[Barryh]

That's an excellent suggestion and probably the best I will get. How about another. Here is a good chance to test and improve my welding skills. I hate to have someone else fix my stuff. That attitude forces me to learn new stuff, but is not always the best short term solution.

That´s the sprit Mr. Bob, you think like myself. It doesn't have to be real pretty as long as it´s functional. I like to do my own work (if I can.... and have the equipment.) Not to take away from J.J.'s advice. It´s always well thought out but, if your weld does not hold, then you can always go to plan B just my 2 cents. Of course. I know you will show us pictures ?.

 

[BobRip]

Bob, I have learned years ago, that I can not fix everything that I use. At my age, I don't have the time to become qualified or certified in all aspects of the things that I use. I was a qualified electronics technician at one time, but I would not attempt to touch any of the new electronic stuff around today. I am getting better at my welding skills, but I know what satisfaction is, and I am not there yet.

I am an electronics guy to. A lot of today's stuff is not designed to be fixed. But you and I and a lot of other people on TBN keep trying new stuff and after awhile we accomplish a lot.

 

[BobRip]

Here is what I am thinking of doing. I will drill a series of 1/4 inch holes around the hub at the crack, right through the crack. They will be spaced about 1/4 inch apart. Then I will weld into the holes and extend the existing weld from the hub to about 1/4 inch or a little more past the crack line. Actually I already drilled the holes. Comments please or other suggestions.

 

[woodlandfarms]

My only concern is about the physics you are working with. I don't think this could come apart and kill (god I hate the safety police) but I do think that unless the weld is done right, and ground properly, you could end up with a balance issue that will eat the motors bearings at the very least...

 

[BobRip]

My only concern is about the physics you are working with. I don't think this could come apart and kill (god I hate the safety police) but I do think that unless the weld is done right, and ground properly, you could end up with a balance issue that will eat the motors bearings at the very least...

Good point. I will try to balance the weld. Since the welding is near the center of the disc, I don't thing a little unbalance will cause much vibration. I have attached a picture of holes that I drilled in the crack.

 

[MrJimi]

Another point, make sure you weld at opposite sides to avoid warping, tack welds is what I do to eliminate warping