31-05-2019, 07:27 AM
Howard
just for clarity there is a huge difference between welding cast iron and cast steel.
As has been said, cast steel welds as easily as steel rod, no problems.
The problem is in cast iron where the high carbon migrates into the heat zone, makes the join area brittle and so it can crack even f you have a perfect weld. You can literally hear it cracking at it cools.
I have welded cast iron with some success without special rods, but would not attempt on anything safety related. There are a few recommended processes like pre-warming, limiting welding to very small areas at a time so the surrounding area doesn't heat, post-warming and putting in a sand bath to limit rapid cooling/cracking.
All a bit academic if, as appears the concensus, it is steel, not cast iron anyway. Which is logical considering the forces it must be under, everything you wouldn't do with cast iron.
Andy B
just for clarity there is a huge difference between welding cast iron and cast steel.
As has been said, cast steel welds as easily as steel rod, no problems.
The problem is in cast iron where the high carbon migrates into the heat zone, makes the join area brittle and so it can crack even f you have a perfect weld. You can literally hear it cracking at it cools.
I have welded cast iron with some success without special rods, but would not attempt on anything safety related. There are a few recommended processes like pre-warming, limiting welding to very small areas at a time so the surrounding area doesn't heat, post-warming and putting in a sand bath to limit rapid cooling/cracking.
All a bit academic if, as appears the concensus, it is steel, not cast iron anyway. Which is logical considering the forces it must be under, everything you wouldn't do with cast iron.
Andy B
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think!