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I overtightened the base for my power feeder and cracked it. Any suggestions on how to repair it? I only have a MIG welder, but neighbor has Oxy Ace and might be able to help me braze it. Actually, have an old lincoln "tombstone" as well. Looks like replacement would run about $150 so I figure it's worth a try. For reference the crack is about 1.5in long. Thanks! Attached Images
Reply:Stop drill the ends of the crack, cut a groove that follows the crack line, just like in the video below, heat, braze, and post heat. Best bet IMO.This is the best work I have ever seen anyone do with cast iron. But I am also a beginner at a lot of things. I enjoy this man's video's and the information he provides in them.It should start at 4 minutes, that is where the cast iron stuff happens.
Reply:V out the cracks and pre-heat. Torch Brazing is a good option, because of the natural pre-heat and slow cooling. The tab in the first photo posted is through cracked. In a perfect world you'd groove both sides and weld, however, this will likely ruin the fit of the collar on that shaft. If you can smooth out the inside after the repair then no worries. You could try removing the shaft and backing up that crack with a thick piece of copper sheet. This will help prevent burning through or excessive braze from leaking through and ruining the fit around the pipe. Those little tabs are under a terrible tension load with that arrangement. When you weld these I'd try and create a larger radius right where the crack is. Make the transition from the collar to the bolt tabs thicker and more gradual. They might hold up better this way. The only downside is you'll probably have to re-drill the holes and cut a relief for the washers on boths sides to sit in.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector |
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