Cast question

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Customer has a piece of equipment - has 4 wear plates of some godawful hard steel that have finally bit the dust.  Customer wants them replaced,  factory parts are not available, with T1 or similar hard plate.  Plates are 4 x 3/16 x 16'8" and are screwed on to a cast iron beam - approx. 15" x 20" where the plates run the beam varies from 2-4 inches thick.  That is one helluva chunk of cast, and I am fairly certain its cast - small drill produces powder not chips.They want the plates welded on - drilling the 400+ holes will 'take too long'.  I told them I did not think it would work but i would do some research.  I have welded cast, ni99  with careful pre/post heat - peening - etc.Same for T1, 11018 preheat, irritating interpass etc.Putting the two together though just sounds like a recipe for trouble (not to mention that the beam has been greased regularly for 40+ years, is not easily replaceable, and has to be done on site)What would yall do? (besides run)When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, "This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know," the end result is tyranny and oppression, no matter how holy the motives.
Reply:What is the equipment?  Many use cast steel, not iron. But your observation of dust rather than chips is interesting.  Where I work, there are several blade MFG that deliver blades punched in any pattern needed,  The price is not bad, and they make them so plow bolts can be used to replace them.  I would think Texas would have many blade Mfgs's.  Even if you paid shipping from California, it might be worth it. You would get a tough blade (much better than T1) and it would be reversible when worn out.  "Cutting edge supply" is my supplier. but I'm sure if you ggogle "grader blade" or "Dozer edge" you will find a supplier.
Reply:Not a cutting edge, a wear plate/bearing surface.  It is a gantry type saw contraption.  I would rather them order the plate and then machine screw holes - probably end up having to drill and re-tap a lot of the screw holes on the beam, I doubt the old screws would give up without a good fight.When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, "This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know," the end result is tyranny and oppression, no matter how holy the motives.