building up weld metal in rusted pitted steel

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Could use some advice from more experienced welder on building up weldmetal in a riding mower deck that has small areas that are rusted out andpitted in some places all the way through. This is a 48 inch deck and mostof the damage is in areas near the three blade shaft housings. Cleaning theareas up to bare metal has not been a problem, but trying to build up weldmetal over the pitted out areas is like touching a lit cigarette to cellophane.I wound up brazing metal strips over some of the areas, but I know there's got to be an easier way. I would like to fill in the areas without adding stripsof metal. I can use DC stick, OA, or MIG. I don't have TIG.I filled in a few little (1/8") or so holes with the OA, but when I get to largerholes, I have a lot of trouble getting things to stay together if you know whatI mean.Thanks, and I appriciate the helpDon
Reply:You will have better luck cutting out the rusted out metal and welding new sheet metal in its place.just cut away the bad part until you reach good metal ,then cut a piece to fit and weld it in place.butt weld it in ,dont over lap the metal.if its real bad ,buy a new deck .it isnt worth it to try tobandaid it and have something happen and blades go flying.
Reply:I cut out the bad areas to some good metal and then cut a patch to fit it. The position the deck for downhand, then with DC- with 6010 or 6011 3/32. Travel fast and if you get a small hole wait and go back for it later. Then I weld the backside same way. It takes time for sure but works.David