Houston we have (had) a problem to grapple

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Problem; Crane used to load scrap metal has failure of mounting plate between rotator and grapple. Operator concerned, scrap market could drop, needs crane NOW. Does not want to wait for parts.Solution; Repair without moving crane or grapple off site. Fabricate replacement plate from readily available used steel. Weld in field strong enough to reattach grapple, then use crane hydraulics to allow positioning of work for final welds. Procedure; Damaged plate unbolted to be used as a template.A select (closest one) used 1" plate is procured sized and cleaned up.Mounting bolt pattern and center hole dimensions transferred to replacement plate, using state of the art soapstone and transfer punch.Mag drill used to drill ten 7/8" holes.Plate pierced and preheated with hand torch.Center cut with powered hand torch and circle compass.Plate reattached to grapple, 7018, just enough to allow reassembly.(photo next post)Final welding to be done after assembly.Down time, since failure, to this point of repair, 1 day. Attachment 8491Attachment 8492Attachment 8493Attachment 8494Attachment 8495 rotator.jpg (79.3 KB)Last edited by denrep; 08-26-2009 at 10:02 AM.
Reply:[QUOTE=denrep]...Plate reattached to grapple, 7018, just enough to allow reassembly.(photo next post)...Last edited by denrep; 08-26-2009 at 10:02 AM.
Reply:Amazing work denrep. The quality of that circle is a jewel.
Reply:I second that - amazing cut with the torch and spot on tip! Looks like it was cut with a CNC, good stuff! Thanks for the pics.I had a good laugh - "...using state of the art soapstone and transfer punch".  How about a picture of the high tech circle compass?  Last edited by MicroZone; 03-30-2007 at 12:58 AM.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Is that Zap's dime in the"circlecut.jpg" ??
Reply:Nice work, I always said their are two types of welders, Ones that can do great fit and finish and those that can't. You have the fit and finish part down pat. good looking work and something to be proud to put your name on.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:very nice fix there great job Creative metal Creative metal Facebook
Reply:Great job Denrep.  That's one helluva band-aid.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Awesome job...and a field repair to boot.I need someone to teach me how to cut with O/A like that. That is some nice work.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:You get all the fun jobs.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Looks like a good time for all..... looks good._________________Chris
Reply:great jobChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Shoulda took more time and made more money on that one, it was worth at least 2 days work.  Awesome job.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RShoulda took more time and made more money on that one, it was worth at least 2 days work...David
Reply:Hahaa, don't have a deep socket? Make one! Been there, done that. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com