Welding to cast steel

[MalcVTR]

Sorry for maybe being a numpty here, but I'm new to this welding game!

I've got an old Paramo vice which has has been properly mullered on one of the jaw bases. As you can see from the pics, one side is fine, the other is gapped. It works fine, but I'd like to fill the gap with weld, if possible.

I've got an R-Tech 180 and a piece of flat brass. I was thinking of removing the jaw and then closing the vice on the brass to provide a flat surface when I weld up the gap. I think I'm right in saying the welding won't stick to the brass?

From what I've read, the Paramo vices were made from cast steel.

Any advice about whether it's possible, settings, etc. would be very welcome. Cheers.

 

[TechnicAl]

Copper would be better. Im not sure about Brass......Some preheat would help....the only real test is suck it and see.

 

[MalcVTR]

Thanks

 

[Maker]

Make sure you've got good ventilation when you try, if the brass melts the zinc may evaporate from it and it's fumes can be very bad.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

What about just filling the 'void' with JBWeld or similar? Jaw off....layer of the stuff....jaw screwed back on....

 

[MalcVTR]

Make sure you've got good ventilation when you try, if the brass melts the zinc may evaporate from it and it's fumes can be very bad.

Thanks. I'll buy some copper. I'm guessing the thicker the better?

 

[MalcVTR]

What about just filling the 'void' with JBWeld or similar? Jaw off....layer of the stuff....jaw screwed back on....

Funnily enough, that's what I did when I first restored the vice. I used Quick Steel. It lasted a long time until finally cracking. If I can't weld it, I'll use it again

 

[Paul.]

I've repaired castings using the same method, brass will spit and create problems with the arc as the zinc boils off, a piece off flattened copper pipe used in conjunction with the brass will be fine,

 

[MalcVTR]

I've repaired castings using the same method, brass will spit and create problems with the arc as the zinc boils off, a piece off flattened copper pipe used in conjunction with the brass will be fine,

Ah! Many thanks. That's encouraging

 

[Maker]

What about just filling the 'void' with JBWeld or similar? Jaw off....layer of the stuff....jaw screwed back on....

I cracked a tiny bit off the corner of my vice and filled it with Tigerseal.

 

[MalcVTR]

Haha. For a “tiny” bit, that sounds fine

 

[Brad93]

Braze it with gas. Best way. I much prefer it to TIG brazing.

 

[Tom O]

You could have it sprayed.

 

[Screwdriver]

I would have thought for such a small job it would be easier to build up with weld then machine flat.

You can "machine" it flat with a file...

 

[MalcVTR]

Braze it with gas. Best way. I much prefer it to TIG brazing.

Sadly, all I've ever done is MIG - and I only started that during the first lockdown

 

[MalcVTR]

You could have it sprayed.View attachment 258859

When I restored it originally, I was going to paint it blue. But it's still got some of its original paint on it and I thought it would be a shame to cover it up

 

[MalcVTR]

I would have thought for such a small job it would be easier to build up with weld then machine flat.

You can "machine" it flat with a file...

Haha, yes indeed. And that's my plan

 

[Screwdriver]

Haha, yes indeed. And that's my plan

Don't do what I did... https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/restoring-a-post-leg-vice.77113/

 

[Brad93]

When I restored it originally, I was going to paint it blue. But it's still got some of its original paint on it and I thought it would be a shame to cover it up

Metal sprayed Tom is referring to. A brilliant way of putting on an actual matching composition filler.

 

[MalcVTR]

Metal sprayed Tom is referring to. A brilliant way of putting on an actual matching composition filler.

Ah! Sorry. It shows how little I know about this game I remember seeing a video of an American guy spray welding onto a huge shaft in an industrial lathe. Serious stuff, that's for sure.