First attempt at welding cast iron

[6ply]

I need to repair a part but thought I should have a practice first as I have never welded cast iron before.

Here are the rods.

 

[6ply]

And here it's some similar looking scrap cast iron that I have deliberately cracked as a test.

 

[6ply]

Next, heated to about 450 degrees using a propane torch. I did this twice with a gap in between to make sure the heat soaked in well.

 

[minimutly]

Peen whilst cooling - immediately after welding.

 

[6ply]

Now a weld. The rods don't lay down anything like I'm used to and I would be very disappointed if all of my welds looked this bad. 85A AC.

 

[6ply]

Quickly ground down with no particular care I just want to see what the join looks like.

 

[6ply]

Peen whilst cooling - immediately after welding.

Did that. Also applied a little bit more heat with the blow torch part way through.

 

[6ply]

Not perfect but it didn't go too badly and I think I may try the actual part next.

 

[Jackimus]

Peen whilst cooling - immediately after welding.

Is this advice specifically for cast iron?

I've heard things either way about peening welds.

 

[6ply]

Next...

 

[6ply]

Is this advice specifically for cast iron?

I've heard things either way about peening welds.

I peened during welding

 

[6ply]

 

[dave h 2]

Next, heated to about 450 degrees using a propane torch. I did this twice with a gap in between to make sure the heat soaked in well.

450 isn't a low pre-heat for rods that claim 'with or without low pre-heat' not that I've heard of nickel/copper cast iron rods mind.

 

[E T]

I welded a cast iron pipe jaw from a made in China vice a couple of month ago with 312 rods.
Turned out pretty good and is still holding up. 312 has a bit of nickel in them, but not a lot. It seems to work in a pinch though.

 

[prepman]

I peened during welding

Me too.....I put it down to the diuretics.

 

[6ply]

 

[6ply]

 

[Erie Fred]

How much do these rods cost ?

 

[6ply]

It's quite a soft weld and I can file it by hand

 

[6ply]

How much do these rods cost ?

About £1 each sold individually. I will probably get some more as I think he had an open box