Toolsteel

[lexi]

What`s the best plan of attack welding tool steel like claw hammer heads and cold chisels etc. I have done it with some success using Mig and Argoshield light. Also tried stainless rods with Arc although they have failed a few times after heavy use. Bear in mind I have Mig and Arc welders. Oh I have gas but nobodys gave me an insight how to use it.
Alex

 

[Hitch]

You will need to preheat it, and keep it hot whilst welding.

And stainless rods should do the trick.

It really depends on what steel it is etc, but unless your doing something special, like repairing machinery and proper press type tools it should do the job.


To be honest though, is it worth repairing a hammer??!!

 

[lexi]

Thanks Hitachi. Not repairing a hammer mate but making custom tools for slating roofing etc. Just my own ideas on time saving stuff that you can`t buy.
Alex

 

[seanleed]

It wasn't very scientific, but at my last place I welded a stainless handle onto a hammer head just to see if it would work. Turned the TIG up to about 120A and used 316 filler rods, it's had a fair old beating since then and is still firmly attached. Used the same method to weld a bit of key steel onto an old socket to make a Citroen sump plug removal device.

 

[weldequip]

312 or 309 grade stainless if you wanna do it by the book (dissimilar steels) & Sifbronze HF6 for die & tool steel (with TIG).

 

[lexi]

I only got 316 but will get the others. Have welded up the chrome/moly sockets onto extensions with the 316 and they have held under a battering. I think the arc welder is worth it for this alone.so when you see a rod marked dissimilar it is a 309or 312?
Alex

 

[weldequip]

It should be stamped 312 or 309 which denotes for dissimilar applications, yes.
This can be for two different grades of stainless, stainless to mild steel or if you are unsure what it is; 312 is a good all rounder.

 

[seanleed]

I only had 316 at work because that's what everything in the place was made of.

 

[TechnicAl]

Lexi
Toolsteels are a group of steels which can have quite different properties, mostly gained by complex heat treatments. By welding these you are affecting the properties, probably adversely.
A welded hammer will probably have a tendency to chip and splinter, which is an obvious danger to the user.
As weldequip has mentioned 309 or 312 will probably form a good weld but the heat will damage the hammer or the chisel. If its for your own use, weld it. If you injure yourself its your own fault and you know what to expect. But please dont sell any welded tools to an unsuspecting soul.
If you think about it, look around at tools and you wont see many welds. The best are usually forged and forgings have directionality which means better properties in one certain direction.

 

[lexi]

Thanks Al
I understand all that. These are my personal tools. When you are 90ft up on a Church roof you have more to worry about than a hammer chipping lol. No. I don`t think you can beat a casting or a forged item anyway.
Alex

 

[TechnicAl]

Thanks Al
I understand all that. These are my personal tools. When you are 90ft up on a Church roof you have more to worry about than a hammer chipping lol. No. I don`t think you can beat a casting or a forged item anyway.
Alex

things like the value of Lead ?


I have a friend who lost an eye (many years ago) due to a splinter from a hammer so Ive always had a healthy respect for quality tools.

 

[lexi]

things like the value of Lead ?


I have a friend who lost an eye (many years ago) due to a splinter from a hammer so Ive always had a healthy respect for quality tools.

Ha Ha! As a tradesman Al the only value of lead to me is that it will keep water out for at least 40yrs.
Alex