Re: Welding cast-iron

Apr 03, 2004 2 Replies



>> Can cast be welded with an A/C stick welder and if so what rod should I >use?
>
>I just recently broke a pair of cast-iron fireplace tongs, and I just used a
>6011 or 6013 rod to weld them back together. It has them holding out pretty
>good with those rods. I see eBay has someone advertising these rods for
>cast iron that are starting out at like $33.00+ for one (1) pound of welding
>rods. I find that to be pretty expensive, though, so who knows what they
>charge in the general purpose, hardware, or welding supply stores.

Are you sure they were cast iron? Cast iron usually crumbles by the weld with normal mild steel elctrodes. Geoff

When they broke I saw they were cast-iron. They had the same appearance of cast-iron. They were described as cast-iron when I purchased them, as that was why I purchased them.

Cast iron welding is not impossible, just a bit odd. I have welded about a few dozen castings. Lots of prep is needed.

Those Ni55 rods you have seen are expensive and do work well. Pay the money. I find they seem to run a bit cold, but perhaps that is because I was welding heavy castings. Preheat the castings and weld a bit hot.

OTOH, you can MIG weld cast iron, especially if you are patient. I have used 0.023 plain wire to weld several castings, including a lathe bed an intake manifold, and many exhaust manifolds.

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