how could I check if this is steel or Iron? I believe that changes how I should weld it. Ive got a large LPG torch I can use to preheat and a Mig with CO2 gas. I need to weld a 3" flange plate to the bottom of it so I can attach the remainder of my exhaust collector to it.
cast iron gives off a duller spark when ground than steel, so compare your casting with a piece of steel. If it is cast iron (which I doubt) forget the mig, braze it
grangies,
Nov 9, 4:29pm
Face Book has plenty of specialist pages you can ask on too.
sweet, Ill find an old cast iron piece around so I can compare the sparks. If it is cast steel, any pointers in getting the job done?
h.e,
Nov 9, 4:38pm
what thickness is the flange and casting, what size mig do you have?
morrisman1,
Nov 9, 5:11pm
My mig is 165A, Ive only got 0.9 wire on hand though. The casting would be around 5mm wall thickness at a guess. The flange will be about 8mm, whatever the off the shelf exhaust flanges are
trade4us2,
Nov 9, 5:20pm
When you drill a hole in cast iron you get a powder. Cast steel produces spirals of steel. To weld cast iron you should heat the whole item up quite hot.
h.e,
Nov 9, 5:41pm
crank your mig right up. Forget the "sound like a bumble bee" crap because its just that, its crap. To much wire has the effect of cooling your weld which isn't what you want. It should sound more like bacon slowly frying. Tack it up, preheat till if you spit on it it bounces around or straight off. Pour the weld in. Another hint I seen a photo or two of your welding a while ago on a track car, slow down, its not a race
morrisman1,
Nov 9, 6:02pm
cheers mate. Im slowing working this welding thing out. always something new to learn. Ive never heard of the bumble bee, but that bacon thing (mmmm bacon) is what I generally work off as well as a small trial on a similar piece if its an important job im doing.
h.e,
Nov 6, 1:02pm
some hints, keep your nozzle clean, keep your handpiece reasonably straight no sharp curves, the bolt in the centre where the wire goes on adjusts tension on the roll make sure it turns freely, you can tighten it up to transport instead of taking the roll off. You should be able to just stall the wire at the tip by pinching the wire between finger and thumb with gloves on, adjust the tension at the rollers. Don't be tempted to wind the tension up when you have issues with the wire coming out the tip. It can get to the stage where the wire is squashed and then its like trying to put a square peg through a round hole. Keep everything tight tips earth clamps.
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