Wilton Welding Question

[Roberts210]

I have an old Wilton machinist vise that needs some welding done on it. In the past, when I've used 6011 or 6013 or 7018 the results are difficult to file down, and after I build up the area on this vise, I'll need to file it down to shape it. I have a Lincoln AC/DC tombstone. Can anyone suggest a better rod?

 

[Mintgrun]

No, but I'm wondering if you could use abrasives/grinding discs instead of files.

 

[Roberts210]

Yes and no. I can shape some of the build-up with an angle grinder but one area is dead flat, and I'm going to need to file it flat. I have a 6X48 stationary belt sander but I can't get the flat area positioned to use the 6X48.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

A abrasive disc is your best bet. Or take it to a machine shop and let them use a Bridgeport to mill it flat. It shouldn't cost a few bucks to do it right.

 

[welder4956]

Silicon bronze is my preferred choice for cast iron to be machinable, but it is hard to find in stick electrodes. Check with your local welding supply house to see if they can get ECuSi electrodes. 3/32" diameter would be preferred for a small part repair. The TIG and MIG version (ERCuSi-A) is easier to find, but if all you have is an AC/DC stick machine that is not an option.

A 55% nickel rod is also supposed to be machineable, but will still be difficult.

The problem with E6013 and E7018 is the carbon pickup from the cast iron. Cast iron has over 3.5% carbon content and once it mixes with the weld metal and cools it forms a very hard carbide structure that is not machinable. The bronze alloys are not near as hardenable, so the carbon pickup is not an issue.

 

[Roberts210]

Thanks Welder 4956 for your input as to why E6013 and E7018 are so hard to machine. I had wondered why on another vise I had welded on.

My local farm store sells some "cast iron" welding rods, but they are expensive. I'd hate to try them and then not be able to shape the build-up. I may hire it out to my local welder. He welded a Unisaw cast iron base for me some years back, and whatever he used was very easy to file and sand down.

 

[Provincial]

It sounds like your welder used Ni-rod on the Unisaw base. It is good stuff.

 

[Roberts210]

I can buy Ni-rod locally, but I thought it might be too hard once laid down. Good to hear that's not the case.

 

[Roberts210]

Which Ni-rod should I get?