Im in the middle of a project for my AV8 coupe. Im putting a spring over conversion onto a '40 axle using the ductile perches from Specialty Ford Products. I just tacked them into position using Flux Core Wire on my mig. Can I finish them this way, or should I heat them and use a stick welder with some cast rod? Or could I tig them with something like 220-T? Ive never welded this stuff before and I want to do it right. It is the suspenion under my coupe.... Thanks.
Pick up Bishop and Tardells book. This is one of the items covered. I would tack them and have a better welder with a bigger welder burn em on (your post sounds like you have a small machine and less experience?)
Sure, I did it with great success. Although I filed in a deeper 45 degree to the mounting surface and did progressive weld build up. I was using a Miller 100 (?) with Flux core wire, welder set on MAX (10) voltage. Those look like mine, PSI brand right?
By the way, wrap the axle bell's bearing surface with tape before welding to keep any weld slag from damaging it. I forgot Specialty Ford Parts in Rosemead is the same company as PSI.
Read this http://www.welding-advisers.com/Welding-ductile-iron.html I t will tell you all you want to know and more. Pay attention to Pre Heating and post weld Heat Treat and look at the sections on loss of ductility and strength before you consider it.
I have the B&T book. Been using it as a guide. I have a Lincoln 185. I work in a fab shop building custom machinery. I have Lots of welding experience, just never welded Ductile before myself. I want to make sure I get the process correct.
Ok, great, you didn't clarify. You will be good with that machine. You made it sound like flux core on a little 110
Hey, that is what I used! I've got over 2000 miles on it with no failure, and I don't expect any. Although on my example, I had more surface area contact to weld then pictured. I trimmed my perch more like what was depicted in the Bishop book. Cant see the perches so much, but they are still going strong.
Thats why I asked about skills AND equiptment. I hate to se someone get into trouble and over their head. It sounds like Tank is good to go!
Thanks guys! I think Im going to wait until Monday and take my tubes into work and weld them in there. That way I can heat them up properly and cool them slowly. Eliminate as much possibility of failure as possible. I know I have some rod tucked away at work somewhere especially made for welding cast parts. I just have to find it.