What kind of metal is this?

[huisjen]

I've got a plow share from an early 3-point hitch plow. At one point they transitioned from cast iron to steel for these. I need to build up the edge in order to be able to sharpen it. I can weld steel, but I can't weld cast iron.

I've taken it to the grinder in the dark garage, and the sparks fly maybe 9" then burst into clusters of sparks.

Can I weld this?

Dan

[Rick Starr]

Almost certainly yes. IIRC (and I'm pretty sure I do) cast iron has few sparks and they are orange, not the prolific yellow sparks of steel. The spark pattern and color can tell you a surprising amount about the metals being grinded. Good luck.

[TomF]

Dan,

http://www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/junkyard_steel.htm

This faq will probably tell you what you need to know.


t.

[RichKrough]

do you have a stick welder? I used lincoln "ferroweld" rods to repair a broken ear on a cast iron steering box on my garden tractor about 10 years ago and it is still staying together

I did a search at Lincoln's site and found this
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/castironelectrodes.asp

[huisjen]

Thanks guys. I went ahead and tested by welding a spot on the opposite corner from the lead, where if something broke off it would be no terrible loss. It went well and I then proceeded to build up the cutting edge, grind it sharp, and welded on a small piece of leaf spring at the leading point. It went beautifully. Tomorrow I'll give it a go in the field.

Dan

[Nick Scheuer]

a long time ago about Oliver's "Chilled Steel" plows. apparently the process kept mud from sticking to the plow.

Moby Nick

[Phillip Allen]

Can you name the other big plough maker?

[huisjen]

Uh, my sulky plow is IH. John Deere, the man, was a blacksmith who invented the steel moldboard plow. And for that matter, David Bradley started out the same way. Talk about diverging pathways!

Dan

[Canoeyawl]

Just as an aside I'll bet dollars to doughnuts it's "plough steel" a workable, weldable alloy used for wire rope, forged axles and other steering components in the automotive industry. It is a forgiving alloy.