joining cast-iron to mild steel

Date 10-25-2003 18:51

hi to you guys,I am fabricating a sliding gate and need to attach some grey cast iron onaments to the mild steel bars of the gate,what type of electrode is best suited for this job? I was told 312 L stainless electrodes can work.I try it and they seem to hold.I also tried 308 s/s but found the puddle to have some cracks I don't want to be guesting,I want the suitable electrode or any that can work. some short welds will be enough to hold the cast iron in place.any surgestions.thanks in advance.

By brande

Date 10-26-2003 04:27

Most 300 series stainless will crack at some point, due to the excess carbon in the cast iron.

If color match is important, a Nickel 55 cast iron electrode works well.

If performance is the prime thing, I've had great success with Aluminum Bronze A-2. This is not silicon bronze, but aluminum bronze.

Available in stick, mig, or tig-it is usually the rod of choice for me when cast iron, particularly dissimilar metal cast iron comes into shop.
Method can make a big difference as well. For most large items that cannot be preheated evenly all over, a "cold weld" technique seems to work well.

This consists of putting in short welds, no longer than 1-2 inches at a time. If the weld area is too hot for the bare hand right after welding, take a break. This method has worked well for me for years.

Back to your case-ornaments and bars should not overheat the adjacent metal.

Hope this helps

Good Luck

brande