How to Weld Malleable Iron
Malleable iron, otherwise referred to as ductile iron, is a softer iron created by an annealing process during which white iron is heated and slowly cooled to change the carbon structure in the iron. Welding together two pieces of malleable iron is an easy process performed using a common oxy-acetylene torch and a specific welding rod as a filler. Once welded, the filler material will become color matched and of the same strength as the base material. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steel wool and file
- Oxy-Acetylene welding torch
- Flux paste and brush
- RCI-B cast iron welding rod
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Instructions
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Clean the site of the weld thoroughly. Use some steel wool or a file to remove any dirt, or oil from the surfaces you plan to join together. The cleaner the surfaces you plan to weld, the better chances you will have in making a strong weld.
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Paint on some flux to the two surfaces you plan to join. Use a brush for this as flux can be toxic and absorbed through the skin. Flux prevents oxidization from forming at the site of the weld.
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Light your torch. Turn on the acetylene slightly, light the tip with a sparker, then slowly add oxygen until a blue flame with a small white cone at the tip of the torch is present. Begin applying heat around the site of the weld, ensuring that the flame is kept moving at all times, evenly heating the site you plan to weld.
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Hold the welding rod in your other hand, and touch the tip of it to the site of the two materials you want to join. When the correct temperature has been reached, the welding rod will melt and fill the gap between the two pieces of malleable iron. Allow to cool naturally. Do not submerse the weld in water as rapid cooling will cause the site of the weld to become brittle.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear appropriate eye, face, body and hand protection while welding.
Weld only in a well-ventilated area.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
