mig weld cast iron

[monk]

Hi guys,

Never welded before, will be buying a welder this week. MY question is can I mig weld cast iron to mild steel or will I need to buy a stick welder. The cast I will be using is for ornamention iron.

Thanks,
Monk Debrunsky

[TOMWELDS]

Mig is probably the least desirable method for castiron. Stick or O/A. Burn some coals in an open pit for pre and post heat. NI99 rod is good or i like a silicon brazing rod.

[abooker]

Are you sure it's cast iron and not cast steel? IF you're talking finials and small decorations tack welding would be OK. If you're talking tubs, sinks and engine blocks NO.

[rjt70]

If you are working with cast iron, use SMAW. I just did a repair, pre-heated the part, welded it, post heated the part, pre-heated a container of sand and burried it in the sand. No problem. I did one in the past without any pre or post heat, and it cracked along side the weld. Read up on the process before you try it, save yourself some headaches. On the other hand, you could get a big O/A setup and do it all.

[TOMWELDS]

Maybe someone has that cast iron welding link......locknstitch?

[Mike W]

Here you go: http://www.locknstitch.com/CastIronWelding.htm

[Zrexxer]

You guys are getting spun out with the rocket science here. If as he said it's ornamental work, such as welding picket castings and finials to mild steel pickets, then yes - MIG will work fine. It's done every single day.

[MAC702]

I'm with Zrexxer. Sounds like this is cast finials. I've MIGged every one since I've owned a MIG. All they do is sit there; that's all they do... Use the same solid wire or flux-cored that you built the bloody gate with. Unless you plan to hinge the thing by the finials, you'll be fine.

[monk]

Thanks for the answers, I will be welding cast finials, seem like my Mig welder will do what I need for it to do.


Monk

[TOMWELDS]

Guess when i hear "cast iron" i think of big heavy castings!...LOL