Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

Does anyone know of an experienced cast iron welder in Arizona. Preferably in Tucson but I can travel if necessary. Thanks.

I have done it successfully on a chinese vise once. I'm in mesa..

I would check with Jim Blair. If you do not know him PM me for his number, He is active in the antique Engine & Tractor club

rockingjl wrote: Thu May 26, 2022 2:36 pm I would check with Jim Blair. If you do not know him PM me for his number, He is active in the antique Engine & Tractor club

Curiosity. Was Jim Blair a machine shop teacher at the UA College of Engineering 15 yrs ago?

arizonian wrote: Thu May 26, 2022 5:32 pm

rockingjl wrote: Thu May 26, 2022 2:36 pm I would check with Jim Blair. If you do not know him PM me for his number, He is active in the antique Engine & Tractor club

Curiosity. Was Jim Blair a machine shop teacher at the UA College of Engineering 15 yrs ago?

Yes He did.

waterPumper wrote: Sat Apr 30, 2022 9:12 pm Does anyone know of an experienced cast iron welder in Arizona. Preferably in Tucson but I can travel if necessary. Thanks.

What are you wanting to weld?

Send me a PM for his contact info

Jeff, the hub has a freeze break that needs repair. I have a welder lined up that has cast iron experience but has never welded on a mill. If I find someone with more experience before he’s available I’ll go that route.

What works for me, is "cold-welding". After it's prepped, and the piece is in the hub, I tack it in several places. A pretty quick tack. Then sit back and let it alone for, oh, 5 minutes, or enough time for the heat to dissipate throughout the hub. Then I just do slightly more than a tack in a few more places, and let it be for a few minutes. 2 rules I use are, don't stay on it very long, and let it sit for a few minutes for the heat to spread out. When it's done, you have it welded with a bunch of 'tacks' for lack of a better term. That's what I do, but remember, advice is worth what it costs. lol

Windy I'm glad you posted that info cause I told John he could have that piece welded with out taking the shaft out if the welder new what he was doing with out melting the babbitt.my brother did one with out any problems.

No problem.