Welding T20 drums?

[msafi65]

I would like to know if anybody has any idea what alloy T20 drums are made of. I know there made of cast steel that is heat hardening. I have installed sleeves on a pair with parts of a old drum. Both had one edge worn off about 1/4"+. Sleeve are pressed on but I want to tack weld at outer edge to secure them. Undecided as to TIG or MIG them. Will probably do 6 short welds as to not create a lot of heat. Input greatly appreciated.

[jpswift1]

Keep us updated on this. If you contact Buffalo Gear they may be able to tell you since they've made the T-20 components for a while.

Buffalo Gear, Inc. > 50+ Years of Precision Gear Manufacturing

[msafi65]

I'm not sure if Dan will tell me the alloy of the material. He's been pretty closed mouth about other questions I've asked in the past. Can't hurt to ask.

[mark m.]

The material is ductile cast iron. It does not take well to welding. If your sleeves were pressed on tight they probably will not move.

[msafi65]

I pressed them on but haven't welded yet. I thought they were cast steel which welds well. Iv had a bunch that other people welded and were not turnable in a lathe. When I install the reverse gear inserts I pin them into place. Thanks for the info. Will have to do this one in the next couple weeks.

[Canadian_Zuk]

Loctite 640 is designed for applications like this. We use it at work all the time and have never had anything spin in the bore.

[msafi65]

Great idea. Next time I sleeve some I'll use adhesive. I still want to weld or braze these in a few spots just to keep it from failing when hot.

[Dozerlarry]

if you have an arc welder go get some nickel rods and tack it off, keep the heat low and it'll work fine.

[msafi65]

Well I'm back on this project soon and have plenty of old stuff to practice on. I intend to just tack the outer edge which is about 3/16" thick.

[gotmuddy]

TIG with a stainless rod. when you end the weld gradually lower amperage until arc stops like welding cast iron.

[tbone9]

If it's cast steel you can arc weld it with a 7018 rod. If you can pre heat it a little would help but not necessary for just a tack.

[msafi65]

Had time to spark test yesterday. It's ductil cast iron. Comparing sparks to ductil iron pipe sample very close to the same. Only hi nickel wire in town is a 42 pound roll. I have a lot of nickel rod and all I want is about 6 dots on the edge. I'll get back to it next week.