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Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 5:17 pm
by phonofaninfl
Is there anyone out there that can weld pot metal. The electric pick up arm for my Victor 9-40 has a clean break midpoint. Other than the break the metal is in great condition. Tried epoxy didn't work.
Re: Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:46 pm
by Phonofreak
I had a similar experience, but I used epoxy, and it worked. Fortunately, you have a clean break. I carefully cleaned the break area with rubbing alcohol. I use JB quick 5 min., and apply to the clean area. I use a clamp to hold the joint. If the joint is at an odd angle, I use clear packing tape to hold it together. Make sure the joint is tight. Leave it alone for 24 hours. It should hold solid.
Harvey Kravitz
Re: Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:41 pm
by estott
I would be cautious about using JB Weld or other epoxy to mend pot metal. I've used it on some vintage kitchen appliances- the parts held, but under stress the joints just came apart. If you are going to mend a piece for cosmetic purposes it is great.
Re: Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 9:11 am
by FloridaClay
I had good luck repairing a potmetal reproducer neck with super glue.
Clay
Re: Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:55 am
by De Soto Frank
Can you post a picture of the arm ?
In general, "welding" of cast metals is fussy at best.
There is a chap named Mike Muggy ( muggyweld.com ) who has developed a variety of specialty "welding" rods for non-ferrous metals.
I heard about him from antique car circles, regarding repair of pot-metal trim and other castings.
If your machine has the plain, straight arm ( as opposed to that fancy, spring-loaded thing ), you might be better-off seeing if you can find a local machinist that can make a duplicate out of aluminum billet...

Re: Welding Pot Metal
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:29 pm
by JerryVan
I would suggest contacting Bob Scherzer at "Just In Time Restorations" and asking what he might charge to cast & machine new ones in brass. He's a "hobby" guy and not that expensive. I would suggest getting at least a dozen made and selling them to recoup your costs. He would need only your original as a pattern.
http://www.manta.com/c/mmqymt1/just-in- ... storations