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Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 9:36 am
by Akraczek86
New guy here, thanks for the add guys!

Purchased a LOTOS 175A 220V Mig machine, looking to weld
On a cast iron differential from a car. Essentially I will be welding what seems to be 1/4" thick steel onto the housing itself. What I did not realize was the price of Nickel wire. Its expensive!

Should I A) buy a stick machine or B)is there any cost effective way to weld Cast iron with a MIG?

Re: Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 10:08 am
by Louie1961
Not sure if it is strong enough for your application, but you could braze it on with a MIG using silicon bronze wire.

Re: Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:17 pm
by Akraczek86
Thanks for the reply.

Looks like I can make it happen with some 308 stainless wire. Anybody have experience with this?

Re: Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:29 pm
by JayWal
I’ve used 308 stick rods on cast, had decent results as far as welding cast goes. Never tried with MIG tho, let us know how it worked for you.


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Re: Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:29 pm
by Louie1961
Looks like I can make it happen with some 308 stainless wire. Anybody have experience with this?
No experience but all the books say you need a different gas to get the best stainless welds.

Re: Welding cast iron with a MIG

Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 9:42 am
by Akraczek86
Looks like stainless rod wont be strong enough.
This bracket bolts the torque arm to the differential of the car, alot of torque involved.

Looks like I can buy an inexpensive stick welder off Amazon (200amp DC). Use some nickel rod. Will be less expensive than nickel wire for a MIG. What do you think?
The picture is what I will be doing.