Cast (Pot) Metal Repair- HELP!

[Loader]

Got a question for you experts out there.

I had an old Singer Sewing trundle sewing machine set to me from Chicago.

Well, the cabinet made it here great, however, the legs, made of a cast or pot metal had some damage. Two tangs, the part that attaches to the bottom of the cabinet were broken off. It was a clean break. Do you guys think JB Weld would work to "glue" the pieces back together? I have never used JB.

I really want to have this item in my home, on display, as it was my Mother's, and it means a lot to Kerry and I.

I can post pics if you guys think it will help.

Thanks guys!

[Steve_Cox]

Earl,

I would bet it is good old fashioned American cast iron. Should probably be brazed. That's what I would attempt to do anyway. BTW, I've got one of those old Singer treadle stands. Over the years It has been many things, a plant table, a bedside table, a microwave stand, and currently it is a TV stand.

[calwes]

Loader,
Most of the Singers were cast, so it can be Brazed if it is done right.
It will need to be preheated before brazing then cooled slowly.

[Loader]

Thanks Jack and Steve,

I'll see if I can find a shop to do it for me.

[rbeemer]

Loader,

You want to go to a shop that specializes in repairing antiques. It may cost more but it should be done right so as not to lose any of it value. I know it has lots of value to you and Kerry, that is why I am suggesting that you go this route.

[Podunkfla]

Loader... There are various welding rods that are specifically made to weld cast iron. Not all cast iron is the same any more than all steel is the same. Someone with experience and knowledge is what you are looking for. One of the best general purpose rods I have used is "Certanium 889SP." Here is the link to the Datasheet on it (pdf): http://www2.cronatronwelding.com/cronat ... m889SP.pdf

You could print out that datasheet and use it to kind of qualify your prospects? If they never heard of it… keep looking.

In my experience, it does a lot better job than braising and is often stronger than the original metal. There are others, I just happen know about this one. So, my recommendation is to look around and find a shop that knows what they are doing when it comes to repairing cast iron. More than likely, a machine or engine shop that repair diesel and industrial engine engines would be a good place to start. Even in my little town I found a small, but very sophisticated, shop in our industrial park that could do this type of work. I have an antique wood jointer that had a broken off cast part that held the vertical guide you run boards along. It is now stronger than new and doesn’t look repaired. Better yet, he didn’t even charge me anything. Said it was a 5-minute job, wasn’t worth the paperwork! Good luck.

PS: Here is a source for more info on the subject: http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthrea ... f3f&t=9102

[maven]

Hi Do you know how to weld ?? if you do then no mater what you will want the right rod for that metal , and the ends were the break is going to be joined Must be tined for you to have a good braze or weld good luck !! even the best fail on cast iron

[Loader]

Thanks All. We are all fixed up and the machine is now proudly on display in the living room

Thanks for the links Brick!

[Kevin A]

Thanks All. We are all fixed up and the machine is now proudly on display in the living room

Thanks for the links Brick!

WHAT? No pictures? Ya gotta atleast post some pics of the repair job and a description of the process used to repair the machine.

[madjack]

Thanks All. We are all fixed up and the machine is now proudly on display in the living room

Thanks for the links Brick!

WHAT? No pictures? Ya gotta atleast post some pics of the repair job and a description of the process used to repair the machine.

...at the very least...I mean comeon man...you know the drill...pics and bubble oil for our AuntieM
madjack

[Miriam C.]

Thanks All. We are all fixed up and the machine is now proudly on display in the living room

Thanks for the links Brick!

WHAT? No pictures? Ya gotta atleast post some pics of the repair job and a description of the process used to repair the machine.

...at the very least...I mean comeon man...you know the drill...pics and bubble oil for our AuntieM
madjack

What they said.

[Loader]

Ok, ok! Yep Jack, I know the drill.

Here's a few pics of the leg broken repaired, and the cabinet installed. My father in law did some veneer work for me, I think it looks like new. I know, never refinish old funiture, well this was in rough shape, and besides, it will never be sold, so monetary value is not important to us.

Serial number puts the machine between 1924 and 1926.

BTW - We ended up using JB Weld for the repair, figured it was worth a shot, worked great. If needed, I can get it welded/brazed at a later date.

[madjack]

... ...glad it worked out so well fo ya...and thanks for da pics...
madjack

[Miriam C.]

Earl,
That is a beautiful machine and cabinet. Glad it worked.

Thanks for he info and pictures.

[Nitetimes]

Nice machine!! That's the same one my grandma had in her kitchen as long as I can remember. Don't know who got it after she died. Wasn't me tho.