FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Welding cast iron to steel

Arvid | Posted in General Discussion on November 2, 2005 06:48am

We are welding together a forged steel balustrade, which is not a problem, but we have these cast iron spear points to put on the tops of the steel balusters. We got a 220 volt Lincoln MIG welder for the steel welding. We haven’t tried, but are told we can’t weld the cast to the steel. Do we have to braze them together? And can we do that with a MIG welder?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. blue_eyed_devil | Nov 02, 2005 07:59pm | #1

    Years ago I worked in a steel supply shop. I used to occasionally weld some cast to steel. I used ordinary rod 6011 or 6013. It held good enough for our puposes but it was weak.

    blue

     

    1. caseyr | Nov 02, 2005 10:13pm | #3

      There is a discussion of this type of problem at:

      http://www.abana.org/resources/discus/messages/2/80.html

  2. kicker | Nov 02, 2005 08:36pm | #2

    If you have the option on using a stick welder, grab some high nickel rod, if not then your mig will probably be fine. This is non-structural, right?

    The most important part with welding cast iron is to pre and post heat the pieces. Using a torch (propane torch is usually fine unless it's thick), heat up the cast pieces. You don't need to get it cherry, just hot. You might want to set your welder a bit lower since it will penetrate a bit more than normal. Do your weld, then thow the torch back on the piece. The idea is to allow the weld zone to cool at a uniform rate, to avoid stress cracking.

    Hope that helps. If they are quite small pieces, you can just buzz them together. If you have a torch outfit and time/skill to braze them, that would be even better.

  3. joeh | Nov 02, 2005 10:46pm | #4

    They'll  stick no problem.

    All those little cast doodads are stuck on that way.

    Joe H

  4. MisterSteve | Nov 03, 2005 12:56am | #5

    I would try it even without the pre-heating. Esp. if it just slips over the square bar. I few welds might crack, just buzz back over them.
    -SRJ

  5. DougU | Nov 03, 2005 02:18am | #6

    In a previous life I was a welder. We did that all the time, sometimes its difficult to get a really nice looking weld but its definitely doable.

    Done it with both regular welding rod and nickle rod.

    There, thats all the welding I want to do for the next 25 years!

    Doug

    1. plumbbill | Nov 05, 2005 06:14pm | #16

      Hey quick question isn't that nickel rod 7028 I think that was the stuff I used in Alaska

      1. DougU | Nov 06, 2005 02:22am | #17

        God its been so long that I couldn't even make an educated guess. And that's the way I'm hoping to keep it!!!

         I really don't have any idea.

        Doug

  6. junkhound | Nov 03, 2005 02:34am | #7

    Little stuff like a batch of spear point can just be put in an oven at 500F, then 7014 stick makes a decent looking weld on cast to mild steel - all you need is a few spots for non structural. Have an old kitchen oven in the barn/forge shop for just such occasions.  Even fit a cracked transmission case into the old hotpoint oven once, used pure nickel rod on the transmission case though.  

  7. Jemcon | Nov 03, 2005 05:55am | #8

    You want to preheat to around 500 degrees. If you're using a torch get a heat pencil in tht heat range.

     

     

     

    Headstong, I'll take on anyone!

  8. 4Lorn1 | Nov 03, 2005 09:12am | #9

    Not exactly welding but IMHO what you want to do is braze or solder the pieces together.

    Brazing, around 1200 F, or silver soldering, as low as 500F depending on alloy, is plenty strong, actually stronger than most welds. Because they are much lower heat processes there are almost always fewer issues with differentials in expansion and material strengths that lead to stress fractures and failures.

    Welding steel to iron often causes the iron to 'peel off' the weld area as the grainy and softer iron gives while the steel does not. Brazing materials and solders also have much more 'give' and gap filling capacity and can often absorb much of any differential. Filling any gaps might increase durability long-term by keeping water and corrosion out.

    Another possibility would be to glue it with industrial epoxy. This would have the advantage of being easy to do as it requires no heat or power source. Just clean the parts, mix, apply and join. With a slip fit, or ones held together by gravity, even clamping might be unnecessary. For moderate strength joints the faster setting compounds, handling within 10 minutes and full strength in 24 hours, might be the material of choice.

    Epoxy and the brazing or soldering materials can be grounds or worked smooth and made to maintain a good seal. Painting covering any color difference and providing a final seal. Brazing and soldering are traditional and well done, even if not painted, can be quite presentable as the filler is contained between the pieces and not noticeably exposed.

    1. Arvid | Nov 03, 2005 01:22pm | #10

      Thanks everyone. I think we'll just try a few pieces using the MIG after heating the pieces, and see how it goes. These are not structural, just ornamental. Thanks for the ideas.

      1. caseyr | Nov 05, 2005 08:52am | #11

        Even though I am a certified welder, if these caps slipped over the tubing, I would probably just epoxy them on - it shouldn't take much and would be quick and easy...

        1. Arvid | Nov 05, 2005 02:26pm | #12

          That might be the easiest. And easy to try out. Thanks.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Nov 05, 2005 03:10pm | #13

            Agree..JB WELD is awesome stuff for things like that.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "I don't think it's funny no more"  Nick Lowe.

          2. caseyr | Nov 06, 2005 07:24am | #18

            Agreed, JB Weld is one of my standbys.  The standard stuff takes a while to set up but they have some quick setting stuff out now that I have yet to try.  One other thing about epoxy is that if you want it to release, you just have to heat it above a certain temperature.  Don't remember what that is 600 degrees???  I found that out at first when I repaired my favorite cup with epoxy and then put it in the microwave to warm my coffee only to have the repaired handle depart from the main part of the cup...

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Nov 06, 2005 04:18pm | #19

            It is the only fix for plastic radiators on some newer vehicles, both my Toyota and GMC are sporting it proudly..goooood stuff.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "I don't think it's funny no more"  Nick Lowe.

          4. WorkshopJon | Nov 05, 2005 03:16pm | #14

            Arvid,

            A second for the epoxy route.  Some super strong ones out there, but you must protect it with paint as epoxies degrade with UV ray (sunlight ) exposure.

            WSJ

      2. joeh | Nov 05, 2005 05:04pm | #15

        The welder will work, I've done lots of them that way.

        As those things aren't real precision parts, try to keep them straight as you weld. They look kinda odd when you're all done & one or two are sitting at an angle.

        Joe H

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

The Titan Impact X 440 offers great coverage with minimal overspray.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data