[TheForge] Re: Repairing pot metal: Is *anything* reliable?

[Mike]

> "POT METAL" today is a zinc alloy, usually a Zamac ,(zinc, aluminum, 
> magnesium,copper, with a little cadmium and iron), melting points from 
> Zamac-3 @725 degrees F to Zamac-12, 850 F
>
> A hundred years ago, the alloys were much more variable, ;)

And my piece is circa 1920-1930.  It appears to be better than average
quality but "much more variable" probably applies.

It looks like a multi-stage application of epoxy may be the only way
to go.  I've gently broken the worst-cracked (most-stressed) pieces
completely off.  If I can find some very low viscosity epoxy, I'll
flow or inject that into the remaining cracks.  Once cured, I'll
re-attach the broken-off pieces with JB Weld or other metal-epoxy.
Cure again and then build up an excess of metal-epoxy anywhere that it
doesn't interfere with re-assembly.  Re-bore holes, tap and
re-assemble.

Or that's what I have in mind at the moment.

BTW,  old-engine enthusiasts might be entertained by the Mystery
Muffler.  I have no idea what it came from.  

    http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/mystery-muffler.html

- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer@tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^

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