[TheForge] Aluminum welding

[CGRAF]

Keziah's Forge wrote:
> There ya go.  YOu probably replaced the original part better than new:  its 
> just that the original was not strong enough to begin with, or more likely 
> something else has developed, worn, been changed,  over the life of the 
> machine that has increased the stress at that point.
> 
> Important point is this:  the failure of the initial repair was not a 
> welding problem and you should not have to eat the additional repair cost. 
> Before you do it again, check to see whether the geometry of the dump/lift 
> mechanism has been changed, or the hydraulics replaced with more lift power, 
> or whether original load ratings are being exceeded, anything like that. 
> That pivot is clearly being over-stressed.  Betcha something else mechanical 
> is going on
> 
> 

I can buy into this explanation.

It might be interesting as an alternative to replacing the whole thing 
to replace the part that has broken off plus about 18 inches and then 
fish plate the weld. Perhaps use a beefier piece for the replacement.
If it is a local stress point your weld should be out of harms way.

Mike Graf