C&P cracked roller arm

While printing on my C&P 10x15 NS, the roller arm cracked in half. It involved the counter wiggling loose, but happened pretty fast so I didn’t see exactly what happened. Photo below.

Thoughts on a replacement roller arm? Is this something that could be welded?

I’m in the process of calling places listed in the briarpress directory but wanted to get some feedback if this has happened to others. Thanks.

image: roller arm 6.14.08.JPG

roller arm 6.14.08.JPG

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Impressive failure - if you can find someone who knows how to weld cast iron, do it.

You’re lucky that it’s a clean break and not part of a casting where there will be stress issues. Like the pervious person said, find a welder who has a TIG machine and has welded cast iron. It should be a simple repair and probably turn out so smooth only you’ll be able to spot it.

I have a couple of presses that I’m parting out and could probably supply a replacement. I would need to know what size and style of press you’ve got.
I’m a bit surprised that a counter could cause this much damage. Seems to me that the counter would have broken first.

Thanks so much. I know - I thought the counter would be in pieces but it’s fine, except for the part that fastened it to the arm.

The roller arm is 22” long from circle to circle and is for a Chandler & Price 10x15 New Style.

i would not recommend welding this item. check into your area for anyone using a process called metal “stitching”. it is as lot more dependable process and will not change the length of your piece. welding most likely will change the length and alignment. it would prob break again any way. if welding is your only option, multi pass stick welding is prob best, find someone who has done ALOT of cast. no telling what kind of metal is in there. you have alot of other press parts at stake here. i have used the stitching process for some very high stress press parts with complete satisfaction. i can send you pics of the work we had done. if you need some help finding someone let me know, Eric

Eric - If you could send pictures, that would be very helpful. Thank you!

AJBennet…. here is a little graphic of the stitching process from one vendor’s website. Essentially, it’s what would be known as a “key” in woodworking.

I’ve never used the process for the main load-bearing portion of a repair, but I have used it to keep parts in alignment for brazing. It works pretty good in that application.

As far as repairs to cast iron go, I always use the services of a local company that braze-repairs diesel engine blocks for the marine industry. They work almost exclusively with cast-iron, so they know all about pre-heating and so forth. I would guess that there would be such a company in almost any major city. A few phone calls should locate one for you.

One note: the debate of welding vs brazing has been going on here for quite some time. Either process will produce good results IF the right materials are used AND the workmanship is first class. However, if you let a hack attempt the job using either process, you’ll run the risk of having a ruined part. Whatever you do, find a good craftsman to do the work.

image: 4STEPROC.jpg

4STEPROC.jpg

What did you decide to do about the problem? Are you interested in buying a replacement?

Thanks to everyone for their help. I did end up getting it welded and have been very happy with the results — no issues so far.

John Horn - I would be interested in a replacement, just in case (and depending on the price).

Twenty bucks plus shipping.

Sorry to here about your mishap. It answered my question for my C&P.
Thanks