Dipper Stick snapped in half

[JB4310]

Here are the pictures of the cracks on the boom. They are not very large, but I'm sure they will just get worse fairly quickly.

I'm gonna attempt this repair myself. I have an AC/DC arc welder.

I was thinking of drilling a hole at the ends of the cracks. I've read a few comments saying to do this, and I've always heard it's a good idea. How big of a hole should I drill?

What welding rod should I use? How hot should it be? I will be welding verticaly. Is straight up or sideways better?

Thank you,
Eddie

Forgot the pics,

I can't help much with the welding advice, but I've been having the best luck with 7018 for everything lately since I got my DC machine. I would struggle with both those positions on a vertical plane, but would think side to side MIGHT be easier/better.

JB

 

[EddieWalker]

Here are the pictures.

Eddie

 

[JB4310]

IMO, those are not in need of attention at this time, you could watch them but I doubt there would be any failure there.

I'm curious what others will recommend, but that's how I feel.

If you were gonna weld it I don't think drilling would be required either, just grind it and lay a hot penetrating bead in there.

JB.

 

[Short Game]

I'd say those cracks were caused by the same actions that got the dipper. Left alone, I'd think they could only grow. They appear to be quite old, just like the older beginnings of that dipper failure. I'd want them welded, but if it were me, I'd get plenty of advice before trying it. I'd still want to do it myself because I love doing that kind of stuff, and that would be a weld I'd want to learn to do. I'd figure I wouldn't be making it any worse if I had a good coach.

 

[dex3361]

Now is the time to fix these cracks.

I would v grind the cracks out good and go a bit past where you can visibly see the cracks. Make the v go almost all the way through.

Preheat the area that is to be welded to about 500 degrees F.

Make the first pass with 6010 and the rest of the passes with 7018(fresh out of a new 5# can or ones that have been properly stored or prepped).

:thumbsup:

 

[AKwelder]

I can't see to much in the picture, but before deciding on what to do i would clean it up and see it better with out the paint. I have gone out on a job to fix cracks like that and they were only cracked on the paint.

I like to strip the paint, warm it with a propane torch to burn off any oils and look again.

An old timer said while it is still warm spray the crack with penetrating oil. Let it sit. Clean it with brake clean, and sprinkle talcum powder on it. if the wet bleeds out it is a crack. I have never tried it


Luck

 

[EddieWalker]

You guys are great. Thank you for the AWESOME advice!!!!

Eddie

 

[mjncad]

The way Eddie describes his Dad reminds me of my Father-in-Law when he was healthy...eager to help; but didn't always think something through completely before jumping in with the tools.

It sucks seeing him in a nursing home now.

 

[5030]

I can't see to much in the picture, but before deciding on what to do i would clean it up and see it better with out the paint. I have gone out on a job to fix cracks like that and they were only cracked on the paint.

I like to strip the paint, warm it with a propane torch to burn off any oils and look again.

An old timer said while it is still warm spray the crack with penetrating oil. Let it sit. Clean it with brake clean, and sprinkle talcum powder on it. if the wet bleeds out it is a crack. I have never tried itLuck

That's basically the exact procedure for using Magna-Flux dye prep. You just substitute the Magna-Flux products and a black light.

 

[bindian]

The way Eddie describes his Dad reminds me of my Father-in-Law when he was healthy...eager to help; but didn't always think something through completely before jumping in with the tools.

It sucks seeing him in a nursing home now.

Mjncad,
Watching parents age is hard on all of us. Enjoy him every chance you get.:thumbsup: