Thermal Lancing (yikes!!)

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

dstig1 said:
Pics of the king pin and surrounding would be helpful to see if there are other options to consider...

Didn't think about a picture.

As a preface, our current project is to have a cradle made (being done now) that will hold a 30 ton bottle jack and put the jack on the bottom part of the pin and see if we can then push it out or at least break the bond.

The lance thing is in my view, the last last resort.

The pin has been cut on the top AND the bottom so I don't have any choice, it must come out.

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

PS: Don't let the little jack stand make you nervous. It was only used to help keep the axle from bouncing while being pummeled with a sledge.

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

I don't care about the bushings and bearing, all those are going to be replaced.

Now, down the hole where the pin resides is a horizontal hole. This is where a slanted "cotter pin bolt" goes through to lock the pin in place. So this would be a possible place for slag to flow if it got exposed to the lava.

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

Just found out the cradle might be ready soon.....I'm hoping this weekend.

I don't know how, I don't know when, but I DO know that this pin is going to come out.

If I am anything I'm persistent. My wife calls me her little bulldog because I get focused and 100% determined.

mrmikey · Jul 2, 2020

So this would be a possible place for slag to flow if it got exposed to the lava.

Be aware of what I said previously, the burn hole will follow the path of least resistance. Not just slag will flow out but oxygen as well which will burn along the hole. If you see slag coming out the bolt hole.....stop.........Mike

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

If it comes to this process..... would it be fair to think that (qualifier) "as long as the rod was well centered" then the sides of the pin would (should) maintain staying intact and help prevent any side slag shows??

Richard · Jul 2, 2020

For anyone not familiar with this.... the rod goes through the axle. The hole you see opens up to a "notch" in the rod and a slanted cotter pin goes through there and bolts on back side to hold everything in.

Picture attached shows new rod with notch and upper left, shows the tapered cotter pin with nut.

The two meet up inside the hole you see in the earlier picture.

mrmikey · Jul 2, 2020

I misunderstood your description. I was thinking a hole thru the pin. You'll be fine as long as you stay in the center or at least close to center as you can.......M

wdchyd · Jul 2, 2020

As a last resort before Oxy-lance, I’d try a 90# jack hammer one last time. If not the Oxy-lance will work fine. You’ll need at least two fire watch/spotters cuz that fire coming out will seem like fire and brimstone on a stick. You’ll need full face shield, leathers, thick welding gloves and possibly a few fire blankets wouldn’t hurt.
When you first start up the torch the torch man will only be able to see how straight in one direction, have other person at 90 degrees watch from the other angle and guide you while burning. Turn up the oxygen to 90-100 psi and have at it.

Oh yea, make sure you have several extinguishers and a good running water hose just in case. While burning In the center of pin keep the outside housing/axle cooled with water and after you’ve poked a whole from both sides let the pin cool slowly on its own. It will shrink in the housing by itself.

And yes, I have done this many times, but only after slugging away with no movement of the pin.