Face Hardening

[GWR]

Need some general input on face hardening and rod selection for SMAW. Process will be used on bucket teeth ( backhoe, excavator, etc). And loader bucket cut edge. Machines are used in rock and shale digging and loading. Weld machine is a Champion 10,000. Thanks in advance.

GWR

[Mike Sherman]

I use Lincoln Electric Wearshield M/E (metal to earth). Most manufacturers have a product similiar to this. Run stringer beads, overlap them and don't be concerned if the beads crack, it is normal.

[Pat]

GWR,

A couple weeks ago I attended a welding show and talked with the rep from Stoody. I have never used their products, but according to the catalog they handed out, they seem to have a rod or wire for just about every hard facing need. The rep also stated what Mike Sherman did about the weld bead cracking, and I guess this is the normal result of the rod or wire doing it's job. www.thermadyne.com/stdy/index.asp?div=stdy

Pat

[Blacksmith]

As I understand it (from the (gasp) Lincoln site) hard facing rod alloy sacrifices all ductility/toughness for wear resistance. They virtually guarantee the deposit will crack as it cools.

[trackwelder]

Stoody makes excellent hardfacing rod.We use to weld with there nicromang and had great results with it.And as far as cracking,avoid wide weaves and keep the interpass temps under 500 degrees.