Hardfacing / hardsurfacing electrodes(fertilizer knives)

Hello,

I have some Wiese CP6511 fertilizer knives that I'd like to take a stab at applying hardfacing / hardsurfacing to.

Any recommendations on electrodes with proven abrasion resistance?

FYI I'd originally wanted to do this with MIG for efficiency but we have a small machine(10 lb roll max) & no reputable electrode company seems to peddle the small rolls. All they have is 25 lb + rolls......So I tried a roll of the 'el cheapo stuff & it was no harder than the parent metal I was testing it on. Even with minimal penetration settings.

So it looks like stick is my only option.....


TIA

try some 312 stainless steel. as it wears, you can add more without removing the old weld. hard facing tend to break off after multiple passes. probably not a issue in your case, but stainless will take impact better as well.

I have rebuilt NH3 knives that were worn out. I used a Lincoln hard surfacing electrode that I have had for probably 20-30 years. had to make many passes as the knives were badly worn but it seemed to work out OK. Can't testify as to how well they will wear as I only put on a limited amount of NH3 each year, only 60-70 acres for the past 5 years, more than that previously. I could look on the container for the description of the electrodes.

I've used similar alloys before on the wear shoes on our swather & the plates for our dead rods. It wore better than mild steel but not by much.

Our sandy soil is unforgiving & the factory hardfacing on the fertilizer knives is mostly gone after 600 acres.

I think the strength is not as much of concern as the hardness as we don't have many rocks & what we do have is pretty small. Plus the knives are only in the ground a maximum of 4"

(quoted from post at 15:53:55 09/05/18) try some 312 stainless steel. as it wears, you can add more without removing the old weld. hard facing tend to break off after multiple passes. probably not a issue in your case, but stainless will take impact better as well.

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I've used similar alloys before on the wear shoes on our swather & the plates for our dead rods. It wore better than mild steel but not by much.

Our sandy soil is unforgiving & the factory hardfacing on the fertilizer knives is mostly gone after 600 acres.

I think the strength is not as much of concern as the hardness as we don't have many rocks & what we do have is pretty small. Plus the knives are only in the ground a maximum of 4"

(quoted from post at 15:53:55 09/05/18) try some 312 stainless steel. as it wears, you can add more without removing the old weld. hard facing tend to break off after multiple passes. probably not a issue in your case, but stainless will take impact better as well.

Click to expand...

The best hard surfacing rod is the Stoody? Stoodite rod used with an acetylene welder. It LASTS after it is applied!! But you have to be sure to get the item HOT before you apply it and it is definitely an art to apply it!! I have done all my stock shredder knives and they show no wear what so ever. This is what they have used years ago on plows in the old fashion blacksmith shops. Also if you look for this rod, shop around. The prices at some places are totally out of line!! Others are just what they should be.

(quoted from post at 20:00:15 09/05/18) The best hard surfacing rod is the Stoody? Stoodite rod used with an acetylene welder. It LASTS after it is applied!! But you have to be sure to get the item HOT before you apply it and it is definitely an art to apply it!! I have done all my stock shredder knives and they show no wear what so ever. This is what they have used years ago on plows in the old fashion blacksmith shops. Also if you look for this rod, shop around. The prices at some places are totally out of line!! Others are just what they should be.

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I built a drag for pulling tracks, and saw after two seasons that it was wearing down fast. I got some hard facing rod and put a zig zag pattern over the surfaces and it has been wearing very well.

Thanks for the info.

I've heard of Stoody before but never used any of their products. Will have to look into it......

(quoted from post at 20:00:15 09/05/18) The best hard surfacing rod is the Stoody? Stoodite rod used with an acetylene welder. It LASTS after it is applied!! But you have to be sure to get the item HOT before you apply it and it is definitely an art to apply it!! I have done all my stock shredder knives and they show no wear what so ever. This is what they have used years ago on plows in the old fashion blacksmith shops. Also if you look for this rod, shop around. The prices at some places are totally out of line!! Others are just what they should be.

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I spoke with a couple of Stoody reps. yesterday & they both recommended their 2134 rod:
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.product&productCode=V410014

Of course our local vendors only carry the common Stoody 19 rod so I'll have to order some in but at least it's available.

I'll post back with the results although it may be a fair ways down the road......

(quoted from post at 20:00:15 09/05/18) The best hard surfacing rod is the Stoody?

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