Repairing old wrought iron furniture

There is a special rust remover solvent ( at any general store) that cleans away rust on any metallic material, and wrought is one comprised in this category.

Hmm, don't know of a solvent for rust but there are supposed 'reducers' or 'converters' available in shops. Best one is a bead blaster.

Wrought iron is a pretty rare commodity which could best be repaired with sympathetic welding. If the thing is of cast iron however, like those Absolutely Gorgeous Coalbrookdale fern-style victorian benches, then I'd search out a specialist in welding grey cast iron and put in a couple of prayers to assist.

Could I plug my garden benches now?? Aww, thought not.

I´m no welder but I´ve seen guys welding cast iron pieces. After the usual cleanning and degreasing the joints are heated with a torch then arc weld using an iron filled rod.

I don't think you will have much luck with soldering it. I am not a welder but did weld some iron pieces once with guidance from a welding supply shop. They gave me a nickel brazing rod for an electric arc welder. Nickel is compatible and apparently they knew what they were talking about because it worked. You have to be really careful about uniform heating and very slow uniform cooling or due to the brittle nature of iron you may end up worse off than you are. If you are going to do it yourself get guidance from a reputable shop or better yet find someone who knows how to do it, especially if you want it to look nice. My welds weren't pretty but it was quite functional for the needed application.

If the material is wrought iron, it can be welded with oxy-acetelyne, stick, or any other convenient method. It can also be brazed or silver soldered. The best repair method will depend somewhat on why it broke where it did. You may want to add material to strengthen the joint so it does not become overstressed again. If the material is cast iron, brazing is probably the best repair method. I recommend sand blasting to remove rust. A final finish can be with rustoleum primer and paint, or powder coating.

Thank you guys I just noticed on the weekend I have a bench with a cracked spine in the cast. I will try your methods.

To clean rust use CLR or a muriatic acid wash BUT WEAR (P.P.E.) Neopreme or Latex gloves and eye protection don't use the oldmethod Cocacola the sugar is too hard to get off after!!

Most "wrought iron" furniture is really steel, and can be welded by any of the common methods. If the piece has portions that are cast iron (recognizable by shapes that could only be molded, grey color of metal, and granular drilling chips, instead of long curling ones), then brazing with an oxy-acetylene torch works well.

Cast iron engine blocks welded all the time, though it takes an experienced welder.

I remember seeing a number of years ago a TV ad for Alumalloy, basicvally a braze for aluminum. The people who make it also make a product for cast iron, though I cannot attest to how good it is. If what you're repairing is more ornamental then structural I'd definately give it a try. www.alumaloy.net

As others have pointed out, the best bet is with oxy-fuel, braze welding and using stick electrode (SMAW).

Use 98% Ni. + 2% Fe (or) 70 % Ni + 30 Cu (or) 55%Ni + 45% Fe. Electrodes from any reputed brands . Still U want it easy & economical, try E 304 / E308 (18 % Cr + 8 %Ni) (or) E 309 (25% Cr + 12 % Ni). All are available off the shelf.

Rust can be removed by any mechanical means, like wire brushing, etc.

Among Oxy -Fuel (M S filler wire) and Braze welding (with brass filler rod) later is better. But the torches are different.

U have not mentioned about the thickness of the job. As a good welding procedure, pre heat to 200 - 300 ⁰ C and above & slow cooling will help to avoid cracks during welding..

SRIDHAR.

Remove excess debris. Rinse the cast Iron Patio Furniture to remove all excess rust and debris particles. Be sure to thoroughly dry the furniture before painting....