cast iron or steel

[firebird]

Hi

Today at work I had to fit a pair of these wishbones.



The ball joints are worn out but as with a lot of things these days you have to fit the whole thing and throw the rest away. I was just wondering if they are cast iron then some usefull lumps can be cut from them. How do I tell if it is cast iron or steel???

Cheers

Rich

 

[Richard1]

You could try grinding it and comparing the sparks with those shown in this link http://shopswarf.orconhosting.net.nz/spark.html Not conclusive at least not when I do it but it might be helpful.

 

[d.bick]

Firebird
I was going to say try Google for spark test of metals But having seen this on you tube whilst good for showing the sparks, I was not to happy with the gap on the grinding wheel to tool rest
Dave Bick


[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5qFa-ws7vI[/ame]

 

[d.bick]

A better Utube for the question asked

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R1Y6_g0DU8[/ame]

 

[kendo]

Hi Rich
I used to work for a company which use to produce these components
(Quinton Hazels) and all the ball joints where made from steel. But i could not tell you what grade of steel is used. Hope this helps a little.

Ken

 

[Artie]

Yes the balljoint itself is made from steel (with a nylon insert around the ball) but the arm itself can be made from just about anything including aluminium (I have a couple to melt down now). Best do the grind test, its easy enough.

Artie

 

[joeby]

Look for casting flash around the part. Better yet, look at the parting line (the line where the two halves of the mold or die meet). Casting will typically have a rather wide parting line (1/16"+ maybe), and forging very narrow.

I would bet on forged steel, but no idea what alloy.

Kevin

 

[firebird]

Hi

Thanks for all the tips gentlemen. I am going to stick it in the band saw this afternoon and cut a lump off and then do a grind test. I'll report back later.

cheers

Rich

 

[coldte]

Hi

Today at work I had to fit a pair of these wishbones.



The ball joints are worn out but as with a lot of things these days you have to fit the whole thing and throw the rest away. I was just wondering if they are cast iron then some usefull lumps can be cut from them. How do I tell if it is cast iron or steel???

Cheers

Rich

Hi rich , I have a piece almost the same i think it is steel and i do know it machines very well with a close grain, i have used several pieces over the last few months ( i now have two others) and was very pleased with the results and they cost nothing.
regards coldte

 

[firebird]

Hi

It is steel I think. I cut a lump off the end and it cuts like steel.



On the grinder.



I'll cut a couple of bits off and chuck it under the bench for another day.

cheers

Rich