Splitter Weld Fail

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shanenest

Member
Hearth Supporter
Oct 1, 2008
20
MA
The weld failed on my ram splitter. Do you guys think its worth trying to fix or time to look for another?

[Hearth.com] Splitter Weld Fail [Hearth.com] Splitter Weld Fail
 
Looks like the metal failed, no the weld. That's still intact :)
The answer to this question depends on another question. Do you want a new splitter and can you afford it? If so, tell the wife it exploded and sorry, no way to fix it. It's dead forever!

If not, pay a fella $10.00 and he'll weld it right up, possibly with some supporting steel (that's what I'd do) and keep on splittin.
 
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Sure I would get someone who know how to weld and have at it. Plenty of room to plate it up on both sides to spread out the load as the underlying metal tube isn't very thick.

If you got X years out of it and its doing what you want, its worth fixing and getting another Y years.
 
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If everything thing else is in good shape I would just get it welded unless you just want a shiny new toy. It may cost a bit more than $10 @ a welding/fabrication shop but much cheaper than a new splitter.
 
I agree i would have it plated and welded. It will certainly cost more than $10. But like said above way less than a new splitter.
 
Looks very fixable. I wouldn't be afraid to fix it and put it back to work.
 
From this view, IMO, 60% of that weld did not have enough penetration.
 

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From this view, IMO, 60% of that weld did not have enough penetration.
You could be right i thought it looked like the metsl broke next to the weld.
 
You could be right i thought it looked like the metsl broke next to the weld.
The 30+% to the right failed, but the portion to the left appears almost perfectly perpendicular to the tubing wall, presumably from a band/circular/ abrasive saw. Plus, that portion of the tubing closest to the cylinder is deteriorated presumably due to rust, further implicating the quality of the weld process.
 
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This smaller portion appears deteriorated due to rust. Edit: or has failed for some time.
 

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rust is a sign that there has been a crack for some time. I would cut the end off, square it up and weld it back on. I would also add a 1/4" thick gusset about 6" down the tube and wrap it around the end to beef it up.