Cadweld problems

[R.Bullis]

I am wondering if anyone out there is having issues with cadweld? We have been having numerous instances were the molten material is explodeing through the top of the molds in the last 6 months. We have used this system for the past 15 years without these problems. We preheat the molds and wire to remove any moisture. Cadweld is saying that they are not having any issues with there weld material, but it seems to me that is the most likely problem. We had one employee last week get 2nd degree burns on his face from shoting one of these welds.

[damn_encode]

I ran into the same problem when working in a substation over the summer. I think it was caused from my sweat dripping into the shot while I was loading it. I worked with another apprentice that had the same thing happening to him. Nothing quite like having molten lava exploding out of the mold. We started holding down the lid with a long screwdriver, nobody was burned, and it made every weld just that much more exciting. Good times with ground grid……

[WCLR]

I've never liked cadweld. Would much rather just use a wedding band to get the job done.

[thrasher]

We have used cadweld for years. In fact did a large station job last fall with lots of shots. As long as the molds were clean and dry had no problems. However as damm_encode said they are VERY sensitive to any moisture, even sweat dripping into the mold or mixing with the shot. We did have a problem years ago with one contractor that the shots were fountaining left and right and I watched them dry and preheat the molds. To make a long story short, found out the shot tubes were sitting outside in a material pile and sucking in moisture from the overnight temperature swings (job was in early spring). Ended up throwing out two opened boxes of shots, got new ones that were stored correctly and had no more problem. Don't know if this may be your problem but worth checking how they are stored.

[BigClive]

Is this some kind of thermite weld?

[WCLR]

http://www.erico.com/products/E1145WB06.asp