Repairing cast iron spindles

[54aardvark]

Restoring an old house, in the stairwell the spindles are ornate cast iron and two of them have snapped and need repairing.

I believe cast iron doesn't weld too well and an old boy mentioned Belzona - done a search but no idea which of their products I'm looking for.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

[thescruff]

Brass or bronze will stick to cast ok.

[mikew1972]

In other words they can much more easily be braised than welded which, whilst not as strong as welding, would be more than strong enough to repair stairwell spindles.
I believe it is possible to do a reasonable job of welding cast iron but you have to have the specialised equipment to do it and know how to use it.

[Hitch]

Nothing worse than cast iron to weld, it can be quite hit and miss. As its mostly decorative, strength shouldnt be much of a problem.
Id be inclined to pin it together if possible, by drilling matching holes in each bit, like a dowel joint, then braze round it.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/cast-iron.htm

[54aardvark]

Thanks for all your replies, plenty of options - just need to find a tame welder now!

[the blazing blacksmith]

The best way I find to repair cast is to pre heat it in the forge and then weld it and then leave it to cool in the forge as this helps to relieve the shock stresses of welding cold cast. It is best if you can pin them too.