J-B Weld for Lee mold repair???

[Marlin Junky]

Can J-B Weld be used to fix worn treads on Lee 2-C mold blocks? The manufacturer claims that it can be used in up to 500F environments but I don't know how hot the mold block and sprue pivot screw get during a good hot casting session. Also, I ladle pour from a Rowell#1 and run my pot at 750-760F while using this particular mold. I suppose I have already answered my own question, but I'd still like to know if anyone has tried this. Is there another product available which is similar to J-B (at less than the price of a new mold!) that will hold up to more temperature?

MJ

[Doby45]

Heli-coil?

[zuke]

Warranty?

[onondaga]

Take a pop can and cut a strip about half as wide as the hole. Put it in the hole and mark the hole length . Cut to that length. Place the strip in the hole. Assemble. This butchered , get by, quick fix will likely hold till you have to disassemble the mold again.

Gary

[gunslinger20]

Drill, tap and a set screw from the side fixed for good

[MtGun44]

tap for the next larger screw size.

Bill

[Centaur 1]

Most auto parts stores will carry a product called "Thermo steel" that might work like you're suggesting. It's good up to 2400*F and it's used for things like cracked exhaust manifolds.

[selmerfan]

Lee repairs their's with Helicoil. Ask me how I know...

[Bret4207]

JB will soften as it gets hotter. It isn't the right stuff for this application.

[HeavyMetal]

I have never found a two compound epoxy that would stand up to that kind of heat long term.

The best fix for any mold with stripped threads is to either tap to a larger size or Heli Coil to the standard size.

Every two cavity lee mold I get, 6 bangers to, get stripped, cleaned, drilled and tapped for a set screw on the pivot bolt/screw, retaining pins staked, lubed and then put back togther!

Then and only then does it go to work at the lead pot.

[Skipper]

I'd try it. You can always drill and tap later.

I did a repair on a gas-cut Nissan head with it and it's lasted 54,000 miles so far with no leakage.

[songdog53]

Not sure but have seen exhaust manifolds on motors fixed with it and stayed put.

[pls1911]

JB Weld should have it's own thread here... too many uses to list.
Friend gave me a ruined cast iron bread oven (similart to a dutvh oven) Cracked badly down the center.... ground it to metal, J-B welded it, smoothed it off, re-seasoned it.
12 years ago, it was restored to the camp box, and today it's still making great camp biscuits!!