question about using JB Weld

RRP

The BBQ gremlin chomped down on my small egg firebox like this:


I've already gotten a replacement from my dealer with no problem whatsoever. Just the same I want to keep using the broken one until it really falls apart. BTW I do see another crack developing.

I bought the JB Weld


and just assume since the break is clean and fits back fairly tightly that I don't want to apply too much JBW do I? OTOH having never worked with it I didn't know if a heavy application is a requirement.

Richard Fl

I have done fire boxes and plate setters. I mix the two tubes about 1/2 tube each depending on number of cracked surfaces and mix. It gets gray and then I use an old wooden chopstick and place a thin layer on each surface. Just enough to lightly coat as it will ooze out when the pieces are placed together. after 20 minutes or so I go back and place a little presure to the pieces as they may slip a little and get out of alignment. Next day everything is very solid. Sometimes on fireboxes I will wrap the glued pieces with rope or tie nooses, stretchy type.Just looked back at your problem, might use the entire tube of each. $5 well spent.

SmokinGuitarPlayer

I tried fixing my platesetter (the first one of many...) with that stuff and the first time it got really hot it just fell apart ...did I do something wrong?

Richard Fl

I don't run my repaired plate setters much above 375F, the firebox on my large was repaired 2 years ago and has withstood 700F burnoffs for 2 hours and still holding.

RRP

Thanks Richard! BTW your ck arrived today and I thank you. Conversely did my package get there? Have a great cruise next week!

FlaPoolman

Ron I try to run an even coat over the whole area and then clamp it. In your case maybe upside down with a block on it?

Richard Fl

Package arrived safely and the project is on hold for my friend until we get back next weekend. Cruise to nowhere important. Thanks for the prompt service. LOL

RRP

not a bad idea, but as a serious wood butcher I have all sorts of clamps and was thinking this would be a good chance to show my wife how I put 27 of them to good use! :laugh: Gotta justify my hoard somehow! :laugh:

thirdeye

In my business, we hate to see anything in a tube have the name "weld" associated with it, but since we're taking ceramics..... I can say that swamprb has a lot of experience with restoration. Here is a before and after picture on just one of his projects.



Shoot me an e~ if you want me to put you in touch with Brian.

Richard Fl

Is the first picture the "Welding God of the Plains?

thirdeye

That's a good one....I'll have to add that to the list of nicknames he's already earned. Me, I'm just the photographer.

NibbleMeThis

Fred -
I clumsily broke my plate setter about 2 months after I got my Egg (Feb 08). I used JB weld, clamped it in place and let it cure for 48 hours. It has worked without any problems since then and I use the Egg a lot, year round.

There are a few kinds of JB Weld out there. Did you use the two tubes that you have to mix together or did you buy the "mighty putty" style where you cut a piece off of what looks like a log of clay and smash it together? That "putty" style hasn't worked on anything we have tried around the house. The two tubes is what I used on the Egg.

The trick seems to be getting the mix ratio right, clamping tight, and allowing the cure time.

I enjoy your videos, btw!