Chipper anvil repair

[Alcap]

I’ve had my Asplundh Bush Bandit 100 chipper for about 1 1/2 years and has been working well but I noticed for the smaller branches on limbs it just didn’t seem right . Thinking it was the chipping knives I pulled the hood and surprised to see they seemed sharp . The owners manual explained that the anvil should be inspected periodically , I never did . Trying to even see let alone check the .025-.062 gap between the knives and anvil was going to be tuff but looked a lot bigger more like 1/4” !!! . Figured I would remove the anvil to inspect it and per the manual hard face weld it . It definitely needed welding . I didn’t have hard face weld so called a buddy and told him what I had on hand and he suggested a SS rod 30-308 . I ran a bead back from the edge to be built up with the jig welded to preheat it and because I’m not a great welded something to run the stick rod against. After welding a ground it just a little so I didn’t have as much to mill off . Not perfect but should be much better than before . Next task will be trying to get the .025-.062 clearance .

 

[MrWhoopee]

That 308 filler probably won't hold up well. 300 series stainless just isn't that hard.

 

[pontiac428]

308 diffuses into the base metal, so it is good for joining steels of unknown composition. It's also reasonably machineable. The nickel in 308 provides an excellent base for real hardfacing buildup. Capping it with a high manganese steel would be ideal for a chipper, as it is for all hammers and anvils in mills and crushers because of its work hardening capabilities. You can machine it after welding, but it hardens with use.

 

[Alcap]

I’ll have to see how well its holds up after some use . I’m not sure how hard the original edge was , the anvil itself was easy to make a punch mark Thinking back the edge didn’t seem too hard when I used a flapper wheel to clean up getting it ready to weld .

 

[pontiac428]

I’ll have to see how well its holds up after some use . I’m not sure how hard the original edge was , the anvil itself was easy to make a punch mark Thinking back the edge didn’t seem too hard when I used a flapper wheel to clean up getting it ready to weld .

I imagine it's harder than a tree branch, but abrasion eventually wears it down. Plow implements and things are built up with vanadium in the mix to help with wear resistance. Down the road, if it wears again, it doesn't cost much to throw a couple pounds of the good stuff on there. With the stainless you already laid down, you've got the base buildup covered. And you're already stick welding, so not much to it.

 

[Alcap]

Putting the anvil back on I’m learning more on how the relationship is between the knives and anvil . I thought the knives came at an almost like a metal shear But it you look at the angle of the anvil and flywheel the knives its much more then I thought .the picture show where the anvil sits . Im think every time the knives are sharpened or replaced the anvil should also be serviced .That said Im pretty sure this was the first time the anvil was off , think its a 1989 . I only use the chipper around my house and neighbors . It should last a while in the mean time I want to make a jig to sharpen the knives using my Belsaw sharpener . Also get some hard face rods . For those like myself are far being a great welder these little inverter one are good to do odd jobs like this