I don't have a good answer, but since you mentioned welding, cast iron will very likely to need preheat and slow cool down (with cat litter or high temp blanket) if you're not already aware of it. Good luck.I find weld metal to be very hard and not easy to machine. Is there a way to weld that will produce a softer fill. I have torch and MIG welders.
This all day long!@dansawyer
Following is my concept for how to best establish the correct location/orientation for the bore.
First, early on, you mentioned that the feed rod had some sort of burr (or lip) at the keyway slot. I presume you've removed that anomaly.
Next I would machine two thick (.25"-.50") washers with an ID that fits the OD of the feed rod very closely.
Then reassemble the lathe with the addition of a thick washer, loose, at each end of the 'shoe'.
Move the carriage very close to head stock and check the unsupported portion of the feed rod for droop. Support as required to make the rod straight.
Bond the thick washer (at the headstock end) to the 'shoe' using a five minute epoxy (brittle and easy to remove) and allow to fully cure.
Move the carriage to the opposite extreme (tailstock end) of travel an bond the other thick washer to the 'shoe'.
Having those two precision IDs fixed the 'shoe' should allow you to orient, clamp and machine the part in a way that will not cause binding or excessive wear when the repair is completed.
If the configuration of your lathe allows access to only one end of the 'shoe', use a single tube, rather than a pair of washers.
Thank you. I will give this a try and let you know.@dansawyer
Following is my concept for how to best establish the correct location/orientation for the bore.
First, early on, you mentioned that the feed rod had some sort of burr (or lip) at the keyway slot. I presume you've removed that anomaly.
Next I would machine two thick (.25"-.50") washers with an ID that fits the OD of the feed rod very closely.
Then reassemble the lathe with the addition of a thick washer, loose, at each end of the 'shoe'.
Move the carriage very close to head stock and check the unsupported portion of the feed rod for droop. Support as required to make the rod straight.
Bond the thick washer (at the headstock end) to the 'shoe' using a five minute epoxy (brittle and easy to remove) and allow to fully cure.
Move the carriage to the opposite extreme (tailstock end) of travel an bond the other thick washer to the 'shoe'.
Having those two precision IDs fixed the 'shoe' should allow you to orient, clamp and machine the part in a way that will not cause binding or excessive wear when the repair is completed.
If the configuration of your lathe allows access to only one end of the 'shoe', use a single tube, rather than a pair of washers.