[450dualsport]

This excavator bucket also has some wear in the ears that attach to the pins on the quick coupler. By the way it sits on the coupler, I would guess that the ears need to be built up by about 1/16", maybe a bit more.

IMG_20141028_130914.jpg (31.03 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

If I build up the ears, my concern is being able to grind it back to the correct shape. The diameter of the cutouts in the ears is only 3" so it is difficult to get an angle grinder in there. Any thoughts on how to smooth and re-shape this after welding (without hand filing )?

Thanks.

[AKmud]

Die grinder... Make a template of the correct shape first, weld it, then grind it to shape.

[dsmabe]

Die grinder... Make a template of the correct shape first, weld it, then grind it to shape.

What he said

[450dualsport]

Thanks. I have a 1/4" die grinder, but they are slow. I am thinking that getting a straight shaft grinder might be better.

[dsmabe]

You could also get a carbide cutter for a drill. It would make short work of shaping, then finish with the die grinder.

[450dualsport]

I got the ears welded up today with some 7018. I ground them with a 7" disk on my 5" grinder. I then finished them with a cylindrical stone in my angle grinder. It's not a perfect fit by any means, but the bucket is tight now.