Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus
Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus
(OP)
I have an old Soiltest direct shear apparatus, and the swan neck is broken on it. I'm really in need of this instrument and purchasing a new is out of the question due to budgetary reasons. I contacted Soiltest and they don't carry any parts for anything that old. My question is: is such a part available anywhere, or if not, what is my best route as to a repair? I thought that it may be possible to get a machinist to make the part, but I'd like to get some other opinions first. Here's a picture of the broken part





RE: Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus
RE: Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus
If this is aluminum, some aluminum welds easily with TIG procedures. Others don't. I had a thing like this fixed with TIG. Works great now.
If cast iron, that welds up pretty good with brazing.
Each of these needs "veeing" out the break to allow new metal to fill the gap.
But only use a very experienced welding shop.
If it was me and no welding works, I'd make a new yoke, since this is bolted to the shear ring. Any decent machanic ought to be able to do it in a few hours using steel.
RE: Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus
RE: Broken Swan Neck on Old Soiltest Direct Shear Apparatus