C&P 12x18 Platen: Weld or Replace

I have a broken platen on my C&P 12x18 press (see attached picture). Does anyone have any advice on where I should start looking for a replacement? Or do you think it might be a possibility to weld (or otherwise re-attach) this back into place? - I’m not sure if the material these are made out of is weldable.
This happened in a split second when I turned away from the press and somehow (I’m not sure how since I was turned away) one of my rollers dropped out and was smashed between the chase and the platen bed before I had a chance to turn it off. I’m feeling pretty lucky that this is the only damage that was done. Any insight on how that might have happened would be appreciated as well. My only two guesses are: 1) not enough oil on the arms that hold the rollers - though I don’t think that’s the case, or 2) too much friction on the tape I’m using to tape the rails - nylon strapping tape as recommended by boxcar press.
I am fairly green with this particular press, but I really try to do everything by the books. I’m pretty shaken up about this so any ideas to help get my poor press up and running again would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Taylor

image: Screen shot 2011-07-17 at 4.55.38 PM.png

Screen shot 2011-07-17 at 4.55.38 PM.png

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Try these guys for repair or replacement; http://www.defeliceenginc.com/
Good Luck!

probably be able to “stitch” that back together… use your options ,,, if you run out get a hold of me…

I had a pile of stock fall off the feed table and broke the opposite corner off my platen, took it to a welding shop, you will probably never need to use that part of your platen so even if its not perfect it shouldn’t matter. I don’t think the nylon tape would cause the roller to jump out, either your press was running tooooo fast or it it was inked and the ink was drying on the press and got very tacky it could have popped the roller out. The c&p has a hole in the saddles to insert a pin to keep the rollers from coming out. You might still be able to use the press, but the gripper assembly will have to be removed i think. Dick G.

Taylor
The part can be welded.
the two most likely processes are brazing or nickle welding
I prefer the nickle rod method as it can be done without getting the metal excessively hot if done correctly.
The best method is to take it to someone that can Acetylene weld the broken part.This process requires a kiln with a down timer to cool the cast iron after welding and can be quit expensive.
I operated a welding and machine shop for thirty years if you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Don Hildred

Thank you all for your help. I’ll let you know how it plays out…

I have a Kelsey Union press with one corner brazed into position, and it has served me for well over 20 years with no problems. As is yours, the break is outside the area I would choose to use on the press anyway. The repair was made by the best welder in the area, and he did an exceptional job of finishing the surface and grinding it back to almost flat.

The gripper bar on the Kelsey is attached in that corner, but the repair was so good that the gripper bar moves just fine and has not been a problem. You will want to have the parts with you for the grippers and bails so the machinist can make certain all fits back together well. Things can get out of alignment, but extra care will enable all to fit back together again.

I would urge you to take the platen to someone who has had a lot of experience, and not the shop know for the cheapest work. They should be able to give you an estimate on the repair.

John Henry