Hardfacing of Conventional and Hollow-stem Augers - Part 2
Proper maintenance will ensure maximum efficiency.
Last month, in part one of this series, we covered auger flight wear and the application of the surfacing electrode. In this issue, we'll look at maintenance, checking and cutterheads.
Set up an auger maintenance and rotation schedule. The first down day of each month is a workable schedule for most; it is the easy to remember and easy to implement. On the scheduled day, check the diameter, condition and wear on the cutterhead and the lead auger. Assuming the lead auger is not damaged or in really bad shape, hardface it, and it is ready to go. The second month, hardface another auger, put the cutterhead on it and use it as the lead auger. Move the one you just took the cutterhead off of to the second position in the auger string and so on for a year. Try to do an extra one every time you have a slow period or an extra welder. Spend a little extra time to qualify another welder or two on the hardfacing process.