The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop crank shaft repair

Denny you're referring to cast iron which is one of the most stable metals. Nearly all machine tool tables/bases are made of cast iron for this purpose. Jerry is referring to a forged steel crankshaft which is an entirely a different animal altogether. Although not visible to the eye metals change composition drastically depending on how they are worked. All metals and thier alloys have different thermal characteristics. Nobody magically came up with what works. Welding, heat treating, and normalizing procedures are done by engineers. Here's some good metallurgical info:

http://www.mmsonline.com/onlinetools/

Curt B.