Re: welding a block
To weld cast iron the metal needs to be at least 400 degrees F iirc. Check with the welding rod instructions.
Many years ago my dad helped a friend rebuild a 100 ton punch press with a cracked bed. They took it to a heat treater who spend 2 days bringing it up to temperature, my dads friend welded it (sucessfully), then 2 more days cooling it. Heating/cooling too quickly could have warped or cracked it more.
Best bet is if it needs to be welded find someone with the experience to do it right (or plan on practicing on 200 or so junk pieces to get your technique right).
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