Thanks AVB and Tyler,
I had to take it apart to understand what you meant, the cable was in perfect condition but the slot inside the cutter head was clearly built to fail. I thought as long as I am here we have nothing to lose but time, I filled the cutter head up with Devcon (epoxy glue) and then welded the flexible shaft onto it. As I am a pretty poor welder it kinked the flexible shaft a little bit making it harder to turn. My neighbour said it worked for about 15 minutes until he shut it off, then he broke the starter rope trying to get it started again. He has gone and bought a new AEG electric one and is very happy with it. I guess we will never know for sure but in all honesty I am surprised my weld lasted for 15 minutes.
