t10499/t10500 Blade Welder
-11-
Annealing Weld
When the blade ends are welded, the metal
becomes hard and brittle, which is not suitable
for a bandsaw blade that must continuously bend
smoothly under stress.
to bring the weld strength and flexibility to accept-
able levels for a bandsaw blade, the annealing
process re-heats the weld area, then allows it to
cool gradually.
To anneal the weld:
1. place the blade in the clamps so that the
weld is centered between the clamps.
2. secure the blade by moving both clamp
levers up.
3. Make sure the anneal strength switch is in
the proper position for the width of the blade
(refer to the charts in
Step 8 on Page 9).
4. for Carbon Steel Blades: rapidly press
and release—do not hold—the anneal but-
ton (see
figure 18) until the weld zone turns
a dull red color. Continue pressing the anneal
button with decreasing frequency until the
weld no longer glows.
for Bi-Metal Blades: rapidly press and
release—do not hold—the anneal but-
ton until the weld zone starts to glow, then
release the anneal button completely.
Correct
Not Correct
Not Correct
Correct
Not Correct
figure 19. Comparison of correct and incorrect
blade weld bends.
5. Allow the blade to completely cool.
6. remove the blade from the clamps.
7. grind the weld flat on both sides so the blade
will run smoothly on the bandsaw wheels.
Note: Make sure not to grind the teeth or
blade body. Do not overheat the blade during
grinding—this will weaken the blade.
8. for Bi-Metal Blades Only: repeat Steps
3–5 (not Step 6).
9. test the strength and flexibility of the weld
by bending the blade in an arc (with the
weld at the top of the arc) similar in size and
shape of the bandsaw wheels. the blade
should bend smoothly without any angles
(see
figure 19).
— if the blade does show signs of bending or
breaking at the weld, use the blade shear
to completely remove the weld and perform
the
Blade Preparation and Welding pro-
cedures again that begin on
Page 7.
10. turn the /oFF switch oFF, then disConneCt
WeLder FroM poWer!
11. thoroughly clean the welding clamps to
remove debris, oily substances, or flash from
previous welding operations. if necessary,
lightly sand them with 120-grit emery cloth.
figure 18. Annealing controls.
Anneal
strength switch
Anneal Button
