One blade TIGged (2025 Update)

Mar 05, 2019 Last reply: 8 months ago 1 Replies
  This morning I braved the cold to make an alignment block so I could try welding that broken bandsaw blade . Milled a half inch wide by .023" deep slot down the length of a piece of aluminum ingot (from melted scrap) followed by a quarter inch slot along one edge , .050" deep , for tooth clearance . Added a .050 deep cross slot in the middle for clearance under the blade so shield gas could get down there . I clamped the blade with the ends just touching using a couple of short bar clamps

- which will be replaced with a screw and washer - and welded it at about 12 amps using some 1/16" ER312 . Tested it on a piece of half inch steel 2" wide cutting thru the half inch dimension . Left it cutting for a quick run into the house and when I came back the blade had stalled . I checked , I hadn't ground the blade all the way back to original thickness and it was hanging in the cut . Couple of minutes with the Dremel and we be jammin' now . I'm not planning on making my own bands , but it sure is handy to be able to repair one if needed - I did melt a couple of teeth , so this band will not be used for stock under 1/4" .



Snag Yes , I'm old and crochety - and armed . Get outta my woods !


  I thought I had a new one on the shelf ... no matter , there's one (probably by this time) out in my mailbox . If I like it I'll order another or two .

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