Replies

1. 
   Floss | Mar 03, 2004 08:50pm | #1

   Jim,

   I use bandsaw blades all the time for scratch stock material. I just use a grinder with a coarse wheel to cut/grind a section off. Then I grind of the teeth so that I dont cut myself. Havent had any problems with loss of temper. If I blue the steel slightly I just grind that section away and then I am ready to shape any profile needed with various files. You also need to make a holder for the blade so that you can set up the cutter with a fence. If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them.

   J.P.

2. 
   Napie | Mar 03, 2004 09:31pm | #2

   I use them for bow saw blades as well as small cutting blades.  Cut them with a Dremel cut-off wheel.

3. 
   SawdustSteve | Mar 03, 2004 10:56pm | #3

   Hi Jim   YES, you can reweld broken bandsaw blades.  A standard blade for a 14" bandsaw runs aproximately 96 inches in length.  You can usually work with a blade as short as 92 or 93 inches before it will not fit onto the saw.  So... one or two re-welds is not out of the question.  The biggest problem is finding someone with the proper machinery to do it.    It can be done with a Bernz-o-Matic  (MAPP gas) torch and some silver solder.   The ends have to be ground to a scarf joint, heated, fluxed and a SMALL piece of solder added to join the metal.  If done carefully, you won't even hear a 'thwump' as the joint passes through the guide blocks.    Check with the guy (or gal) who does your saw sharpening.  They usually know someone who does a good job.  From experience, I have found that the blade will usually get dull enough to NOT reweld after one repaier.    SDawdustSteve

1. 
   JDorn | Mar 04, 2004 01:46am | #4

   I'm pretty sure a standard 14" cast iron saw uses 93.5 inch blades not 96

4. 
   Steinmetz | Mar 04, 2004 03:54am | #5

   jgedwa. The now defunct Woodworkers Warehouse stores sold the kit to weld your own blades 15-18 bux.

   Check with WoodCraft and buy one. OR , after seeing it's jig, (Something like a splicing device to cut and mend 16 mm roll film) make your own jig and practice brazing and scarfing technique.

   I think instead of propane gas, you'll use Mapp gas. (It gets hotter)   Stein.

1. 
   PlaneWood | Mar 04, 2004 06:47am | #6

   I 'googled' around the internet one time looking for band saw blade welders.  I quickly decided that I'd have to reweld something like a 500 of my blades before breaking even!  I used blade welders in the Army and they were a snap to use.  Most high end metal bandsaws come with them.  But, I've never seen a wood bandsaw that did.

   I've tried doing the silver solder bit and also tried brazing, but it ain't easy without the proper equipment to align the blade.  After my best weld lasted only 30 minutes I called Timberwolf and ordered some new blades.

   ps - my 'MOS' in the army was Blacksmiths Apprentice.  I could repair a Howitzer under battle field conditions.  (Like H-E-L-L)  How many of you have used a forge to bend a 2" steel rod into a tight circle?  The only thing I got from that was a big right arm.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

5. 
   jackiechan | Mar 04, 2004 08:05am | #7

   Jim,

   This is what you want - $30 at Lee Valley. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=41049&category=1,41036,41048&ccurrency=2&SID=

   View Image

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

6. 
   forestgirl | Mar 04, 2004 08:24pm | #8

   Jim, the Suffolk catalog lists band saw blade welding centers in the back.  P.S. Machinery in Bethel Park, PA is the closest to you, I believe.  Phone is 800-939-4414.  You could also send them to Suffolk in New York, 800-234-7297.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

7. 
   jgedwa | Mar 05, 2004 05:16am | #9

   Thanks to everyone for the advice.   It was very helpful.

   jim e

1. 
   DennisS | Mar 05, 2004 07:21am | #10

   One thing nice about doing business with the local folx as opposed to the big boxes or mail order ..... Eastside Saw, my saw shop of choice welds my blades for free since I buy all of them there in the first place.

   They'll weld a blade twice, I think, after that they won't guarantee it. Also the welds have to be a min. distance apart.

   I've cut bandsaw blades with a large pair of tinsips. Doesn't always leave the best end on the cut, though - sometimes there's a little curl you have to deal with. I got a scrap piece of a 1 1/2" bandsaw blade from eastside that I've made into some really narrow parting tools.

   ...........

   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.

   Dennis