Had to pick between a whole new bandsaw blade or just a weld repair yesterday

My 9 foot blade snapped clean in half while breaking down a side of beef. Local sharpening guy wanted $18 to weld and re-stress it, but a new blade was $32. I went with the weld and it's tracking fine so far, but I'm wondering how many times you can re-weld a blade before it gives out. Anybody ever push one past 3 welds?

3 comments

3 Comments

faith_thomas9d ago

Why risk a weak weld failing mid-cut when a new blade is only $14 more?

the_jennifer9d ago

Used to be one of those "buy once cry once" guys who thought welding blades was a waste of time. Then my buddy at the shop convinced me to try it on a long blade that was getting pricey to replace. Honestly surprised me how well it held up. That first weld lasted through a bunch of cuts on pork shoulders and briskets before I finally snapped it again about six months later. Got it rewelded twice more after that and it finally gave out at weld number four, just started cracking right at the joint. Your mileage may vary, but I'd say three or four is about the max before the metal gets too fatigued. Keep an eye on it and you'll probably be fine for a good while longer.

sarah8189d agoMost Upvoted

@faith_thomas @the_jennifer you meant three reweld cycles max before the metal gives out, not four.