Use and Care Manual

13
Figure 13
12.4 Annealing
The blade must now be annealed, or cooled at a
controlled rate to prevent it becoming too brittle.
The general procedure follows. Specific procedure
will depend upon blade type, as described in
sections 12.4.1 through 12.4.3.
1. Turn pressure selector knob all the way to left
so clamp jaws are closest to each other.
2. Insert blade into clamps so that weld area is
centered between clamps. Secure blade in
jaws with the clamp handles.
3. Quickly press and release (“jog”) the anneal
button (Figure 13). Repeat jog process until
you see a slightly red glow from weld area.
Do not press and hold the
anneal push button. The weld will be
overheated and will fail due to excessive
heat.
4. Release both blade clamps, allow blade to
cool, then remove blade from clamps.
5. Check weld integrity. Bend blade to form a
radius at point of weld. The size of the radius
should be approximately the same as radius of
band saw drive wheel. The weld must hold and
not break or crack after forming the radius. If
the weld breaks, cut away welded area and
repeat welding-annealing process.
6. Check to make sure welded section is same
thickness as rest of blade. If not, grind off
excess weld material using the grinder. Refer
to section 12.5, Blade grinding.
If blade is thicker at the weld
than at the rest of the blade, using the blade
may damage the guides.
The following are variations of the general
procedure, based upon blade type:
12.4.1 Carbon steel blades
1. Press and jog the annealing switch button until
weld is a "dull cherry" to "cherry red" color.
2. Allow blade to cool slowly by decreasing
jogging frequency.
12.4.2 Carbon steel hard back blades
1. Heat blade slowly until weld becomes a deep
blue color.
2. Continue to heat by jogging the anneal button
until the width of the blue color is one-half the
length of the band exposed between the jaws.
3. Do not overheat or the temper of the band will
be damaged. Caution - Do not heat beyond
the "blue" stage. If the band begins to show
any red color, it is too hot. Cool quickly by
releasing the anneal button.
Figure 14
12.4.3 Bi-Metal blades
1. Heat blade slowly by jogging the annealing
switch button until weld just begins to emit light
(dull red color). The desired color may not
always be visible in normal room light - always
shade the weld area with your hand.
2. Cool the weld quickly by releasing the
annealing button.
3. Follow this procedure before and after grinding
bimetal blades.