I pulled off the old blade off the powermatic. It measures out to about 151-1/2".
what was on there was a 1/2" 12 tooth blade. We’ve got some coiled blades right by the saw if anyone wants to measure and weld one.
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How much slack adjustment is there in the blade, i.e. would a 150"- 153" work. I’ll order one if you want. Is there 152" of blade out there to weld. I believe Chuck Graf know how to weld the blades
not sure why they don’t use the on-machine grinder, but…
in case it’s not clear, a “double anneal” is where you heat the blade, but not quite to glowing on the first pulse, then half that time for the second pulse. When I was taught, I guess we did a “quadrupile or better” anneal, because we were taught to heat it til it just starts to glow, then allow to cool slightly, then cut the time in half, repeating pulsing the welder until we couldn’t cut it in half reasonably again. This was usually 4-5 pulses. Annealing allows for better flexibility (which you probably already knew). Then we ground it to shape with the on-machine grinder.
I’d suggest using a blade bound for the dumpster to practice. Cut it into 6" or so pieces, and practice til the cows come home. After welding, annealing, and grinding, grab each end and flex. It should have a nice clean arc and bend to about 1/2 the radius of the tires without breaking (actually, you should be able to “fold” a full blade into a small circle without fear of breakage).
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Woodshop goes through a lot of these suckers, so just put the word out and they can be deposited somewhere for welding practice.
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What are they made from? I’m wondering if we can’t use a few for jewelry as a soldering trivet?
the blade measured 151 1/2". I don’t think there is that much more movement in the wheels so like 152 would be the maximum I would try.
The blade is on there now and poor->bad correct? We could pull that one, use some of it for practice, and replace with the coiled stock.
Edit: Definitely interested in learning/practicing this skill and will probably be up at the space sometime later today.
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YES. I left it there for anyone to use.
Maybe cut the old one up into 1 foot sections for teaching and practicing welding of blades. I had spoken with Chuck Graf in the past about buying coils of blade an making out own since we’d be using the same blade for cutting metal. Whn at Space today later, I’ll start looking on line to order some.
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Probably an expensive factory replacement part.
looks like a 3/4" pneumatic belt sander. even northern tool carries one.
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We have one in the metal shop.
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As far as I know, most of those in use in these parts are bimetal, but it varies.
No idea how that might be suited for your proposed purpose.