This study explores the effects of different pre-machining conditions on the deposition characteristics and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel samples repaired using direct energy deposition (DED). In the DED repair process, defects such as pores and cracks can occur at the interface between the substrate and deposited material. In this study, we varied the shape of the pre-machined zone for repair in order to prevent cracks from occurring at the slope surface. After repairs by the DED process, macro-scale cracks were observed in samples that had been pre-machined with elliptic and trapezoidal grooves. In addition, it was not possible to completely prevent micro-crack generation on the sloped interfaces, even in the capsule-type grooved sample. From observation of the fracture surfaces, it was found that the cracks around the inclined interface were due to a lack of fusion between the substrate and the powder material, which led to low tensile properties. The specimen with the capsule-type groove provided the highest tensile strength and elongation (respective of 46% and 571% compared to the trapezoidal grooved specimen). However, the tensile properties were degraded compared to the non-repaired specimen (as-hot rolled material). The fracture characteristics of the repaired specimens were determined by the cracks at the sloped interfaces. These cracks grew and coalesced with each other to form macro-cracks, they then coalesced with other cracks and propagated to the substrate, causing final fracture.