bandsaw guides

recurvericky · December 22, 2011, 07:52:00 PM

I have been thinking about replacing my bandsaw blade guides and have found alot of different views on which ones to use. I would like to get your recommendations.

PEARL DRUMS · December 22, 2011, 08:01:00 PM

Good question.

GREG IN MALAD · December 22, 2011, 08:17:00 PM

I replaced the phenolic blocks on my saw with the Carter roller guides. The only complaint I have is the bearings aren't sealed very well and every 6 months or so I have to clean out and re-grease the bearings. Even with the seal problems, I would never go back to guide blocks. Roller guides are the only way to go in my opinion.

Roy from Pa · December 22, 2011, 08:20:00 PM

I've been wanting to switch to roller guides too.

kennym · December 22, 2011, 08:35:00 PM

Rollers! I have never gotten along with blocks very well...

My Griz came with open bearings?? , but I put sealed bearings from the local machine shop on it,lasts waaay longer! Cheaper and no shipping.

recurvericky · December 23, 2011, 10:27:00 AM

Which roller guides do you like? I was looking at the Carter, but for my Ridgid they are over $170. There is also a set made by Iturra for $58.

2treks · December 23, 2011, 11:01:00 AM

I just saw in the woodcraft catalog that you can also get a roller bearing that replaces the cool blocks,goes right in the same hole and the block.
Here it is
http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2001885/BandRollers.aspx
I like the Carters,Made in Michigan

Merry Christmas
Chuck

Roy from Pa · December 23, 2011, 01:03:00 PM

Anyone ever make their own roller setup?

Living_waters · December 23, 2011, 01:15:00 PM

Hard maple soaked down with silicone spray...... Im cheap

canopyboy · December 23, 2011, 01:35:00 PM

ITURRA Rocks!!

Anything I've gotten from them has been top notch. Their catalog is (or at least used to be, I should get a new one) like a textbook on how to tune and get the most from your bandsaw. On the phone they're very helpful as well.

Roy from Pa · December 23, 2011, 01:43:00 PM

Ya have a website for them?

recurvericky · December 24, 2011, 09:17:00 AM

From what I have read they do not have a website. You can email them for a catalog at KALLL@comcast.net

legends1 · December 24, 2011, 11:00:00 AM

Only rollers!

recurvericky · December 26, 2011, 09:39:00 PM

I requested a catalog so I will let you know what else they carry.

Tom Leemans · December 28, 2011, 09:42:00 AM

Rollers. Many of them can use sealed skateboard bearings. (608ZZ, 608Z, 6082RS) The suffix usually denotes the seal or shield type. They're cheap and it beats cleaning out the open type all the time.

Adam Keiper · December 28, 2011, 10:19:00 AM

I've had bearings on my Grizzly for years, and they've been a pain, always locking up with sawdust and gunk. A couple have locked up permanently and are beyond cleaning. Once they all finally seize, I'm going with the nylon blocks for the ease of maintenance.