I made the blade guides from pieces of UHMW plastic, since I found that works great for the wide blades I would be using. The blade above is 3/8″ and that is as small as these blade guides will allow – they can’t be adjusted any deeper into the holder without hitting the clamping screw. Second, they were still difficult to adjust, due mainly to how the screws tighten from above, right next to the blade.
Bandsaw blade guides Design considerations This is the upper blade guide design for my new bandsaw. Mounting the lower guide With a blade mounted and tensioned in the saw, I can now use the blade as a reference to check where the guide needs to be mounted. Otherwise, the blade guides will not move parallel to the blade and will need adjustments every time the vertical position is changed.
Aftermarket graphite and ceramic guide blocks work well, but before you buy, consider making your own blocks from any dense hardwood, such as maple. When worn, hardwood blocks can be sanded or trimmed true. After cutting the blocks to fit, I stand them in a small container with some WD-40 to allow the end grain to absorb extra lubricant.
Im wanting to try replacing my euro style guides with wood guides for my MM20. Anyone here done this and can show me some photos. My euro guides are large, not sure how to secure the wood in the bearing holder since the euro guides have a threaded end and lock nut. They are loud and just a PITA. I have read several articles on using wood cool blocks that ride against the blade and the advantages are the blocks will not heat the blade, if the blocks come in contact with the blade teeth they will not dull the teeth, less noise and vibration,,,so I have read. Manufactures are invested in metal blade guides which IMO is why you do not see wood guides offered on the internet.
diy band saw guide Related Question:
What is the purpose of having blade guides on a band saw?
Bandsaw blade guides keep the bandsaw blade on track while cutting through materials. Blade guides should be set above and below the saw table to help reduce vibration by holding the bandsaw blade in place while cutting. This assures a precise and quality cut.
How high should the guide be on a band saw?
Make sure the wheels and blade are in good condition. Make sure the blade is positioned properly on the track. Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch to 6mm or 1/4 inch above the top of the material being cut. Wider gaps will place tension on the blade and increase the risk of breaking.
Why can’t I cut a straight line with my bandsaw?
Band Saw: Why won’t my band saw cut straight? When the band saw cuts crooked, a dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension or not using a work piece guide could be the cause. Use the rip fence or miter gauge to guide the work piece uniformly through the cutting blade to make straight cuts.
Why does my band saw wander?
The crown of the bandsaw wheels is what keeps the blade in place. The blade will always try to climb to the highest point of the wheel, the top of the crown. If the wheels are worn and do not have a distinct top to the crown then the blade will not know where to go, and may wander around.
What is the number 1 safety rule of the band saw?
Safety Rules Safety glasses are required. Never clear small pieces while blade is moving. Never adjust saw or setup while saw is running. Never cross arms.
How close do you set the side guides on the band saw?
The front of the side guides should be located about 1/16″ back from the deepest part of the blade gullets. You don’t want the side guides to contact the cutting teeth of the blade since the teeth flare out at a slight angle. This adjustment is made to both the top and bottom guides.
Where should a bandsaw blade sit on the wheel?
Make sure the machine is disconnected from the power supply. When tracking, you always want to make sure that the blade is sat on the crown of the wheel, with the deepest part of the gullet in the centre.
How much does it cost to build your own sawmill?
The cost of a portable mill is about $1,500 for the base mill, plus an optional $500+ for a mechanical jack-hoist to get the logs up on the bed. A stationary mill, with all components but the engine bought new, would cost $5,000 or $6,000, and about half that used — and you still have to install it.
How much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.