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.
I’ll be showing you how to make the guides for the blade and the saw’s table. This bearing will slow down the blade and stop it from going backwards when cutting with the band saw. I’ll use the band saw to make the four big knobs I need using plywood scraps I had left over from other saw parts.
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.
On a typical wood or metal cutting blade the hook or of point of the blade should be pointing down for a vertical blade bandsaw, or for a horizontal blade saw the hook of the teeth should be pointed such that they enter the workpiece first as the blade moves. During regular cutting on a well set up bandsaw the blade will move or bow backwards a bit as you press the workpiece into it. The side guides will assist in keeping the blade cutting straight, but they are not an iron lock on the blade forcing it to cut straight.
how to make bandsaw guides Related Question:
What are bandsaw guide blocks made of?
What is the Difference? Cool Blocks are made out of graphite impregnated phenolic resin laminate. Ceramic Guide Blocks are made of aluminum oxide powder that has been compressed into shape under tremendous pressure, then heated at over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
How far should the blade guides be from the blade of the bandsaw?
Set the front of the blade guide about one-sixteenth of an inch from the deepest part of the blade gullets (the spaces between the teeth on the blade). The blade guides must ride behind the teeth on the bandsaw blade.
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.
Which way should the teeth face on a bandsaw?
On a typical wood or metal cutting blade the hook or of point of the blade should be pointing down for a vertical blade bandsaw, or for a horizontal blade saw the hook of the teeth should be pointed such that they enter the workpiece first as the blade moves.
How much space should there be between a band saw blade and the upper guide blocks?
The guide blocks should have an air gap on both sides of the blade the thickness of a piece of paper. The upper guide assembly should be anywhere from 1/4″ to 1/2″ above the work piece being cut. If too much blade shows, it becomes dangerous.
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.
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 far should the safety guard be above the stock band saw?
Keep guards in place at all times. The blade guard should be from 1/8 to ¼ inch above stock. Keep hands away from blade and do not open upper or lower bandsaw doors while blade is in motion. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times; do not overreach.
What causes bandsaw blade drift?
Drift is cause because the blade buckles under the load. You can see that by stretching a ribbon between 2 points and applying a pressure to one of the edges, it will turn sideway easily. A sharp blade and high blade speed will help a lot with that.
Can a bandsaw blade be turned inside out?
Re: Turning a band blade inside out hi ,just get heavy gloves,an uncoiled blade ,step on the bottom and turn the blade inside out,and it will go right on a turner mill and just reverse the blade to sharpen. Thanks.