Thread: Ceramic guide blocks on BP16a

Put them on the lathe and turn them round...
Actually, I have NFI
They do work well though (the ceramic guides that is). Been using em on my SW1401 for a while now and they keep my blade running very true indeed.

Thanks Dean ..... I had thought of that but I shudder when I think of the mess I could make of them.

Can you provide a picture or link to the guides that yov have now?

Greg

Measure up the hole diameters - I've seen some on-line sites that have round cross section ceramic blocks, 1/2" fits Sear's bandsaws. I think if you rummage around on the 'Net you'll find something to suit.

Originally Posted by gregoryq

Can you provide a picture or link to the guides that yov have now?

Greg

Will do ... tomorrow

Ok I have managed to get a photo or two of the guides ...... It goes to show how little shed time I have had lately

The guides I was thinking of purchasing are here .....
http://www.northwoodtools.com.au/sgs1.asp

I was thinking it may be possible to use the thrust bearings as the main guide ..... mmm not sure.

Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot

I was thinking it may be possible to use the thrust bearings as the main guide ..... mmm not sure.

The original ball bearing used as a thrust bearing (on the generic 14in saws like mine) is, I think, a 6200 which measures 30 x 9 and mounts on a 10mm shaft. If your side bearings measure the same or at least have a 10mm shaft then you could possibly use the replacement ceramic bearings as you suggest.

I'm curious.

The rear bearing seems to be pretty much bisected by the blade, which would make it a bit of a challenge for it to spin I would have thought?

I have mine set up about 25% from the outside edge.

The side bearings on the other hand (excuse my ignorance when it comes to big blokey machines) seem to be at right angles to logically where they work?

Again my bearings are set up so the blade is held between the wheel bearing surfaces ie at right angles to the way they are set up here.

I couldn't imagine why you'd want to change till I saw this setup!

Or am I missing something?


cheers,

P
:confused:

bitingmidge .....

Yep you are not wrong. Logic would suggest that the bearing be orientated so that they are at 90 deg to the blade.

As for the thrust bearing the blade really wasn't set for the photos. Generally the blade is set to the side of the top bearing which when pressure is applied the bearings spin. The side bearings have always concerned me but it does work.

The reason for the ceramic guides is the fact that I have a very small blade that I need to use for a project.

No solution, just want to keep an eye on this thread.

H.

G'day,

I'll put another question into the mix.

What's the concenus on guide blocks with roller bearings? As I'm going to replace my metal guide blocks with these on my next visit to C/Tec (rubbing hands with estactic glee )

Or should I consider something else?

Originally Posted by Waldo

What's the concenus on guide blocks with roller bearings?

I tried them and found they produce a fair bit of extra noise. An added bonus with a friction type guide is the blade stays clean IMO.

G'day,

So run with what SirStinkalot is looking at?

Yep, but I've only got a 14inch saw so the square guides from Northwoods went straight in.