Thread: Cool Block alternatives

Originally Posted by Don Nethercott

I've got a Hafco bandsaw (14 inch). I'd like to get a set of Cool Blocks but don't know of anyone in Australia that sells them.

Even if they do they probably won't fit Hafco as it has square blocks in the top and round ones in the bottom.
Don

CarbatecWA had some Cool Blocks with square and round in the same pack, might be worth an email to them.
Measure yours as there are many different sizes.

Cool Blocks are great especially for small blades, no need to worry about the set of the teeth being damaged.
Tried hardwood blocks but they are not as good as genuine Cool Blocks.

Whats with the cool blocks??

Al :confused:

Better than hot b**locks eh!

Smooth gliding b/saw blade guides - mostly used by US B/Saws instead of the Euro style roller bearings
Cheers!

I replaced mine with rollers from new, and haven't had a problem.
Don't know if they are any better or not, because I never gave the blocks a chance, but the rollers are cool.

Cheers,

P

Thanks Sprog - nothing on their website so sent them an email.

I currently use rollers but with 1/8 inch blades there is not much to hang on to and they occasionally pop out giving me an out of square cut.

Don

Don,

I do use a special gadget for small blades, which has a grooved back bearing for the blade to run in and back off the side bearings so they don't contact the side of the blade at all.

No lower bearings at all.

Works a trick.

Cheers,

P

I tried redgum & (grey box) blocks a few years ago, didn't last long.

What about something like cypress, tallowwood, or another local timber that's oily/greasy?


Cheers...............Sean

Lignum Vitae, also a square block will fit in a round hole and the saw doesn't care.
I used redgum soaked in linseed, worked for me.
I know Carbatec used to sell the cool blocks and I think that teflon will work too.

Thanks folks for all the ideas.

Got an email from Carba-Tek (WA) and they have sets of 4 cool blocks for $49.
Looked in my drawer after I got the email to check the size of the blocks and what do I find - a Bandsaw Blade Stabilizer as recommended by bitingmidge.

Must be going senile as I don't remember buying it. However it is now attached to the saw and I'll see how it goes. Not sure however about no bottom guide. Guess I'll try it with and without. Any reason to not use a bottom guide Bitingmidge?

Thanks
Don

Originally Posted by Don Nethercott

Not sure however about no bottom guide. Guess I'll try it with and without. Any reason to not use a bottom guide Bitingmidge?

I bought mine from Ian Simpson who used to have Touchwood at Maleny. Ian gave me the instructions for use in no uncertain terms!

"Take off all the guides, (I just backed them well away from the blade), set up the grooved guide so the blade is just touching the roller, and under no circumstances use the bottom bearings."

It seems the guide does a good job of keeping the blade straight, but if it does hit the bottom guide without the side restraints, it has nowhere to go, but sideways.

Tighten the blade to "pinggggg!" It works for me.

I guess if you really wanted to use the bottom bearing, you should keep the side bearings in place as well, but try without first.

Set up properly with heaps of tension, you should get a cut that only needs finish sanding.

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

I replaced mine with rollers from new, and haven't had a problem.
Don't know if they are any better or not, because I never gave the blocks a chance, but the rollers are cool.

Cheers,

P

Main differance is that the roller bearing setup makes more noise than the 'cool blocks'.

This is only meaningful to those of you who still have hearing.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Main differance is that the roller bearing setup makes more noise than the 'cool blocks'.

This is only meaningful to those of you who still have hearing.

Eh?? Who's got an earring??? ...............


Cheers..................Sean, what's that?

G'day Cliff,

My EB has bearings for upper & lower sets, and is generally nice and quiet - But! when I do a big resawing job (well, big for that B/S, ie a full 150mm) does she howl! The neighbours dog just goes absolutely nutz:eek:

I've tried all sorts, and the bearings are all ok, but, blerry hell, when resawing - ear muffs are mandatory

Cheers!