Thread: newbie advice-small blades for bp355

Hello Xgrain,
If your bandsaw does not have ball bearing guides you may require a set to run the 1/8 blades efficientlly, we have the 1/8" bandsaw blades available can order the guides if required, there may be some other opinions on the best set up to run these blades.
Thanks Johnno

You need to have blade guides to ensure straighter cuts in using the 1/8 blade. It could be a little tricky in setting up a 1/8 blade but all you really need is patience.

I do believe its ball bearing guides.
Both side and rear.
I just wonder if its worth trying something in between? is there a blade between 6mm and 3mm

oh and while I have your attention. All the net searches bring up imperial blade sizes while here (well H&F) have them in metric. Do we have a standard metric size chart anywhere? or are they just simply a straight conversion.


cheers

Hello Xgrain
If you multiply the imperial inches size by 25.4 you will calculate the metric lenght.
Regards Johnno

OK update,
I went home and had a closer look at the bp355 with the 6mm (1/4") on and Im on the edge. The guide system is just not designed to handle anything smaller.

In order to get the thrust bearing out far enough to support the back of the blade, the side bearings are so wide they rub on the teeth.

either the side bearings need to be thiner or the thrust bearing need to come further out.
Basically not dooable with this guide block.

I also had a close look at the guide arm holder and guard and its really got some play in it when you consider fine work.
For eg, In its furthest up position the side bearings are about half way on the blade (ie clear of the teeth) but at full down(close to table) the side bearings are almost in front of the teeth, ie would ride on them.

So Im going to have to have a better look at the hole thing ;( make/get a new guide at least and sure up the guide rack system.

Cant complain really when you consider the cost.So far for any resaw or rough out work its been fantastic. Im just getting picky now

Originally Posted by johnnyd

Hello Xgrain,
If your bandsaw does not have ball bearing guides you may require a set to run the 1/8 blades efficientlly, we have the 1/8" bandsaw blades available can order the guides if required, there may be some other opinions on the best set up to run these blades.
Thanks Johnno

What guides were these? a link or picture?

Hi xgrain, if your looking at doing tight radius cutting a 1/8" works great and I know the problem with the guides and rear bearing. So to make my life easier I purchased a 'blade stabilizer', this add on will take 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" blades.

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...Carter6-sm.jpg

It doesn't use any guides, top guide is removed and the lower one is loosened and pushed back. There is a hole, horizontal either front to back or left to right, depending one your band saw for mounting. The blade sits in the slotted bearing and is tensioned forward slightly.

Also, with or without the stabilizer, I 'round' the back of the blade body to take the square off using a stone - power unplugged and turning by hand.

Check out for Carter Stabilizers there, got mine from the U.S, a little pricy but worth it for me. This is what is used in the Video of Snodgrass on Utube ??

cheers,
glenn

Thanks Glenn I have been looking into them neat little gizzmos. Im currently trying to work out which one may suit the hafco bp355.

Hello Xgrain,
The blade guide set is from http://www.carbatec.com.au/deluxe-14-guide-set_c720 and as I stated in the post we can order them in, normally I keep a set in stock
Thanks Johnno

Hi,i have the same bandsaw and tried the carter stabiliser but couldn't find the right one .Took a punt and ordered one that i thought might fit ,big mistake. Ended up using the bearing from the carter in place of my existing thrust bearing ,works a treat .The carter bearing is slightly larger just enough to make contact with the back of the blade.So just order the bearing ,i bought two so that i have a spare. Good luck

I had trouble ordering the right one also, the LeeValley description was for an older craftsman (2005), returned it and got the correct one direct from Carter. My machine is a Craftsman but a Rikon copy - new last year and happy with it. Almost part for part. Price for the stabilizer was $80 Canadian + shipping and excise tax - ended up at $105. But had to bite the bullet..

Good luck with your decision, which ever way you go.

glenn

I got my blade guides from bandsawparts.com. They have replacement band saw parts for most of the brands. They have lesser price than most source of replacement parts.