Thread: cold blocks for BP-14A bandsaw

You can make your own from oily wood.

Try it, it really does work.

Cam

Dear Cam,

Thanks, but I am embarrassed to show my ignorance! What do you class as oily wood--an oily type of timber or oiled timber? If it is the former, can you suggest which type of timber to use?

Regards,
Minimania

Minimania,

Have a look at the following thread that I started a few months ago. I am not sure if the guides are the same on the BP14a but it will provide you with information on where to get the ceramic guides.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=29681

Ceramic guides are quite different to cool blocks. Cool blocks can be used butted ahrd up against the sides of a thin blade to support it without destroying it.

My wood blocks are made from Tas Oak and Belian (decking) that were soaked in oil for days first. Mind you, I have been soaking some in oil for months now and will replace the old ones soon.

Naturally oily hardwoods would be even better (such as lignum vitae or the like), but I found that my little attempt seems to work fine.

Cam

Thanks for the information. I happen to have some lignum vitae- I bought a whole box of 1/2 " 'shuttle blanks' of various woods years ago and didn't know what to do with them. Do I use linseed oil? I really am ignorant!!!!

Minimania

Don't get overly technical. The wood supports the blade, the oil allows the blade the run through slickly.

The advantage of this is that the blocks are cheap, easily replaced and can be butted hard up against the blade (and the blade will cut its own track as needed).

I did use linseed, but only cause it is cheap and I had some lying around (and I wasn't going to use my better woodworking oils).

I hope that this helps.

Cam

Thanks. I've already cut the blocks so I'll soak them for a few days.

Minimania

Yeah, I did a bit more bandsawing last night after fixing my guides with helicoils (but that is another story).

The wood blocks really do work nicely.

Cam