Cut through the BS! - Here's what you need to know about band saw guides 

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Would love to see a tutorial on proper tensioning of bandsaw blades.

Thanks Stumpy. I know I can always count on you for straight-shooting, no BS advice.

Thank you for being a consistent source of useful information, regardless of the woodworking topic.

My older-than-my-grampaw Craftsman 14" was drifting so badly, I almost scrapped it. Changed the steel guide blocks to Carter bearing guides, then put a new blade on it. Now, it cuts like a dream!! Actually my favorite tool in the shop, now. Never would have guessed they could make THAT much difference...!

I was going to buy an expensive guide system because my bandsaw sucked more than my extractor. After seeing your video I went to my local bearing shop and bought 6 bearings to replace the ones I had in my guides. Adjusted them properly and low and behold, it works like a new one. All up $30 plus an hour. Thanks James.

I appreciate your academic approach. I keep coming back to your tutorials because they're full of great info that seems unbiased and well thought out.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my Carter guides. Look o RU-vid for videos from Alex Snodgrass on the installation of these guides, as well as how to properly tune up your band saw. He usually covers both topics in one video. I installed them on my 30+ year old Jet band saw, and followed his tune up guide, and my saw runs like it's brand new.

Thanks for your thorough explanation of guides. You are good at explaining your subjects and making it easy to understand. Great job!

I had never heard of Harvey brand equipment, but I am really glad I haven't gotten a new bandsaw yet, this saw looks like exactly what I need, thank you!!!

You sold me Stumpy. Just pulled the trigger on the Harvey…using your link of course. Thank you for all the great videos over the years. 👍🏼

Thank you for your time and for sharing, I greatly appreciate your knowledge and experience.

Good job explaining the difference in band saw guides. I have been enlightened. Thanks

Great info Mr. Nubs! I would suggest to those who want better bearings. Take your old ones off and go to a Timken dealer or your local bearing house (most cities have them to support manufacturing) and they will get you a good set of sealed bearings. Not shielded only but sealed on both sides.

Hi there I have been watching your videos & absolutely love them I am a guy with a shed full of tools & thoroughly enjoy using them even more with your help & encouragement keep up the great work regards Age from Devon UK

As usual this is a clear, well paced, concise but info-packed presentation.

Appreciate your straight forward presentation.

Good info on this, I never figured the guides were so important, i will be making some changes in the shop. thanks

I used to have a cheap bandsaw that came with bearing guides. I thought it was too good to be true, and it was. That saw was nothing but frustration and blades seems to break early even though it had 14 inch wheels. When I tried to resaw with it, the bearing guide exploded on me, with ball bearings raining all over the place. I had to get them replaced with a high quality bearing. Then the "rack and pinion" guard adjustment was stuck, completely, so much so I was unable to raise or lower them at all. The guide, guard, and the entire mechanism is a one piece aluminum extrusion that made blade change very difficult. I ended up ripping out the entire rack and pinion system (very hard to do, everything fits with such tight tolerance, and this is why they got stuck). I was glad to get rid of the saw after I had bought a 26" bandsaw.

Very useful information, Jim. Thank you.

THanks, this was very helpful for me and my crappy bandsaw!! it explains some of my issues!

Really looking forward to your bandsaw comparison. Especially interested in learning more about Harvey.

As I may have previously posted, I was in the market for a bandsaw when I saw this video and bought an ambassador the next time it was on sale. I have the smaller 14" model, so it's possible I will upgrade in the future, but based on my experience with the ambassador, it will most certainly be another Harvey.

Good information James thanks for sharing with us.

Great info as usual Stumpy, thanks so much for all your efforts. Certainly appreciate you doing the research and letting us know.

As always, concise, helpful info. Thanks, James!

Great information. Well presented. Thank you.

Fantastic quality! As always.

My 16 year old daughters do resaw from home and make a killing and do pretty large production. They use carbide blades and haven't had to change or sharpen on either of the 3 saws in 18 months so far and for blocks they use a composite material that is from a structure on a US fighter jet that my step father brought home a large block of that was waste. Running a FLIR on the blade it runs much cooler than cool blocks is almost dead silent and the stuff machines great. I'm not sure what's in it but I know there is carbon fiber and kevlar amongst other things. I would be worried about fumes if they didn't have a super well ventilated shop. But the stuff is a miracle product I'm just not sure it's all that readily available ;)

Thanks for all of your advice

When I bought my used Ridgid saw, it was missing all four blocks, so I made some out of Lignum Vitae; has worked well.

I bought an 18” Harvey about this time last year (in Oz) gotta say, it’s a beautiful machine

Thanks James, that was great information.

a very useful and to the point video, thank you.

Thank you this was the best information anywhere on blade guides and has helped me make a much more informed choice. I am a classical guitar maker and I am looking for a small benchtop machine to cut literally 2mm x 40 cm straight strips from veneer logs ....I was prioritising bearing guides in my selection process....but it seems thats not the issue for my precise thin straight cuts 🙂

Trying to decide on which type of bandsaw I need. Have an old but very well cared for Delta table saw I need to sell before I make a purchase. Good article on guides.

Always learn something, thanks.

Thank you, a great video very informative.

Very nice guide for guides. Sadly, I have a small shop and no room - yet - for a bandsaw. This video will come in handy when that day arrives.

Thank you for this great tip 👍

I recently purchased a 14" bandsaw secondhand, 30 year old machine. I didn't think I'd be able to get a bandsaw like this, so thanks for giving me the language for the guides! Thought the only thing wrong was that the tires needed replacing but after taking her appart found that a prong to the bottom guide block had snapped off the casting. I was considering just upgrading the entire guide system, but after the video, maybe all I need is to slap on new bearings and, ofcourse, get a replacement guide block prong.

Another Very Well Done Video James👍

Looking forward to a review of your bandsaws. I’d like to know more about Harvey in particular, as well as steel frame vs cast iron.

I have used Carter and Sons bandsaw guides, The quality and customer support if you need them is second to none. I also use one of their steady rests on my lathe and again the quality and support if needed are second to none. This my preference for the type of work I do.

I have a Startrite 24" 10 speed bandsaw - the big brother of the one used by This Old Tony. I use it on metals and wood. It has solid cast iron blocks with a slot in them for the blade. The accuracy is incredible. I can cut steel to within a tenth - that is milling machine accuracy out of a bandsaw. Love it. Old British iron at it's best.

As always, you bring up excellent points I hadn't even considered. Thanks much and thumbs up to crush a troll.

Benefiting from many RU-vid videos tutorials on bandsaw guides, I have summarised the two basic requirements for blade guides: providing the best support to the blade and minimising the fiction. These two requirements sometimes are a trade of.... Have anyone thought of changing their metal bearing guide to using ceramic bearings. The rear bearing also should have the orientation of a thrust bearing so the blade has more support at the back. As the bearings are moving with self lubricating body in contact with the blade, this seems to provide the maximum support and minimum fiction. I bought a set of cheap after market metal bearing guide and tried it, it seems to work.

I am a sculptor and see the need for a bands saw for a large variety of projects, with materials from steel to perspex, i am looking at used saws. it might be outside the breif of wood work yet I am curoius on advice about used saws and managing different wood and materials, and yes ill look at your teeth guide :) thanks from Australia

I have a grizzly bandit has bearing that take for ever to adjust but it cuts great and blades last long enough. I am happy with it I am a hobbyist so.

Thanks, good information

Very cool explanation. Now to weigh my options!

Again...a wonderfully educational video. Thank you ever so much for your planning and time for this latest!

Are you reading my mind? Ha, was having a bit of trouble with cool blocks this week. Good timing!

Good tips!

How timely. I got my very first bandsaw literally two days ago. I've enjoyed it very much so far but have, as you brought up, experienced mild to moderate frustration at getting a bearing just so and then the act of tightening throwing it out of alignment. I purchased a Wen 10" bandsaw and am saving to purchase a Jet. Videos like this one that give insight toward setting everything up are infinitely helpful. Have been enjoying your content since I started my attempt at woodworking last year and am glad to see you still posting relevant videos to help those of us who are new to the skill. I still enjoy working on my Roubo style workbench that I constructed according to your specifications and get comments on how robust and sturdy it is. Thanks for being awesome.

Another great video. I have European style guides on my 14", big round flat pieces of plastic and have found a suitable replacement yet. Might just have to get a new bandsaw.

Thanks Mr. Nubbs. Is there a reputable site you would recommend we can use when comparing features? I try to take all of your helpful tips into consideration when buying tools, but often find myself digging around multiple websites to make an educated decision.

Fit an finish of what you are retro fitting to and the age of your saw also has to be taken into account. I have an older Grizzly 14” and even though there are excellent bearing guides on the market many don’t fit my model. I bought a retrofit kit from Grizzly but the fit was so poor that the bearings fixture would never sit perpendicular to the blade causing the blade to track off the wheel. Went back to cool blocks and no problems. When they wear I just touch them up on my disc sander.

great video thank you for the information. because I'm buying a bandsaw this week God bless your family and friends.

Smoldering sawdust is the name of my new band!

Great info! P

Stopped by Harvey woodworking last week and inspected their bandsaw. What a nice machine and I love the guides! I’m wondering if there is any way to attach Harvey guides to my Laguna 14BX. I’m going back up the their facility after the holidays to pick up my new table saw and I’ll take a harder look at how they mount their guides. Merry Christmas Stumpy!

Well organized and informative overview. Of course. BEli eve it or not, my trusty old Delta is still ticking along with the steel guides it came with 35 years ago. (The original tires are still good, too.) I might try something else, someday.

Hi James, As always great sensible advice. I'm looking at upgrading the guides on my DeWalt 3501 so this helped. Cheers, Huw

I have an old Delta Rockwell band saw. What blade guide would be the best for this saw? How much height of cut do you lose by adding the guide? Thanks for your information. I am new to woodworking and really appreciate your videos.

One more comment on the guide bar and post on my 14” Grizzly bandsaw, the best roller bearings on the market do not improve the cut if the bar and post are not secure. The bearing assembly on my saw is secured to the post with one (1) set screw.

I use hardwood (bocote or purpleheart) for my guide blocks from my scraps, quick and easy to cut with my bandsaw...😉

No B S .....I UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING YOU SAID STUMPY.GOOD VID MATE ☝️

Ordering a Harvey C14 Amdoing

Can you do a video on the Harvey bandsaw

So, how do you know if you got good ball-bearing guides or not? If you were buying them separately, you'd expect to pay more for good ones, but what about when they come with the saw? They don't break down the invoice for all the individual pieces, and I haven't seen any yet that offer a choice of what guides to use.

I love your videos! Can you comment about the poor dust collection of band saws and how to improve it? Have you done anything that works?

Mine has brass dowl guides have you ever used them ? Very hard to set up though 😎

I have brass (blocks) came with the old saw.. never had an issue.

Breaking in a blade the proper way also has a big effect on the tracking and longevity of the blade...

Hi - thanks for this very useful video. I recently bought an old craftsman 12 in that seems to be in decent shape. How do I know if the guide blocks are steel blocks or cool blocks? Are cool blocks attracted by a magnet?

15 minutes of frustration! That's on a good day :'-( lol

Thanks for videos especially for wana be wood crafts guy like me? Just picked up a old 1950's Delta 10" band saw for pretty much nothing and wondering if it's worth the $25.00 I spent on it?

Have you ever tried Vesconite guides, no friction, self lubricated, I am busy testing on abattoir bandsaws for now.

Those who criticise 'chinese' tools ought to get to know Harvey Machines and their tools. Their band saws and table saws are best in class. Wish I could afford them - very jealous of your TWO Harveys James.

I have a 18" Laguna and the guide adjustments are jut horrible. I bought the Carter guides for it and found they are just marginal better. I ended up using Carters on top and went back to originals on the bottom. I hate that saw and as a result would not buy anything Laguna anymore. Did I mention the table adjustment? I don't even want to go there. Good vid, Lee

could wood and tar build up on the the bearings warp the blade front to back. my blade came off not broken but warped the blade front to back making the blade useless and un fixable

What’s your experience with Carter bandsaw guides

Hi, good info in this video, thanks. My bandsaw has what looks like brass guide blocks. From my engineering experience I know that brass rubbing on steel is better than steel on steel. Have you heard of brass blocks being used? Any comments on them?

I use an 1941 Craftsman 12" Band Saw. It works very well especially after replacing the original Spring! But the guides are round not square. any ideas of how to make round guides out of newer material? The guides I have are copper. Thanks for your helpful videos.

I must have been too tired when I first watch the video. All good, ty for letting me know :-)

I do both wood working as well as metal working (metal lathe and milling machine). My Wilton 14" band saw has a geared as well as belt reduction setup so can go from around 50 sifm to 3200....this lets me cut wood as normal but also aluminum and steel in thicker pieces...1" - 2". That saw came with Cool blocks on side and ball bearing on rear top and bottom. Never had any problems with those materials or breaking blades or premature wear. Also has a 12" resaw capacity. My other small bandsaw used only for woodworking has ball bearings and did need to replace them once as they wore out....but I am wondering if the cool stop would be the best when dealing with cutting metals like i do...no problems thus far and accuracy is good for resaw and drift not an issue. I suspect cutting metal might be rougher on ball bearing gjuides but no evidence one way or the other. I do know that you need high quality double sealed ZZ rated bearings.

I have a 9” Ryobi, samall one car garage shop. My 1/2” 24th I blade just left burn marks on the wood I cut, not sure if it was because of a dull blade or was I putting too much pressure on pushing the wood through the cut.

No link in where to go for Cool Blocks?

When making a DYI inverted JIGSAW insert, what size bearing sleeve should be used (over a 5/16 bolt ). To go into a thrust bearing ? Do you have preference on bearing brand for this type project?! Great video thanks Jack in Idaho

Great Video as ever! I'm new to band sawing and picked up a used Grizzly G0457 for $500. I had to clean it up and get rid of some rust but it looks good now. I've watched several videos and have learned a lot. My question is: A friend brought me a 2 1/4" thick piece of white oak. He wants it ripped in to 3/16" strips for a project he has. I bought new blades before the project and proceeded to try and rip them for him. The piece is about 2' long. All goes well for about the first 6" of the cut and then the cut starts getting real wavy no matter how slow I go. It's a 3/4" blade at 3 or 4 teeth per inch. After 2 attempts a stopped cutting not wanting to waste his material. Any clue as to the cause? Thanks for any tips.

If you are going to upgrade bearings go for properly sealed bearings ( 2 RS in the designation) and go fora higher quality version - the tolerances are tighter and they run better. If you can buy stainless steel versions so much the better.

I’m looking for brand recommendations for upgrading to roller guides in my 14” Jet. Any thoughts from anyone?

Used Lignum Vitae for last 25+ years on my Delta 14”, just upgrading to the bearings on the Harvey .... fine then, upgrading the whole machine ..

Oohh i long for the day i can afford a better bandsaw. This cheap ryobi benchtop can be a pain...but right now its my only upgrade froma jigsaw 😬

Can you please comment on European style bearing guides? They are different in that the side bearings are parallel to the blade, and the back bearing is perpendicular, the opposite of most American manufacturers. They do appear easy to adjust.

I use my Oliver bandsaw all of the time I need to upgrade its guides, got any souses for quality bearing guides

I have a 28-200 from Rockwell and I did a bering upgrade but the thing i've bought dosent fit well what should I buy then if I do a lot of resaw ? My saw was extended to 14 inch as well.

Great video as always... mate, looking for an opinion and I won’t hold it to you. I’m about to make the jump to a ‘real’ bandsaw. I had narrowed the field down to 2 until i saw this video and you mentioned the Harvey bandsaw. For whatever reason i can’t find many videos on the Harvey bandsaws. Anyway, my shortlist up until this video was the Rikon 10-326, laguna 14bx. I’ve found i can purchase the Harvey Hw614e in Australia. What would you recommend for an extremely amateur bandsaw user out of those 3. I don’t do wood turning, primarily it will be resaw and detail work. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Keep up the great videos.

Stumpy! I replaced the worn out bearings on my Delta saw when I bought it used. The hardware store bearings were about $11 each, so i replaced them with some skateboard bearings which were the same size. Unfortunately they are worn out already and it's not been 6 months yet. Do you have a good source for quality bearings that dont break the wallet?