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Bandsaw Blade Guides

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2K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  docholladay 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have heard of doing this, but thought I would ask if any of you had tried this before I tried it. I know that standard band saw guide blocks and even after market cool blocks are not expensive, but I won't be able to get to woodcraft or anywhere that would have them in stock for a week or two. I heard of using a block of a dense hardwood such as rosewood, maple or similar cut and fit to size as makeshift blade guides to replace a damaged or loose blade guide. Have any of you done anything like this in a pinch? Maybe you know of a better idea. I am open to suggestions. Then one more question. This is a used Delta Band Saw that I recently purchased. I have just now gotten around to tuning it up and getting it going. The reason one of the blade guides is missing is because the set screw for one of the upper blade guides is stripped. It came loose and during transport to my shop, apparently, the blade guide managed to slip out and I have not been able to find it. Also, based on the other upper blade guide, I doubt it was in very good shape anyway. Anway, how would you recommend I repair this stripped out blade guide set screw. I thought about trying to simply go one size larger and tap it out to that size, but there isn't a lot of extra metal to work with there so I am not too sure about doing that. Your input is much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I used wood for bandsaw blocks and they worked fine. It goes much quicker to cut a long piece to thickness and width, and then cut off sections to fit the various places ( you need 4 blocks right ?). As to the stripped one, I don't know how much room there is, but if you are talking about the screw that holds the block in place, it doesn't require much tension, so you would need too much metal, and going up one size should work out ,though you might want to post a picture to show how much meat is left. If for example it was a 10 /24 and you went up to a 1/4 , the diameter of the whole would only increase by .06.
 
#3 ·
Thanks. I think I am going to try and move up to the next size on the set screw and see what happens. I really don't have anything to lose. If it doesn't work, I'll just get me a Carter Roller guide kit that replaces the whole mechanism anyway. As for the blocks, that is a great idea to cut it to width size first and then cut in sections. I suppose I could make several sets that way while I am at it.
 
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