Carter Bandsaw bearings

major_bob · Post by **major_bob** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:56 pm

Any experience with the Carter Bandsaw bearing upgrade? I've never been completely satisfied with my SS bandsaw, although I realize much of the problem is "operator error" in terms of set up and adjustment.

Almost bought the Carter upgrade last year during the Woodworking Show and know I will be tempted again next month when it returns to St. Louis.

Would appreciate any advice on the Carter bearings and opinion of their value ($120).

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:53 pm

major_bob wrote:Any experience with the Carter Bandsaw bearing upgrade? I've never been completely satisfied with my SS bandsaw, although I realize much of the problem is "operator error" in terms of set up and adjustment.

Almost bought the Carter upgrade last year during the Woodworking Show and know I will be tempted again next month when it returns to St. Louis.

Would appreciate any advice on the Carter bearings and opinion of their value ($120).

Several members here have them and speak highly of them. I don't have them and probably won't get them because I don't have any complaints about my bandsaw.

That does not mean that its performance can't be improved. It just says that I am satisfied with it the way it is.

If you were to buy them what performance characteristics do you believe might be improved?

I think that you should get them installed and let us know what you think after you have spent $120.

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:50 am

major_bob wrote:Any experience with the Carter Bandsaw bearing upgrade? I've never been completely satisfied with my SS bandsaw, although I realize much of the problem is "operator error" in terms of set up and adjustment.

Almost bought the Carter upgrade last year during the Woodworking Show and know I will be tempted again next month when it returns to St. Louis.

Would appreciate any advice on the Carter bearings and opinion of their value ($120).

Bob,
I have the Carter bearings on one of my SS bandsaws and ceramic guides on another. I do like the Carters on my larger Delta saw, but in all honesty I think the ceramics are a better choice for the SS. I have made several other modifications to the SS Bandsaw that may be of interest to you.
Larry

reible · Post by **reible** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 6:02 pm

Hi,

I have a set of carter guides on one bandsaw (non-shopsmith) and a stabilizer that I can swap on or off. Keep in mind carter sells two different types of products, one is a replacement set of guide and the second is a "stabilizer".

For my shopsmith bandsaw I have done the forums home brew bearings and have the stabilizer in addition.

I really like the carter system. However I didn't like spending that much on the shopsmith and the home brew bearings do really well for a lot less cost. So best buy is the home brew, best performance carter.

I should mention I have ceramic guides on the shopsmith, use wolf blades except for resawing where I use a woodslicer.

Ed