Carter Bandsaw Bearing

[paulmcohen]

I just installed one of the first Carter Band Saw Conversion Kits and I really love it. It comes with 8 bearings that replace the Cool Blocks that replaced the steel blocks that came with my Shopsmith Bandsaw. The saw is very smooth and now cuts straight as an arrow without lead, I also replaced my blade with a Shopsmith premium blade which may get some of the credit.

The bearing upgrade was not cheap at $113 with shipping but I am very happy.

The instructions were very easy to follow and the whole thing took 5 minutes.

I have had requests for pictures, let me know if anyone wants another view.
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[ldh]

Paul,
I checked the Carter site and don't find the Shopsmith conversion kit. I have the Carter bearings on a Delta 14" and have often wanted them for my Shopsmith band saw. If you have the part number please post it.
Thanks,
ldh

[mlettini]

Which kit did you use? Shopsmith is not listed on their website.

[paulmcohen]

Which kit did you use? Shopsmith is not listed on their website.

It was not on their site, I was on the phone with customer support on another issue and the subject came up. You can call or email and she can tell you the part number. It was $99 plus shipping ($14). I also spoke to the engineer who designed it and it sounded like I was the first one to get one, the picture in the instructions and the parts list did not match what I got but it worked perfectly.

Kristina Moore
Customer Sales & Service
Carter Products Company, Inc.
Toll free 888-622-7837
kristina@carterproducts.com
http://www.carterproducts.com

[ldh]

Paul,
Thanks for the info.
ldh

[paulmcohen]

Photo's on top of thread.

[reible]

Hi,

I don't have the shopsmith bandsaw but I love my Carter guides. One thing is how much noise has gone away since the switch, and then there is the performance! As far as price goes that is really cheap at $120, mine cost $150.

I was able to get the other Carter system, the Stabilizer™ just a few days ago for a few $ off at a close out so I looking forward to warmer weather to install it and do some testing of that. Anyway they had the shopsmith one listed as well @ $55 if anyone is interested. Go to:
http://www.ptreeusa.com/close_outs.htm#C3129
No promices this is the best price or that they will have any left....

Ed

[paulmcohen]

I have the Carter Stabilizer™ for the Shopsmith BS but I was misusing it. It is designed only for very small blades for tight cuts and I was doing straight cuts. Since installing the guides straight cuts are a dream.

[chiroindixon]

I'm certainly interested. Question is now, do the new guides AND the stabilizer work together? I knew the stabilizer was for doing more fine "scroll type" work.

The new guides intrigue me because the current drift on my SS Band saw is too large for me to trim out using the fence adjustment learned at a TA. I don't think my fairly new Timberwolf 1/2" blade is at fault.

Doc

[paulmcohen]

The top bearings and stabilizer fit in the same slot, Carter said the bottom bearing and stabilizer do work together but the adjustment would be very difficult with an extremely small blade that has any set in the teeth. The bearing needs to sit just behind the gullet.

Once you figure out how they are installed it takes less than a minute to swap the bearings for the stabilizer and a little longer to go the other way. The first time you remove the cool blocks does take some time and force, I used a small hammer and large nail set. I waxed the new ones before installing them.

For Re-sawing the are great because they support the entire blade.

I did replace my blade when I installed the guide, I found the old blade had a small kink which I am sure effected drift.