Shopsmith Forums

Hi All,

I've been toying with whether to buy & experiment with different blade guides on the bandsaw. I'm just thinking about differing types of block-guides for now, no rollers or other exotic ideas.

What are your experiences with Cool Blocks or Ceramic blocks? And do you use primarily >=1/2" blades or =<1/4" blades when choosing your guide-block preferences?

One reason I ask, is that I seem to recall months ago on this Forum that Nick said he preferred conventional guide-blocks. I'm not necessarily looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, but maybe a recommendation for different blocks at different situations...

PS have you seen the Lignum-Vitae guides offered on eBay lately?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Hi Chris

There is one other member of this forum that I believe has used several of the Carter products and other guide blocks and I'm sure he will get with you however, he told me about the ceramic blocks and quite frankly, I'm crazy about them. They remain cool and quiet and I'm convinced that they are just as effective as roller bearings and an awful lot cheaper. I never expect to wear them out.

I have never used a 1/2 blade so I cannot comment on that however it's my impression that if I were to do some scroll work on the bandsaw and used a 1/16 inch blade that I would probably return to my cool blocks. Let us know what you do

I did make a set of Lignum-Vitae blocks once and they seemed to work fine. Used Cool Blocks and they worked fine also. Made Phenolic blocks and they worked almost as good.

Lignum- Vitae is hard to find and it took a little looking to find a chunk of phenolic. I milled them myself but didn't put the compound angles on them because I didn't plan on offsetting the blade.

Most guide blocks need to be dressed occasionally on the disc sander. I think the plan for a jig was in an old band saw manual that was with a goldie band saw I had several years ago.

I have found the ceramic blocks the best add on to my band saw I could imagine. I think they are great. I had the "cool blocks"....no comparison.

Doc

Where can I find these for my SS bandsaw?

Use the search engine here and the other thread regarding these will pop up.

SpaceageCeramicGuideblocks.com is the source. Nick Osa is a fine and honest gentleman to deal with....Much like all in the SS community.

Doc

Just go to Nick Osa's website and email him. He will send you a set and then you will send him a check. Nick Osa [nosa@starstream.net]

Folks,

Thanks for the refresh. That gives me some clues.

Nick Osa has asked me to be a seller of his bandsaw Ceramic Blocks to Shopsmith Owners instead of contacting him. Please contact me at bill@billstoolz.com for prices. I accept PayPal, money orders or checks with a wait period. Thanks.

psf513 wrote:Where can I find these for my SS bandsaw?

I have a VERY roughly used old band saw, so just ordered a brand new one. What do the ceramic blocks cost?

Used cool blocks on the old machine and they wore through very fast.

Jim