Wooden Band Saw Blade Guides

The first time I used the 1/8" blade on my band saw, I didn't have the thrust bearing (behind the blade) set just right. Almost as soon as I started cutting the blade pushed back to the thrust bearing and I dulled the teeth a bit on the guide blocks.

Step 1: Cutting New Guide Blocks

I had to buy a new blade and wasn't happy with how close the blocks were to the teeth again so I decided to make blade-friendly blocks. I had cut down a maple tree last year so I took a small chunk from it. Using a vernier caliper, measure the steel blocks and cut maple blocks slightly bigger then sand down to the same size. I used a knife to cut the wood blocks to length then just put them in the blade guides and set the wood blocks so they were just touching the blade. They can't be too tight because of friction but now it doesn't matter if the blade touches them a little, it just cuts into the blocks. I would recommend a harder wood like maple or similar because pine or spruce is more likely to splinter

Comments

[PaulW353]

Hi guys does anyone have pictures of the correct way that the upper and lower guide blades should be?
I one of the cheap China brand the same type as one of the Rockler and I can't get it to crosscut in a straight line. If somebody has any ideas and pictures it would be a great help.

[slartty]

i like the idea for this , but wonder about longevity of the blocks? would they not heat up and present flame after an extended use?

[kevincarruthers]

They shouldn't be tight enough to the blade to cause the kind of friction needed for flame. As far as lasting, the harder the wood, the longer they would last. From what I have read if you make your own blocks, soak them in mineral oil. These blocks are my first attempt and I only used them for about 20 min. Realistically, since these are made from wood I have here anyway, they can be cut longer and adjusted as needed and if I need to cut new ones every few months or so it's no big deal

[slartty]

yes i agree with you... not sure how the following would work... but chopsticks made of bamboo fibre are very close to the size you need for these ... maybe it would be a good idea to save those old chopsticks and use them ... they are hard and while lacking natural oils they might be soaked in mineral oil to accomplish the task

slartty

[kevincarruthers]

That would be a good idea to try, worst case scenario is that they wear fast but should be no problem.

[kevincarruthers]

Thank you both for the replies. I have only had a bandsaw for a couple of months and am still learning. It came with the steel blocks and I was kind of stuck for a solution when I put the new 1/8" blade on. Home Depot, at least in London, no longer sells band saws or accessories, I got the last small blade they had and this was the only thing I could come up with

[BeachsideHank]

I second lignum vitae:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignum_vitae

[artlife]

I have been doing this for many years. If you use linum vitae you will find it has a natural lubricant and it does not scorch like maple and most other woods.