Wise Buys: Bandsaw Blade Guides

 

Carter Conversion Kit

Editor test-drive:
I spent a mere 15 minutes installing the Carter Conversion Kit on my 14" Jet bandsaw. It replaced not only the guides, but also my saw's entire upper and lower blade-guide assembly. I was surprised, however, to find that the two Allen wrenches needed to install and make adjustments to the bearings were not included in the kit.

I immediately noticed improved performance from my bandsaw as the bearing guides gave it a huge boost in accuracy. When cutting arcs and circular shapes -- and especially in resawing -- the bearings proved much better than my old graphite guides at holding the blade perpendicular to the workpiece with no twisting or deflection. Aside from the price tag, the only drawback I found was the increased noise as compared with my previous guides. But I'm willing to trade a little noise for the greatly superior cutting results.
-- Tested by Kevin Boyle, Senior Design Editor

To learn more:
888/622-7837; carterproducts.com

Bandsaw Blades Woodworking Technique