Bandsaw Guide blocks

[Gergie]

My Craftsman Band saw needs new guide blocks, i saw "cool Blocks" has anyone used them, and do they work well, also saw ceramic guides, more money, but are they worth it? Thanks.

[BobBlaney]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I used cool blocks on my 30 year old Taiwanese Delta knockoff. They worked very well on keeping the blade in line. They do not heat up at all.

I switched to a Carter blade guide and now the blade tracks very well and allows me to do some fairly intricate scrolling. The Carter guide replaced the entire block assembly.

Here is some more info in case you are interested. A little pricey but worth it to get a BS really tuned up.

[Northwest29]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

Yep, Cool Blocks are a good thing. I have had them on my band saw for probably 10 years without any problems. The metal ones can cause unwanted heat on the blade which is something you don't want.

Ron

[Old Scout]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I have used cool blocks for 15 years with no trouble. Most of my sawing is roughouts for carving & precision is not required. If you need precision , check out the ball bearing guides.

[Magicman]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I have used cool blocks, ceramic blocks and they do a good job. I now use Hardwood blocks and they do just as good a job for me. I cut the blocks from Ipe "you can use any hardwood" I soak them in Mineral oil for 2 or 3 days then place 4 blocks in a small ziplock baggie and put them in the Microwave for 1.5 minutes. Then store them where ever and when you need them you have them. When I make them I usually make 3 or 4 sets at a time. They also allow you to have the blade teeth be surrounded by the blocks for more support for narrower blades. If you ever notice a little wear on the blocks you can grind them back flat on a disc sander, or just throw them away and replace them they didn't cost anything. It works for me.
Larry

[telecarver]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I've used cool blocks and they certainly work better than the stock metal blocks but Carter guides are a vast improvement over any fixed blocks. The cool blocks wear fairly quickly if you are cutting tight corners regularly. They need to be resurfaced periodically.

[Buffalo Bif]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I been using the same metal blocks that came on my delta 20+ years ago, turned em around once haven't had to reface yet. I stick a piece of paper in between the blade and the blocks, pinch em tight to the blade and tighten the set screws. I end up with a .004" clearance, never had an issue with blade heat

[mpounders]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I use cool blocks and they work fine for me....just flatten them every year or two, as needed. I believe Woodcraft also sells roller-guide blocks for about $80....similar to Carter, but just slip in place of the regular guide blocks. Have never used them, so have no recommendation!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Re: Bandsaw Guide blocks

I replaced my cool blocks and tires a year or so ago, I got them from Sears parts.com