Rolling Bearings vs Ceramic Guides?

[JustAnotherGuy]

Which is better for my Laguna saw 1412?

Cool blocks would be out of the question but I just want to know what the good people's take on this question.

 

[Mike1950]

I did not like ceramics. Sparks. Just does not seem like good idea, sucking sparks into DC.
Probably depends on what you do with saw but I saw no advantage with what I cut.

 

[JustAnotherGuy]

I did not like ceramics. Sparks. Just does not seem like good idea, sucking sparks into DC.
Probably depends on what you do with saw but I saw no advantage with what I cut.

More expensive too, I reckon.

 

[Mike1950]

More expensive too, I reckon.

I doubt it. 5 bearings above table 5 below. Last a long time if you stick to dry woods.

 

[Nature Man]

I have Jet and I replaced the guides with rollers a few years back. I have been pleased with the rollers. I've not used ceramics. Chuck

 

[JonathanH]

My vintage band saws all have the metal guides that the factory equipped them with. I don't think that the cool blocks or roller bearings are an improvement. In some cases they do not perform as well.

Replacing original guides with roller bearings seems to be a popular thing to do. If I was selling those roller bearing guides I would do everything in my power to convince everyone that they needed them so I could make money by them converting to them. Alas, the old saws work perfectly well with the original guides in most cases.

I did recently purchase a stabilizer guide for thin blades that I look forward to trying. This should work well for bandsaw reindeer & boxes.

 

[woodtickgreg]

In my old delta 14" I still use the original cool blocks. I agree with Mike and I wouldn't go to ceramic guides either. If I ever wear out the oem cool blocks I might upgrade to the Carter bearings. But for now it works just fine for me. I guess I just don't run it enough to wear the darn things out.

 

[barry richardson]

I used a Laguna with ceramic guides for a few years, no real negatives with them, but nothing that makes them any better IMO. Didn't your Laguna come with ceramic? I would probably just go with those if they are already installed...

 

[JustAnotherGuy]

The original saw has ceramic guides but needs replacement now. I am looking at Guidekits.com for some replacement and the roller bearings is actually cheaper.

 

[JustAnotherGuy]

I just ordered from this site. Will keep you guys posted.

Laguna Band Saw Guide Upgrade Kits

Boost bandsaw efficiency with our Guide Upgrade Kits for Laguna band saws. Improved precision and longevity for all your woodworking needs.

guidekits.com

 

[Karl_TN]

My Jet bandsaw has European guides that I'm not a big fan of, but I can't decide if going with Carter roller guides is a wise replacement when cutting green wood. @JustAnotherGuy didn't say if he mostly cuts dry or green wood, but maybe knowing this might help decide on the best guide style.

Question: When cutting green wood, do ceramic guides help clean gunk off the blade by scraping along the blade and, vice versa, do roller guides press the gunk onto the blade?

 

[Mike1950]

My Jet bandsaw has European guides that I'm not a big fan of, but I can't decide if going with Carter roller guides is a wise replacement when cutting green wood. @JustAnotherGuy didn't say if he mostly cuts dry or green wood, but maybe knowing this might help decide on the best guide style.

Question: When cutting green wood, do ceramic guides help clean gunk off the blade by scraping along the blade and, vice versa, do roller guides press the gunk onto the blade?

I cut a lot of green and dry. No way on scraping blade clean. Guides ideally are thickness of biz card clearance (mine 1/16) . Green wood wears out bearings quicker because moisture and bearing are not friendly. Buy good bearings. Clean blade by coiling up and soaking in degreaser.