Axminster AC2606B bandsaw guides?

[Munty Scruntfundle]

Hi folks.

I know this isn't an industrial machine and Axminster don't offer any upgrades for it. I've been trying to find some bearing guides, so far without success.

Anyone out there who's managed to get some fitted?

Many thanks.

 

[Alexam]

Can you be a bit more specific. Are you looking for similar guides or something that will easily handle a 1/8" blade? What problems are you having with the supplied guides?

 

[Munty Scruntfundle]

The supplied guides are simple ceramic blocks which you don't set to touch the blade, therefore the recommended blade 'float' is at least 1mm, plus the rearward flex which has to be set (recommended) around 2mm clearance I think. This allows a lot of flapping around, yes I'm tensioned to spec. I know a band saw shouldn't really be considered a high accuracy machine -for the most part anyway- but this thing could be dramatically improved. There are some Axminster roller guides which they say 'should fit with some adjustment', but that doesn't give me the warm fuzzies!

 

[frankederveen]

Hi,

I was just wondering if you had made any progress on this as I have the same question.

 

[pjwillms]

Hi,

I was just wondering if you had made any progress on this as I have the same question.

I am considering running a 1/8 blade have you tried it yet

 

[pjwillms]

I am considering running a 1/8 blade have you tried it yet

I ham the same looking for upgrade blocks to run a 1/8 blade

 

[Sideways]

Bearing guide blocks for a small blade aren't an upgrade or cure.
Proper tension - probably more than you expect, but never squash the coils of the spring to touching or you have damaged your saw.
Proper tracking on the wheels.
Ceramic blocks are actually good.
Set them clear of the blade by just a papers thickness at the sides. Not 1mm.
Feed slowly. Let the blade cut at it's own pace.
Don't try to cut too tight curves. The muppets at a men's shed used to snap a blade a week forcing and twisting skinny blades. It isn't a scroll saw ! Multiple gentler curves cutting tangents if you need to make a tight outside curve.
Fine teeth blades are rubbish cutting along the grain. They don't clear the dust and they overheat. Aim for 3 teeth in the thickness of the stock, so basically get the coarsest blade you can and it will work better.