Bandsaw Guides

[Mike.C]

I have a Elektra Beckum 315 bandsaw and I want to replace the rubbing blocks etc with a uprated ball bearing system to support both the rear and sides. Any idea's?

Cheers

Mike

 

[ByronBlack]

Hi Mike,

I saw an upgrade guide system on axminster a little while ago, might be worth having a look on there? Sorry for not giving more details, i'm sure someone can you give better info, but thought i'd chuck that in there for info.

 

[LyNx]

i think there is some on ebay, worth having a look too

 

[Mike.C]

Byron, Andy, thank you very much. I will have a look around Ebay.

Byron, I presume that this is the set you are talking about:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Band ... -21586.htm

It states that some modification may be needed, do you know if this (or any other member) know if this will be needed on the EB 315 and if so how much and how easy it will be?

Does anyone know if there is a kit made for the EB?

Thanks to you both.

Cheers

Mike

 

[MIGNAL]

Why don't you try hardwood blocks for the side support? You may just be surprised how effective thay are.

 

[ByronBlack]

Hi Mike

I have not had chance to see your bandsaw up-close so i'm unfamiliar of it's layout so I wouldn't want to say categorically one way or the of the suitability of the axminster ones. However, the tech guys they have are very helpful and i'm sure if you speak to one they might be able to advice in more definite terms.

 

[johnnyb]

interestingly i am also about to try and make my eb 315 cut a bit more convincingly. i have a welder and may try and brace the frame with whatever metal i can find. as far as the guides go i just want some very simple but very rigid rubbing blocks. the bottom guide is awful and the allen key grub screws are such poor quality its impossible to get the correct size allen key as it spins. the top guides were reasonable but the alloy extrusion is very flimsy. i am not bothered about ball bearing guides really and may replace them with simple blocks. the rubber tyres on the wheels are also really perished and need replacing. apart from that.......
would be better to buy a better one. but wheres the fun in that....

 

[SeanG]

The Axminster upgrade won't fit an EB315. EB do sell a precision bearing kit that replaces the upper and lower guides, I've fitted them to my 316 and they work well - but are pricey at around £100.

I haven't got any pics yet but can take some soon if you are interested.

 

[woodbloke]

MIGNAL wrote:

Why don't you try hardwood blocks for the side support? You may just be surprised how effective thay are.

Hardwood blocks are very effictive. On my Euro 260 I've replaced the original metal blocks with some made from lignum vitae which has a natural lubricant in it. The blocks are very, very close though not quite touching the blade - Rob

 

[Mike.C]

Thanks guys your advice is very much appreciated.

Cheers

Mike

 

[tigerturnings]

I fitted the Axminster "blade guide upgrade kit" to my previous bandsaw (Axminster BS350) and to be honest it felt more like a downgrade. I found it very fiddly to set up, and even once done, I perceived no real improvement in the cut and yet a lot more noise in use and increased hassle when I tried to change a blade.

Probably the worst situation was when I was cutting some wet turning blanks, the wood deposits building up on the inside of the blade bumped through the bearings very roughly and noisily.

I put the cool blocks back eventually, and found them easier to adjust and of equal or better performance to the bearings.

I think the perception of improvement or lack thereof depends on what you want from the machine, and my most frequent use was rough cutting, so it may be that for fine work there would be some improvement.

Cheers

Neil

 

[SeanG]

Pics of the EB precision Guides, I've replaced some of the grub screws with bolts to minimise the number of allen keys I need to keep close by

 

[Mike.C]

Hi Sean,

Thankyou very much, I really appreciate the trouble you have gone too. I will let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Inspector]

http://carterproducts.com/

You might be able to find what your looking for from Carter. An American company that have been around for a long time. The one drawback for you might be the shipping and import duties. At least you'll get a sense of what might be possible.