Question about lower bandsaw guides for professional use.

[lurker]

Nice!
You don't hang about do you

 

[heimlaga]

That's the upper guides. This thread concerns the lower guides which will be the next step.

 

[NickWelford]

Old wooden bowling balls seems to be the best source. It can be purchased but rare and expensive. I would wager that many of us have the odd bit tucked away in the wood store.... I know I have.

 

[Lons]

Old wooden bowling balls seems to be the best source. It can be purchased but rare and expensive. I would wager that many of us have the odd bit tucked away in the wood store.... I know I have.

It's not too difficult to find really and I'd say the best bet if only need a smallish bit is to buy a pen blank which will be around 20 x 20 x 130 mm.
Most of the suppliers will have them but I've had loads from Vince and they are great quality. http://www.theturnersworkshop.co.uk/lig ... blank.html

Bob

 

[woodpig]

To be clear I should point out that Bowling Balls are 81/2" diameter and made from Plastic (the really old ones were made from hard rubber). Those made from from Lignum Vitae people are referring to are "Bowls" (Balls). :roll:

 

[RogerP]

............ Those made from from Lignum Vitae people are referring to are "Bowls" (Balls). :roll:

... and only quite old ones as for many years now they have been made from resin (sometimes even made to look superficially like wood - so beware)

 

[woodpig]

Yes, good point!

 

[heimlaga]

Those pen blanks would be absoluterly perfect size for what I have in mind. Two of them would cost 4 pounds plus shipping..... that wouldn't be too much for a good lower guide.......
How long would it take to wear away 6 inches of lignum vitae?
I am thinking about a design where the wooden pads would contact the blade behind the set of the teeth. Just like a ceramic guide.

 

[Lons]

Those pen blanks would be absoluterly perfect size for what I have in mind. Two of them would cost 4 pounds plus shipping..... that wouldn't be too much for a good lower guide.......
How long would it take to wear away 6 inches of lignum vitae?
I am thinking about a design where the wooden pads would contact the blade behind the set of the teeth. Just like a ceramic guide.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lignum-vitae- ... Gqx_vAkbfg

 

[heimlaga]

Here are my new lower bandsaw guides:

Those of you who prefered ball bearings managed to convince me.
Thank you all for your support and oppinions!

 

[woodpig]

One of my old bandsaws had what I believe were phosphor bronze guide pads. You could also consider cast iron as well as some of it is to some extent self lubricating.

 

[heimlaga]

Thanks for the suggestions. Cast iron would make sence to me.
Though they came in a bit late now that the ball bearing guide is finished.

Time for some paintwork!