band saw guides

[HowardH]

I have a PM 1500 with the stock roller bearings as guides. Would it make sense to consider going to a ceramic style of guide blocks instead?  I see the logic, more points of contact to keep the blade from twisting.  I remember Laguna made a version but I don't recall who else does as well. However, if the stock guides are sufficient, no reason to throw money away.  Just wanted some more experienced opinions.   

 

[smorgasbord]

It's interesting. Here's one source:https://www.spaceageceramics.com/installation-info/  And for your bandsaw the upgrade is less than $90.

I had upgraded my old Bridgewood PBS-540 (21" wheels) to Carter Guides a little while back and have been pretty happy. But my Bridgewood had a lousy rear bearing (oriented the wrong way). Your Powermatic comes with guides that look at least as good as the Carter Guides to me.

Do note that ceramic guides are not like the old "cool blocks" in that you don't have the side guides making constant contact with the blade. I believe the idea is that ceramic is so long wearing that you don't need the usual bearings to rotate to take up the contact while sawing. But, I don't know that they'll hold the blade from twisting any better, especially since your saw has double side bearings. There is a claim that your blade will run cooler and last longer.

But, if you're having problems with blade twist, I would look into other aspects of your saw's setup first.

 

[HowardH]

I use the Alex Snodgrass method and its setup pretty well. 


I was just wondering if the ceramic guides are any better. 

 

[smorgasbord]

I use the Alex Snodgrass method and its setup pretty well.

I never could convince myself that removing my heavy bandsaw table for every blade change was worth the trouble. Maybe for medium-weight Delta 14" and clones, but my 21" has a heavy cast iron table.