In article ,
says...
I just bought a nice older Craftsman 12" band saw. This is has the die
cast body and is the older nicely shaped case with 4 chrome knobs
securing one side. The blade guides are but tiny little round brass
rods. I've read about solid carbide blade guides offering great blade
stability.

First question, are these applicable to a vertical band saw cutting
aluminum with no coolant? All the examples of solid carbide guides I've
seen are on horizontal cut off saws which have flood coolant.

Second, has anyone made their own?
Looking for tips/advice.


I used to use Carter guides with carbide pads on a 36" saw
for both friction sawing and conventional aluminum cutting.
They worked very well with no coolant. Like this:

http://www.carterproducts.com/product.asp?product_id=41
&p_id=6&cat_id=12

Most DoAll saws use solid blocks of hardened steel for the
side guides. I've considered making a set with brazed-on
carbide pads for my 16" DoAll, but haven't got around to
it.

Round carbide blanks aren't very expensive from MSC or
McMaster. I'd give it a try.

Ned Simmons