Installing Carter "Upgrade" Blade Guides on a Shopsmith Bandsaw. Are They Worth it?
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- Опубликовано: 20 окт 2024
- SHOP NOTES: In this video we will install a set of Carter Products ball bearing blade guides on a Shopsmith bandsaw. According to their website "The Carter Shopsmith conversion kit updates your saws performance through the use of all sealed ball bearing roller guides. This provides your saw with reduced blade friction and improved cutting accuracy. The kit contains both upper and lower roller bearing side support assemblies, which work in conjunction with the existing Shopsmith thrust bearing." Really? Well, we'll be the judge of that, won't we?
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This set was loaned to me for testing by Carter Products. This is just one of several upgrades that Carter Products has for your Shopsmith bandsaw and are available directly from them on their site: tinyurl.com/Ca... (This is NOT an affiliate link)
Here are links to a few of the products I used in the video:
🟢 Boeshield T-9 lubricant spray: amzn.to/37AYs9v
🟢 My favorite 9" long T-handle "Shopsmith Toolbox" 5/32" Hex Wrench: amzn.to/3sm3NcJ
🟢 The best American-made rawhide mallet for Shopsmith owners: amzn.to/3ukjeUu
Links to the videos mentioned in this video:
How to tune your Shopsmith bandsaw: • How to Tune a Shopsmit...
Here's the video where we removed the Shopsmith bandsaw table and so much more: • The "Business End" of ...
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#CarterProducts #ShopsmithBandsawUpgrade #ShopsmithBandsawGuides
Scott, thank you for these videos. This doesn’t sound macho but I hold my breath every time I do any repair or maintenance on any of my shop smiths. Your videos really help the angst of trying to adjust and maintain my shop smiths. Thank you
Glad to hear that the vids have been helpful, Larry. And I sometimes hold my breath too! Scott
Fantastic training Iam an old guy with my first Shopsmith and You're giving me such an education Thank you so much.
Senior, Green Bay
Happy to of service, Gary. Thanks for checking in. Scott
I just finished installing these guides. Thank you for the great video! I felt much more confident installing these guides with the help of this video! I am very pleased with the results!
Glad to hear it and happy to help. Scott
I added the Carter bearings to my bandsaw about a year ago. I think they are a nice improvement. I had the new aluminum table with the fence and always hated the fence, because I could never get it to work right. I ordered the Carter bandsaw fence that works with magnets, put my old iron fence back on and have loved the new fence. I made 65 bandsaw boxes for Christmas gifts and the bandsaw worked great. I'm looking forward to see how you like the new bearings. No cheap shots from me.
Glad to hear it. Did they guides eliminate drift? If not, how do you set the fence? Are you using a sliding t-bevel? Scott
@@MyGrowthRings Drift only seems to happen when I use an old dull blade. Very happy with the way it worked with the 3/16, 4 tooth blade I used for the bandsaw boxes. I would send a picture of the boxes but I don't see a way to do that on this site. Thanks for the great information you provide. I've had my Shopsmith for over 30 years and I learn something in every video you post. My Shopsmith started life as a Mark V, then it became a 510 now its transformed to a 520 with the Power Pro.
@@ckaynx You can email me at ScottMarkwood(at)Gmail(dot)com and I'd love to see it! I appreciate your kind words. Scott
Scott, I have the Carter guides on my 14” bandsaw and absolutely love them. They are a bit different because they have the thrust bearing built in, unlike the SS ones. They do a much better job at controlling the blade then either the steel guides, or cool blocks. They are not a cheap addition to the saw, but the difference they make is worth the cost, in my humble opinion.
You are going to really enjoy the stabilizer for the 1/8” blade. It allows you to use the bandsaw like a scroll saw. Just don’t try to back out of a cut because it can be challenging.
I was thinking about replacing my old bandsaw (33 years old) with a new one, with improved guides, but these guides made it work like I wanted.
I’ve got an old SS bandsaw, that came with the 510 I use as a sanding station, that I’ve never used. I fired it off the past weekend and am pleasantly surprised at how well it works. I was going to sell it, because it is in the way, but may hang on to it for smaller jobs, and use my bigger one (it’s got a riser block on it) for resawing, and fine work with a 1/8” blade. SS blade tracking system is definitely different from my other saw, but it appears to work.
That's good to hear. The stabilizer is going to be an interesting experiment because of the way the SS BD tracks, considering that the lower thrust bearing is fixed. In any case I love having new experiences! Scott
Been thinking about this but it’s pricey. Upgraded to blue max tires and new C3 bearings recently which made a big difference. Looking forward to seeing the performance review of these Carter bearings. Thanks for all you do.
Me too. I still need to get the table shimmed! Scott
I bought my SS from a demonstrator at the Sacramento fair on SS 50th anniversary and it was already set up, now I'm going to look and see if there are any shims, thank you
It never hurts to double check these things. Scott
Looking forward to the first cuts with the new guides.
Me too. Stay tuned. Scott
Put them on my Shopsmith band saw years ago, love them.
Glad to hear it. Any insights you can impart? Scott
@@MyGrowthRings I found that my cuts became more accurate immediately on installation. As to installing them , I didn't have the problem of the shaft rotating in bearing holder do to a loose allen screw. I also don't have to adjust them as often as I seem to have had to do on the standard blade guides. Wonderful videos for us Shopsmith owners, keep up the great work
Thanks Mike. Not sure why I'm just now seeing this comment. Scott
I have both the Carter Bandsaw Guides and the Stabilizer installed on two bandsaws, so I don't have to change. I like them both. I have tried the metal guides, shop-made hardwood guides, 'cool blocks,' and the Carter guides. One of my saws is only used for resawing, and the other is primarily for scrollwork. I like them, and for me, they are worth the money. I'm very interested to see how you like them.
Is the stabilizer on a SS bandsaw? I'm curious how well that works. Glad to hear you are pleased with yours. Scott
Yes, both of my bandsaws are Shopsmith, one castiron table, and one aluminum table. The Stabilizer is much like cutting with a scroll saw but more coarse and faster. It takes lots of practice to get the hang of it, and I can't cut as fast as they do in the demos. I am a bit disappointed in how smooth the cut is, but that is me and the blade, not the guide. Here is a sample of the most complicated compound cut I could find.
odinstoyfactory.robertkeeney.com/2021/01/bandsaw-roosterchicken-cut-with-my.html
Yeah, Alex can make that thing sing like Ron Popeil! "But wait, there's more!"
Scott, great video, your videos are so helpful and informative.
Thanks! That's great to hear. (Read!) Scott
Rather than using LockTite, should there instead be flats on the posts for the set screws in order to prevent rotation of the guide blocks?
I'm waiting to hear back from Carter. Since these are going back to them I figure they should weigh in, but I agree, that would be a good approach. Scott
Scott, back some years ago there was much made about ceramic guide blocks. Have you tried any?
I did and didn't find them to be any better than the stock blocks. The cool blocks were a better upgrade, but unless you cut with very narrow blades there's no advantage to them, and the Carter Stabilizer that I'll be showing soon is even better than that. More to come. Scott
While I haven’t upgraded to the bearing guides, it looks like if you have an issue with the bearing block rotating, maybe file a small flat spot into the pin where the 3/32” setscrew seats. That way if the block rotates, it won’t rotate much.
Yes, that’s one option I’m considering. I’ve reached out to Carter to see if they have a suggestion before I start modding. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings will be interesting to hear there response.
Great video, Scott (except for breaking your 3/32" wrench!), especially noting the propensity for the leaf springs to "disappear." I think I will replace my cool blocks with ball bearings, especially now that I see how easy it is to replace them.
Yeah, that little mod wasn't planned at all! Super easy retrofit. Scott
I did not have any of the problems you experienced. I dropped the spring and had to spend some quality time crawling around on the shop floor with a magnet and a flashlight.
I don't use ball head wrenches for tightening (other than snug) or breaking loose screws unless I can't get to them any other way.
Well, the good news is I don't have to worry about the ball-end coming off anymore!
@@MyGrowthRings I broke a couple of them before I learned to be careful. I haven't broken one since then. Most of me have the ball on the long side, making it easier most of the time.
You call your bandsaw old but mine looks older. It has the original cast iron table, but the center, around the blade is a round piece of aluminum and really beat up. Are there replacements to be had or do I just have to live with it?
I don’t believe that Shopsmith offers them any longer, but there are people 3D printing them, so that’s likely your best approach.
Here's another option: amzn.to/3toFml6 and yes, the cast iron table is an older design than the one I was working on. The aluminum table was added to the Shospmith bandsaw in the late 1980's, so yes, some of those are old too! Scott
So two years later, do you notice a difference with this upgrade??
Hey Neil. Yes, I really like this guide. For the Shopsmith bandsaw I wasn’t happy with their scrolling guides, but these are really slick. Scott
Scott you talk about band saw drift all the time, I have a Porter-Cable bandsaw & a Shopsmith bandsaw & I have no Drift at all on either one. I have the PC set up according to Alex Snodgrass method from Carter Products & the SM according to SM Manuel & I run Cool Blocks on both "Way Better Than Steel blocks. I run 1/8" to 5/8" on both saws with no problems.
You are very fortunate because that is not the norm. By virtue of the way the Shopsmith bandsaw is constructed, drift is a natural phenomenon.
@@MyGrowthRings no drift on my SS either, but I say that in a whisper so my bandsaw won’t hear me....shhhh
They seem like a good idea but after putting them on mine the noise (shreiking) was so unnerving I took them off. Nothing I did would silence them.
That's really odd. Did you ever reach out to Carter about them?
Great video and camera angles. I’m guessing the bearings are sealed so no lubrications necessary... looking forward to the midweek video to see what you think of them.
Thanks. Yes, they are sealed so they are maintenance free. Thanks for watching, Scott
Hi Scott this will be interesting to see what you think of this mod. Have the band saw yet needs a-lot maintenance work. I have a question well I have a lot of questions 😂. To many to post here. Saw your email in comment so is as posted the correct way or is (at) right or @ correct as example. I’m finally getting around to refurbishing my 1980 markV and 60s Goldie. Your videos help a lot. By biggest issue is shop smiths websites and guys like Jacob sites don’t seem to show me parts list and prices or navigating them incorrectly . Frustrating. Amazon and all those no problems finding parts and prices. I’d like to compare and know what I’m getting is right the first time. Bearings mostly. But none the less all things shop smith. Once I have this baby’s running like they should be I want to possibly keep 1 as I may have to down size my shop at some point and could be advantageous to say the least. I would love to hear one running in person with new bearings and belts. Thanks
Yes, to keep bots from grabbing my email address and spamming me. I used those other hieroglyphics. My email is spelled the way a normal email is spelled. I’ve already done a follow-up to this video and gave my feedback, so you might wanna seek that out. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings 10-4 will check it out.
Best timing ever!! Was thinking of pulling the trigger on these. Cant wait to see how they perform can you resaw something for us? Maybe they will send you a coupon code for us!!??!!
We can keep our fingers crossed.
@@MyGrowthRings they didnt have a coupon for me this afternoon!!
I have them on mine and I swap out my wood blade to another to cut sheets of aluminum sometimes and they are much better then the guide blocks for that use.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for chiming in. Scott
The bearings on mine when I got it where shot and came with my machine and it turned out they were a pretty available bearings to come across so that’s a added bonus.
@@smalltownmachineshop6860 On the bandsaw?
@@MyGrowthRings the bearings on my blade guides, I’m not sure who made mine but I was able to find replacements
@@smalltownmachineshop6860 That's good. It makes sense not to make bearings a proprietary size. Scott
thanks the mortise video was a great help!!! wife has a project she wants done!! lol
Of course she does.
@@MyGrowthRings you can come help !! i am just west of statesville!!
@@dougteague7217 What's on the list?
@@MyGrowthRings a night stand. which will be my first!!
Better build two because you don’t want to be in the doghouse for a one night stand!
Scott, will those fit my Total Shop Bandsaw??
I’ll take a look and report back.
@@MyGrowthRings I have a broken guide holder, looks like over tightened, I epoxied it for now. But looking at the cost, ouch, I may see if this works, or find an old one. LOL lower guide for TotalShop
I checked and the TS guide is totally different from the SS. It might be possible to retrofit the SS part onto your saw, and if that works you would be able to use the Carter guides. Scott
Does carter ever have specials on this upgrade or whats the least expensive source?
Sorry that I missed this comment until now, Todd. No, I’ve never see these discounted. I don’t know if their resellers are bound by MAP agreements (Minimum Advertised Price) like all the Festoolians dealers, but that could be why. Amazon is where I suggest.
@@MyGrowthRings i looked on amazon since at least gives free shipping but didnt see shopsmith version- will look again.
What and where did you get shims?
Hey Todd. They were already under the table, but just in the wrong location. Shims like this are available from most any good hardware store. Scott
Question, but first... all of this info on my SS bandsaw (I should say Magna Greenie) has been hugely helpful. Thanks! My original metal throatplate for my cast iron table is too damaged to straighten out, but I would be more than happy with plastic zero clearance. Which is correct? I simply can't justify SS price, especially when their shipping times are ridiculous whenever I have ordered from them.
I don't have any personal experience with these guys, but there is a company that is 3D printing a set of three for the cost one one aluminum insert from SS, and you'll get it a lot faster. The sell them through eBay: ebay.us/fazk8y
@@MyGrowthRings Awesome! Thanks
@@MyGrowthRings I got them, perfect fit. Except does not have the locating tab. I heated small wire brad and pushed it next to the slot. Insert sits a little cockeyed, but works.
Very good I am anxious to find out if this mod is worth it or not
Stay tuned.
Quick question: What is the best way to clean and polish the bandsaw table? Interesting upgrade, curious to see the pros and cons. Thank you.
The cast iron or the aluminum table? Cast iron I use WD-40 and ScotchBrite. Aluminum table use an aluminum polish, like “Mother’s Mag & Aluminum polish” or Flitz multi-purpose polish, again, applied with a fine ScotchBrite.
I have the Carter bandsaw guides and love them. I also bought the SHS1 stabilizer from them, but haven't gotten around to any fine detail (small blade) work yet using it. Sorry one of your guides came from the factory with improper orientation. Carter is a good company, but mistakes do happen.
Yeah, that was a little surprising but not a big deal. The biggest surprise was that they wanted to spin on the post so freely. Hopeful we can do something to help that tiny setscrew. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings Possible there is a "dimple" on that guide shaft the set screw seats into?
Never mind--I see that has been asked already.
Current cost is $119. Still need to get the thrust bearings from Shopsmith
Correct.
14" bandsaw takes up 2x2 of space. Still dont get the allure of this wretched death trap. Maleki says hi.
I also own a 14” Delta bandsaw. Haven’t use it in years.
I’ve been wanting to ask about this
We'll know soon enough. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings Hi Scott, I agree with John. Maybe you should rename the channel by ''everything you want to know about Shopsmith but were afraid to ask'' :-)
That would have been a great name!
I noted on Carter's website they show two set screws. Wonder which is the current version? carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-conversion-kits/shopsmith-bandsaw
I'll have to give it another look. Thanks for mention this. Scott
Nope, these only have one. That would help.
I guess you lose the ability to skew the blade to make the longer crosscuts.
For sure, which to me isn’t really a loss. Doing that totally ruins the blade for any other purpose, and even at that, the time it takes to set that operation up I can make that type of cut with six other tools in my shop. Scott