JustAnotherGuy Posted August 7 Report Share Posted August 7 I've been meaning to get an upgrade kit for my Lag 14|12 but I can't seem to decide I should get the same ones from Laguna or get an upgrade from a different place. I usually get my blades from sawblade.com (which are really good and would last a really long time) but I am a bit worried if this will be a worthy investment. Thoughts? Ever heard of them? or their Guide Kits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted August 7 Report Share Posted August 7 Are you saying you have worn out a set of ceramic guides and need to replace them or are you wanting to move to a different type of guide? I favor bearing guides myself but everyone has a favorite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAnotherGuy Posted August 8 Author Report Share Posted August 8 Not really worn out. But I am thinking of getting a better one. How reliable are bearings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted August 9 Report Share Posted August 9 I never understood the fuss over bandsaw blade guides. A properly set up saw with a sharp blade and not forced heavy handedly can work just fine without any guides. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted August 9 Report Share Posted August 9 On 8/9/2024 at 7:13 AM, Tom King said: I never understood the fuss over bandsaw blade guides. A properly set up saw with a sharp blade and not forced heavy handedly can work just fine without any guides. I think some of the concern comes from material most often used. Sappy or wetter woods tend to clog bearing guides and hard-edge ceramic guides tend to strip this mess off during the cut. I don't use these materials so bearings do fine for me. I have also used Cool-Blocks or even wood blocks with good success. Since I do not use wet woods I too am ambivalent about guides for the most part. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted August 9 Report Share Posted August 9 On 8/9/2024 at 9:13 AM, Tom King said: I never understood the fuss over bandsaw blade guides. A properly set up saw with a sharp blade and not forced heavy handedly can work just fine without any guides. I'm with you Tom! I have used both bearings and ceramics and both worked great on a well set up saw. FWIW both of my current BS have ceramics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted August 10 Report Share Posted August 10 I have the original version of the Jet 14SFX. The lower guides had a limited range of adjustment. I bought the Carter guides for my Jet 14SFX. They have the range, but other shortcomings. For one, their bearings are smaller (nickel) than the Jet's (quarter). That's not to say that Carter replacements wouldn't be a good choice for another saw. Jet has since evolved their design, and I think the current iteration (v3) looks good. I just haven't been motivated to look into it further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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