To increase the throat capacity of my bandsaw, I designed two blade guides to replace those provided with the saw. The new guides twist the blade outward 25¡, as is done on a metal cutoff saw. The guides were made from maple and fitted with three 5/8-in. ball bearings held in place with screws. Two of the bearings act as the side guides, and the third is the back-up bearing for the blade. Of course the guides had to be designed within the limitations and characteristics of the bandsaw. The results were gratifying; I can now crosscut a 10-in. board without the board hitting the bandsaw’s column.

Ralph Luman, Virginia Beach, Va.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, June 1982 No. 34

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

Buy at Amazon

Jorgensen 6 inch Bar Clamp Set, 4 Pack

Small light-duty clamps are best bought in quantity. These clamps are a great balance of affordability and quality—so stock up!

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon