Replies

1. 
   THintz | Feb 28, 2006 09:43am | #1

   I put the Carter Roller Bearing guides on my Delta 14" and am very happy with them. Installation was simple and they are easy to adjust. very well made also.

   See the link below for photos of the set, installation and more details on them.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/crtrlrguidrvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   andynkp | Feb 28, 2006 07:30pm | #2

   Thanks for the reply Tom, I ordered them today, based on the article you posted and other comments I've seen.  I tore down my saw last night and when I looked closely at the section of the pot metal casting that broke it was full of air voids.  The piece was less than 1/8" thick anyhow so it was just a matter of time.  I figured that now is the perfect time to convert to the BB guides.  I'll let you know how the installation goes, should be similar to yours.

   Thanks again,

   Andy

1. 
   GrGramps | Mar 03, 2006 01:04am | #3

   Andy,
   Following this thread, it appears that you are a person willing to make an investment in something better. I am fairly certain you could have replaced the parts with factory originals for less money, but what would you have? Precision parts cost more and many of us are not willing to part with the money, thus much of what we buy is built to meet a price. I think, when you are finished, you will be happy with your saw. I look forward to your first impressions.
   Roy

1. 
   andynkp | Mar 03, 2006 01:51am | #4

   Roy,

   Thanks for the reply, I'm anxiously awaiting delivery of the guides.  I didn't think it would take this long to come from Michigan, I'm in Northeast Ohio.  Hope they get here tomorrow so I can get them set up for the weekend.

   Andy

2. 
   mudman | Mar 05, 2006 07:36am | #5

   I have them and like them. THey are easier to use and work great for wider blades. I have another 14" Delta BS that has ceramic guides. They seem to be just as good though I never put wide blades on that saw. The ceramic set up is better for narrow blades. I think the Carter bearing guide system is a good product but I think that for the money they could have tried a little harder. The adjustment mechanisms are crude compaired to the OEM set up. After all this time it seems that Carter would have improved it, or someone else would make a better version.

   Mike

3. 
   Napie | Mar 06, 2006 05:32pm | #6

   Call Ittura design (888-722-7078) They can help with ALL your 14" bandsaw needs, the catalog is a real education.

1. 
   andynkp | Mar 09, 2006 09:05pm | #7

   Well, the Carter BS Roller guides finally arrived yesterday.  First impressions were favorable.  However I was a bit disappointed with the company, they didn't bother to tell me that there was a piece back-ordered, when I called last week I was told the BO part was in and they would ship Friday the 3rd.  Didn't ship til Monday the 6th.  Arrived yesterday the 8th.

   When I started the installation their instructions were just about useless, I think there were 3 steps to installing the guides.  Someone with little or no mechanical experience might have trouble installing them.  The blade guard didn't fit the mount, one hole is off by at least 3/8" so I can only get one screw in the blade guard - and they sent me the wrong screws to mount the bottom guide block, they sent 1/4-28 socket head cap screws, my saw takes 1/4-20 screws. 

   I called them today to tell them my comments and their reply was that they knew about the blade guard problem and asked if I couldn't modify it to fit.  My answer was, yes but for $150 I shouldn't have to, and I shouldn't have to supply my own screws to mount the bottom block.   They offered to send me two 1/4-20 screws in the mail.  I declined the offer and told them I just wanted them to know of the difficulties.  And told them if they knew about the problem, why didn't they say something?

   They were very nice to deal with over the phone, but having had this experience I believe I would been better off to drive over to Hartville Tools and buy the guide blocks there.   

   I did get them installed and despite the little glitches they made a big difference in saw performance.  I get a much smoother cut than before with the cool blocks - I cut a 7/8" radius half moon circle out of 1.5 inch oak with very little effort with a 3/16 blade.   Time constraints shortened my time in the shop so wasn't able to do a lot of sawing but I think they will be fine now.

   So I guess after the minor hassles I'm happy with the product, but a little dissapointed with the company.  I guess I expected more for the for my money.  Everything is well made, nice fit and finish and once set up worked as advertised.  I'd rate the product a 9 and the company a 7.

   I'm off the soap box now.

   Thanks all,   Andy