cheap bearing guides for HF bandsaw

[eddy merckx]

Someone mentioned that the cheap (affordable) bearing guides for the HF 14" bandsaw are no longer available. I noticed these on ebay. They look identical.
roller guides

I have the ones sold at HF. They work great for me.

Eddy

[dbhost]

That was me...

I ended up with Accura Micro Adjustable roller bearing guides. VERY nice upgrade, but cost quite a bit more than these. I sure wish HF would sell some good micro adjustables for their saw...

[eddy merckx]

I sure wish HF would sell some good micro adjustables for their saw...

Me too. Since they seem to sell as many riser blocks as they can import, it seems logical to offer decent blade guides too.

Eddy

[jhgrady]

Got them for my 14" HF

Thanks Eddy

John

[cwithboat]

John,
Let us know how they work out.

[dbhost]

Me too. Since they seem to sell as many riser blocks as they can import, it seems logical to offer decent blade guides too.

Eddy

I added the HF riser block kit to my 32208, so I am responsible for at least one. Since I bought my saw, I have seen 3 32208s on Craigslist (each in a different condition) with the riser block kits. A common setup for these saws seems to be.

#1. Those roller bearing guides you listed, or at least the HF versions of them.
#2. The Riser Block kit. There appears to have been a while when Harbor Freight messed up and dropped the riser block kit, so there are a few of them with the Grizzly riser block kit installed. (Grizzly H7316 I believe).
#3. I have seen a few folks with the HF 98201 Prescision Rip Fence. I plan on adding one with a shop built tall fence later for resawing.
#4. Wheel brush. I have seen a few where it looks like they riveted an old toothbrush head to brush debris off of the lower wheel.
#5. Improved dust collection. I have seen some where the lower wheel guard has a DC port cut into it...
#6. That Grizzly Blade Tension Release lever mod. Several owners have added the blade tension release assembly from the Grizzly GO555 to the Harbor Freight Band saw. Not a bad deal.
#7. Timberwolf blades.

[eddy merckx]

#1. Those roller bearing guides you listed, or at least the HF versions of them.
#2. The Riser Block kit. There appears to have been a while when Harbor Freight messed up and dropped the riser block kit, so there are a few of them with the Grizzly riser block kit installed. (Grizzly H7316 I believe).
#3. I have seen a few folks with the HF 98201 Prescision Rip Fence. I plan on adding one with a shop built tall fence later for resawing.
#4. Wheel brush. I have seen a few where it looks like they riveted an old toothbrush head to brush debris off of the lower wheel.
#5. Improved dust collection. I have seen some where the lower wheel guard has a DC port cut into it...
#6. That Grizzly Blade Tension Release lever mod. Several owners have added the blade tension release assembly from the Grizzly GO555 to the Harbor Freight Band saw. Not a bad deal.
#7. Timberwolf blades.

Those are good upgrades for sure. I added the lower 4" DC port `on mine. It did makes a huge difference--the bandsaw no longer spews clouds of fine dust while resawing. I use a combo of the DC pulling from the lower door and a shop vac pulling from the stock lower guide port. I still get big crumbs all over the table but at least I can breathe.

I did two other things on mine that really help; I installed a 1.5 hp motor and hinges on the doors.

The motor is really easy to do. I got a used one for pretty cheap. It makes a huge difference for resawing. The original 1 hp motor (HF speak for 1/2 hp) made resawing difficult. My old motor would get so hot that it would shut off. The 1.5 hp motor will pretty much cut whatever you can stuff into the saw. I recently resawed 10" x 8' slabs of madrone without trouble.

The other thing which used to drive me nuts was having to remove the doors every time I wanted to look inside the saw. I eventually sawed off the left knob and installed hinges. I just drilled holes in the doors and sheet metal wheel shrouds. I used 2" hinges held on with 10-24 screws and nuts. It works much better. The right knob stays in order to keep the doors from rattling. I noticed that Grizzly uses a similar system. They must have snuck into my garage.

Eddy

[dbhost]

I haven't had any real power problems with my stock HF motor. But more power is always better. I guess I must be channeling Tim Allen or something... I have considered tossing a 1.5HP universal motor at it. I happen to have one up in the attic that I believe just needs brushes... The mounting and main shaft arragement are identical. I should be able to install the brushes and mount it up. I figured that was a someday project though. The OE motor does work well enough for now... Been sawing plenty of white oak with it no problem.... I just keep my feed rate down.

[jhgrady]

I ordered these on Saturday and they arrived on Monday!! They do fit my HF 14" Band Saw. I'm pleased so far.

John