Bandsaw guides typically have one assembly above the table and one below. The bottom assembly is fixed, while the top assembly travels vertically on a guide post. Each assembly contains three support elements: two side, or lateral, supports and one rear support.

Some guides use blocks to provide lateral support, and others use bearings. Bearing guides are further divided into American and European styles. American-style bearing guides support the blade with the curved outside surfaces of the bearing, rolling along the blade as it travels by. European-style bearing guides contact the blade on their flat side-faces, potentially offering more support area but also more friction and noise.

It’s important to choose the bandsaw guides that are appropriate for your type of woodworking. Whether you are a luthier using your bandsaw for precision resawing, a toy builder making hundreds of curved cuts, or a furniture maker doing some of both, there are bandsaw guides that are right for you.

The Iturra ceramic all-purpose blocks reduce pitch buildup on bandsaw blades. They must be kept clear of the saw teeth.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

Buy at Amazon

Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamp

These clamps can handle glue-ups between 10 in. and 36 in. wide, and boards up to 3 in. thick. Sliding feet attach to the lower bars with magnets, letting you position them quickly for stability on any surface. The spring-loaded jaws adjust easily, dropping into notches along the bars. And the powerful clamp handles clear the benchtop.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon