Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Nov 04, 2010 06:50pm | #1

   Ceramic

   Have you talked to Laguna about what is going on with your guides? There may be a setup problem, or just a faulty guide.

2. 
   Don01 | Nov 04, 2010 10:15pm | #2

   Guides are guides

   Michael Fortune wrote in FWW that he still uses the steel guides that came with his bandsaw. I followed his tune up procedure and have had no problems - except you still have to watch that the bearings don't seize. That was the originals, I have replaced mine with a better bearing so hope they work for awhile.

   You guide system should be fine once you learn to set it. As Ralph said, your first call should be to Laguna. I don't think they want to hear you are having problems. 

   In all honesty, if you are having trouble with the ceramic guides, I think you will have trouble with the bearing guides and have to pay quite a bit extra. 

   The guides should be retraced so they are no closer to the teeth than the back of the gullet

   The blade should be in the mid pit between the two guides when the guides are wide open. This is critical. You do not want one guide to touch the blade before the other. As you close the guides the blade must remain in the middle. If not you need to adjust the guide assembly accordingly.

   Close the gap so that the clearance equals the thickness of one dollar bill on each side. Fold the bill so both sides are gapped simultaneously.

   The back guide should just very lightly touch the back of the blade.

   Do this to both upper and lower guides and your set. You do not want any friction between the blade and the guide when the saw is free wheeling.

   ALWAYS test any adjustments you make by turning he upper wheel by hand. This applies to blade changes as well. The ceramic guides are good but fragile. Blades are not always bang on, so if there are irregularities in the blade, especially around the weld, you don't want to damage the guides by running full speed.

   I am attaching the Laguna guide document for your reference.

   Once you master this, that saw will cut beautifully. Take your time, don't rush.

   Don

   
3. 
   MikeMD | Nov 07, 2010 12:13am | #3

   appreciate the help

   thanks for the feedback.  I've been playing with them, seems to be working OK.  Part of the problem is I don't have a lot of experience with bandsaws.  I have contacted Laguna a couple of times and they have been very helpful.  I'll keep you updated.

4. 
   Fli | Nov 08, 2010 10:05am | #4

   Considering the Laguna 16HD

   I'm considering the Laguna 16HD as well, primarily for the 16" resaw capacity.   What was the time between purchase and delivery? 

5. 
   JohnWW | Nov 09, 2010 01:39pm | #5

   No Problem

   Ceramic guides will glow and throw off some very small sparks when they are properly set up, this is normal and harmless.