Startrite Bandsaw Help.

[dano41]

Hi,I have just got a Startrite 352 SB band saw which I have converted from three phase to single phase.Three of the ceramic guides on the lower part of the saw are missing.These ceramic guides are 5x5x25mm and are slipped into an aluminium housing.I contacted a few suppliers about replacements and they said I had to purchase the two housings along with the four ceramic guides which would cost £100.Does anyone know if and where the ceramic could be bought on its own.Has anyone encountered this and found a cheaper solution?Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Dano
You can use all sorts of materials for bandsaw guides. Tufnol is good if you can get some, as you can set it right up to the blade without fear of damaging the teeth. Mild steel works as does any good hardwood, the harder the better. If you have a bit of lignum vitae lying around, use that.

 

[blackrodd]

+ 1 More for exactly what Steve said!
Rodders

 

[Lons]

+2

If you decide on lignum vitae the a good cheap source is a pen blank. Vince at The Turners Workshop has some decent ones.
http://www.theturnersworkshop.co.uk/sho ... blank.html

 

[dano41]

Thank you all for replies and link for pen blanks.

 

[scosarg]

If you can post a picture I can try to identify the guide.
They fitted a few different ins over the years

 

[scosarg]

A company called Machine Spares Ltd took over the spare parts for the original Startrite Machines which were made in Gillingham -
their number is 01 384 489000
Website:
http://www.machinespares.net/document-l ... hine_id=22

Hope this helps

 

[Lons]

Have you emailed Startrite? They were very helpful when I rang for information on my old 352