Setting Bearing Guides on Bandsaw

[steviegwood]

Hi Y'all, I have set the bearing guides on my new band saw the way the book says to set them but I do not understand why they set them this way. If the bearing guide is to be set to where the bearings do not touch the blade how do they guide the blade without some drift? Can someone help explain this? Also how do you set you guide bearings on your saws to give the best cuts? Thanks In Advance. Steve

 

[PeteQuad]

The idea is to put them as close to the blade as possible without touching. If the blade goes even slightly to the left or right it will engage the bearings which will support them - I've heard people use a dollar bill as a spacer but I just eyeball it. The back bearing support can be a little further away then the side ones.

You don't want them touching when the blade is just spinning straight because you will cause unneeded wear on the blade and bearings, and if they are touching then they are pushing on the blade slightly and will move it out of 90 degrees.