🔧 Enhance Your Band Saw Performance with OLSON SAW CB50050BL Cool Blocks - Must-Have 14" Band Saw Accessory! Review

I've been using Olsen bandsaws for years so have trusted cool blocks although cheap to live up to the hype. These cool Olsen blocks don't measure 1/2" x 1/2" x 1" and don't even come close. Too bad now I have to look elsewhere for suitable blocks. I will never buy them again.

I have an old (1940's) Craftsman 12" band saw and wanted to replace the guides. Blocks that are meant to fit are round but 1/4 inch (which is smaller than brass blocks). One of these blocks cut in 1/4 comes out about this size and works very well.

These blocks don't actually fit the 14" Ridgid band saw I bought them for. You are too small. small spacers to get them to work at all. I wasn't very happy with them, especially considering the cost. I'm sure they work adequately. I just wish they would fit my application better. as far as I can tell).

I had steel guide blocks that tore my blades. I've tried making my own out of hardwood and haven't had much success. That was great. My saw works great and I will not hesitate to buy another set when I need them. One thing I noticed is that unlike wood and even steel rails, you don't have to twist them too much to stay in place. For this reason, knurled screws leave no traces.

The rails work well with a couple of thin wood discs installed on them (as others have reviewed here). Not sure if the problem is the guides are too small or Grizzly made the holders too big. Knock out the grizzly bearings that came with the saw. I suspect the problem is on the grizzly side as I had to grind the grizzly holder before it could be fitted to the saw. Other brands of saws may not have this problem.

I bought these to replace the bearings on my 14" Grizzly band saw. I had to order holders from Grizzly. BTW, Grizzly doesn't list them in their catalog, you'll have to look up the part number on the forums. Part number #P1019005A. You need two pairs. The holders had to be filed to fit the holes on the saw. The blocks seem to work fine during a test run. I'll know better after using them for a while. Overall they appear to be a very inexpensive upgrade to the saw.