Grizzly Bearing Guides vs Carter Guides for G0513 Bandsaw

[Chris Franz]

I recently purchased a used Grizzly G0513 bandsaw in good condition. It has the original Euro guides on it. I'd like to upgrade.

I found both the Grizzly H9565 guides ($98) as well as the Carter 17/19 ($290) guides as upgrade options. I'm soliciting opinions
as to whether, for a HOBBIEST woodworker, the Carters are worth the 3X uptick in cost.

[Tony Shea]

I'm actually curious about this as well. I was under the impression that bearing guides are preferable but people rave about Carter guides. I have the same bandsaw and need to replace the bearings on my guides. Would love to know if Carter guides are better than the bearings.

[lou Brava]

Of course there better just ask Carter.
I do know the BS has more "expert" ways to set it up "right" than any tool in the shop, guides included. You can find very experienced guys who swear bay Carter & those that don't. I'm sure Carter guides are built better, machined better & look better than stock Grizzly guides, but will they improve on your saws performance is probably only something that you would know after you swap em out.

[Bill Dufour]

I thought carter guides had bearings?
Bill D.

[Michael Burnside]

I thought carter guides had bearings?
Bill D.

Agreed. Wondering if the OP mean ceramic?

When my ceramics wear out I’ll probably pickup a set of Carters.

[Chris Franz]

Agreed. Wondering if the OP mean ceramic?

When my ceramics wear out I’ll probably pickup a set of Carters.

By Euro-style (the ones that are currently on it), I mean these:

513728

[Credit to "mdhills" from a different forum]

I'm not sure if the side guides are ceramic or not.

I guess the real question is, has anyone tried the Grizzly Ball Bearing replacement guides for the G0513 available here:

https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-bandsaw-ball-bearing-guides/h9565

I asked Carter and they said their guides are great :)

[Geoff Crimmins]

In what way are the stock guides not meeting your needs, and what improvement would you like to see from the new guides?

[Bill Dufour]

The side guides look like carbide brazed to metal to me. I suppose carbide might be considered ceramic.
Bill D

[Tony Joyce]

My GO513X2 came with the H9565 guides. I'm well pleased with their performance and they are easily adjusted also. YMMV

[glenn bradley]

My GO513X2 came with the H9565 guides. I'm well pleased with their performance and they are easily adjusted also. YMMV

Both of mine did as well although purchased years apart. I bought a tube of the guide and thrust bearings many years ago. They were not much money, are quick to change, and have worked well for me. I bought a tube of 10 years ago and still have a few left from that original tube. When I got low I bought another tube but have not opened it yet. these are wear items on your machine; they don't last forever. I am still on the original tube of the thrust bearings. I bought mine from VXB.com and got the sealed versions instead of the shielded versions. They seem to last much longer.

[Chris Franz]

There's kinda where I was going. I don't have any issues with the current blade guides, but the newer
Grizzly models went to ball bearing guides. I was just inquiring with other Grizz 17" band saw owners.

Thanks