Bandsaw stabilizer

[Ray Phillips]

I have a Rikon 10-345 18' bandsaw and my only complaint with it is the fact the smallest blade I could use was 1/4". I called Rikon and was advised that I could use a 1/8" blade if I used a Carter Products blade stabilizer. According to Rikon, Carter was coming out with one to fit the Rikon10-345. My question is has anyone on the Creek used a stabilizer or spacifically the one that works on the Rikon 18"? If so does it work well? I would like to use my saw for some projects rquiring close radius cuts. Thanks for you feedback.

[Al Navas]

...My question is has anyone on the Creek used a stabilizer or spacifically the one that works on the Rikon 18"? If so does it work well? I would like to use my saw for some projects rquiring close radius cuts...
Ray,

This earlier post (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=46050&highlight=carter+stabilizer) shows that I can use the Carter stabilizer on my 17-inch Grizzly band saw, with 1/8-inch Timberwolf blades. In fact, it does a terrific job, and gives one the feeling of using a scroll saw blade on a very large machine.

I suggest that you talk to Jeff, the engineer at Carter, to determine if you can do it on your 18-inch Rikon.

As I was drafting this reply I thought to check the Carter web site. Sure enough, their RIK1 fits the 18-inch Rikon! Check it out at their web site (http://www.carterproducts.com/product.asp?product_id=451&cat_id=14). They provide the following image:

http://www.carterproducts.com/images/RIK2.jpg


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[Ray Phillips]

Thanks Al for your feedback. I am going to try the stabilizer on my saw.