I am one lower blade guide (the rear one) away from getting my Backus bandsaw up and running. The guide is meant to slide on the center post (3/8" OD) for adjustment while the post itself is hollowed out (1/4" ID) to sit n' spin on a spike on the lower unit itself. The two pieces do not want to budge. I have tried (in no particular order) gentle hammering, not so gentle twisting (note the pliers marks), naval jelly, WD40, Diet Coke, Evapo-rust, a C-clamp, harsh words, and an evil stare.
I know the outer piece is the one I really need. Adding to my frustration is its current fused position is too far forward for the 1/2" blade to pass through the other guides and should I get it loose there is probably not enough post to properly set for a 1/2" blade even though it could go back further if the closed-end center post wasn't bottoming out on its mounting spot. The upper unit has no issues with the blade guide and I can get everything to track properly without this last piece in.
So my question ends up being: (1) how to get the center post out without damaging the guide piece? and (2) can/should I substitute an open-ended piece of iron pipe (3/8" OD, 1/4" ID) for the current one?
Regards,
Steve


I know the outer piece is the one I really need. Adding to my frustration is its current fused position is too far forward for the 1/2" blade to pass through the other guides and should I get it loose there is probably not enough post to properly set for a 1/2" blade even though it could go back further if the closed-end center post wasn't bottoming out on its mounting spot. The upper unit has no issues with the blade guide and I can get everything to track properly without this last piece in.
So my question ends up being: (1) how to get the center post out without damaging the guide piece? and (2) can/should I substitute an open-ended piece of iron pipe (3/8" OD, 1/4" ID) for the current one?
Regards,
Steve