What is Reddit's opinion of POWERTEC 13181 70-1/2" x 1/4" x 6 TPI Band Saw Blade, for Craftsman 10" Bandsaw?

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Thanks for the response. I was aware that it's a Carter style guide but I wasn't sure if the rest of the guides should be removed when using it. According to other posters, w/ a Carter in use ALL other guides should be removed or otherwise disabled.

I don't like the fact that it can only work with 1/4" or smaller but I really would rather not drop more money into this saw since I got the whole shebang for $100. If I were to put $50 into it, I'd rather just save for another, better saw.

I was hoping the guides were the issue because now I'm again at a loss as to why I couldn't make straight or proper curves with a 1/4" in there. I was using this cheap blade from amazon so maybe that was the issue: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002F4M610/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I'm going to go with a 3/16" Timberwolf next and see if that has any effect.

Thanks for the amazing comprehensive response. So it is correct that with the Carter stablizer, I do not need any other guides. I shouldn't even be using the thrust bearing on the lower guides? That's good to know but I was actually hoping it wasn't the case because that means that the problem I am having with bandsaw boxes is somewhere else.

I've seen that video before! but I totally forgot about it. Thanks for showing it to me again -- lots of great info there.

Maybe it was my blade, I purchased a cheap 1/4 off Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002F4M610/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) but I'm going to get a 3/16" Timberwolf next and give that a try with the Carter.

I'm reluctant to drop $$ on new guides because the whole saw cost me $100. If I were to drop $50 on new guides, I would rather save up for a new, better saw completely. Thanks for the info though.

I did see Mathias' homemade bandsaw guides which I may take a look at if I ever end up needing to put a 1/2" on it again. Unless I can find a used set on ebay or something for like $20.

I have to take a better look but I don't think my lower guides have the steel blocks in them. I see the "housings" for them and the bolts protruding out of their sides but there's nothing inside them that I can see. Can I replace those?

I had a ton of problems with the stock blade on this saw. I replaced it with a cheap blade off Amazon, and it made a world of difference:

http://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-13181X-Blade-2-Inch-4-Inch/dp/B002F4M610?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I put the blade on and followed the Snodgrass video as closely as I could:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU&nohtml5=False

I haven't had trouble with my saw since.