Project: Porter-Cable 14in Band Saw 6in Riser Block
I wanted to install a 6″ riser block on my Porter-Cable 14″ Band Saw.
After one false start with the Jet riser block and risk of drilling the support frame, I fell over a single post raised by Google describing a readily available riser block made and sold by Porter-Cable.
I called 888-609-9779 and reached their Customer Service Center in North Carolina. I ordered the riser block kit. With shipping from NC to Maryland, it is $97. I will continue the thread in comments as this project goes forward.
Here is the part Info:
Riser block kit for Porter cable PCB330BS = part # : XOJX——- $80.49 (blade, block, all hardware)
They also offer a rip fence, if you don’t already have one.
Rip fence for Porter Cable PCB330BS = part # : X4CT————$49.99
The riser block kit came in just four days from North Carolina. The fit was equal to OEM. The riser block was matte black while the stock frame is semi gloss.
The kit arrived with 100% of all parts, and no instructions. However, I found the saw assembly intuitive and easy to perform by myself.
One very nice improvement was the fixed blade guard on the left side spanning from lower to upper housing. The stock unit was plasic and was warped when new. The replacement unit was aluminum and perfect fit.
I needed to make just two adjustments.
1. The upper frame was out of alignment when new. It tilted back equal to .006″ shim along the back edge. The same mod was needed with the added riser block.
2. The blade guard mounted on the upper guide impacts the upper housing where the house starts to curve inward. I had two choices, cut the guard and leave two inches of blade exposed when the guide was fully lowered, or cut a slot out of the top housing cover to allow the blade guard to project straight up through the house cover when the guide is fully raised.
It took about two hours to assemble. The price of the riser block was well worth the investment and much improved capacity. I now have 12.5″ vertical by 14″ horizontal.