: (as opposed to?)

Most band saws that I've seen use steel blocks, and can be ground smooth again when adjusting. Mine ( and my saw is very old, an A M T ) has rectangular blocks that used to be about an inch long. They're held in with a set screw. They are adjusted up to " just touch " the blade, and slightly behind the set in the teeth. You don't want to pinch the blade, but, you do want contact. I just gently slide the block up and tighten it down, then by hand, turn the wheel to see if I can hear it touching. Then do the other side. When adjusted right, my saw makes a little squeeling noise when starting up, but stops when up to speed. The rollers are adjusted up to just touch the back of the blade as well. Friction will start the roller turning as soon as you apply pressure on the blade ( with your work piece, and not your hand ) and it will be totally supported and can not move, therefore you should not have any blade wobble causeing the angle cuts that I've heard some refer to.

Rehd