It has come time to upgrade my band saw from a craftsman. I have found a Jet 18, 1.5 hp without the tension release option. Looks like it just came out of the box. Price $800.00. So is that one option it does not have that big of a deal? Just does not seem like a deal breaker to me but maybe I am wrong. Anyone here have the Jet 18 with or without the release option. I do limited resawing and figure 1.5 hp should handle my needs instead of holding out for a 3hp.
Band saw upgrade options.
- Thread starter jfoh
- Start date
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Woodlvr
Member
Sounds like a good deal to me. You could always add a Carter Tension Release unit later. I am saving up for one to put on my Ridgid 14" myself.
lazrider
Member
Band Saw Upgrade
The Rikon 14" is on sale at Woodcraft now for $749 and is, in my mind, a superior value to all the cast iron 14" bandsaws out there.
12+ inch resaw, 1.5HP, good fence, tension release, comes with good 5/8" resaw blade, ball bearing guides, rack-and-pinion height adjustment.
Plus...I believe the Carter tension release limits a saw to a 3/8" blade.
The Rikon 14" is on sale at Woodcraft now for $749 and is, in my mind, a superior value to all the cast iron 14" bandsaws out there.
12+ inch resaw, 1.5HP, good fence, tension release, comes with good 5/8" resaw blade, ball bearing guides, rack-and-pinion height adjustment.
Plus...I believe the Carter tension release limits a saw to a 3/8" blade.
DurocShark
Member
I'd agree with this. When I bought my Cman 10" I looked at all the 14-18" saws. I decided on the Cman because of its small size, good construction, and it fit my needs at the time. (I sure wish it had tension release though...) But the Rikon 14" was my first choice of the larger ones.