Opinions on Jet 18" bandsaw

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Lenny

Lenny

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Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
3,476
Location
Searsport, Maine
Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of the Jet 18" bandsaw ... the model I'm asking about would be about 4 years old. :confused:

Still waiting to find out the actual model number. :redface:
 
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I've had one for almost 8 years. I've read reviews since where some have problems with the frame (bending?) on some of the 18" Jets. Not sure if mine is poorly designed or not but absolutely no complaints so I haven't researched the time period. I have a 1/2" 3tpi Tri-Master installed on mine and use it for occasional re-sawing.
 
Thanks, that is one issue I heard and wondered about. I have also heard with some it is difficult to adjust the lower guides? Not a deal breaker for me.
Is yours a 1 1/2 HP?
 
Yes, mine is a 1.5 HP. IIRC, maybe 5 minutes to adjust guides when installing a new blade. I rarely change the blade so this hasn't been a problem for me.
 
JimMc7 said:
Yes, mine is a 1.5 HP. IIRC, maybe 5 minutes to adjust guides when installing a new blade. I rarely change the blade so this hasn't been a problem for me.
Click to expand...

THAT was my thinking as well. Sometimes I think the reviewers just have to find something to write about!
 
Jet bandsaw

Lenny, I have an older 18" Jet with the 1.5 hp.

I don't like the guides, they look like pancakes. The bottom guides are difficult to get at to adjust with the table attached.

The only issue I have had is the lower wheel shaft broke, but my machine is kinda old. I don't think the previous owners released the blade tension often, at least that's what Jet told me the cause was. All I know is it scared the crap out of me when it let go.

Anyway I upgraded the shaft to a newer beefier replacement which meant that I also had to upgrade the pulley, bearings and bearing housing through Jet.

Hope this helps
 
purplehaze said:
<snip> The bottom guides are difficult to get at to adjust with the table attached. <snip>
Click to expand...

Bob, do your guides look like this? If they do, then I stand corrected re adjustment difficulty (the back Allen screw could be a challenge). I haven't adjusted mine since installing the Tri-Master in 2007 and quite possible I have CRS syndrome (not only can't remember "stuff", but remember "stuff" as better than it actually was! :smile:).
 

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I had read something about a certain model of Jet 18" saw that had a problem with access to the lower blade guides. A response to that, in the thread, was to drill a 1/4" hole in the table that allowed an allen wrench access to the guide.
Not having seen or used the saw I can only speculate how that would work. :confused:

Not sure about this saw. I have a Jet 14" that is fine. But I think this 18" one is almost too good of a deal to pass up! :wink:
 
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guides

Jim, My guides do not look like that. There are no allen screws just thumb screws which loosen up over time. With the table attached my hands and fingers are too large to get in there to adjust them. If I get chance today I will post a pic.
 
Lenny, i think the guy figured out that you have connections to find out about that BS. that may be why he hasn't called you yet.

Lenny, John, are youguys saying that you are not happy with the Delta 14" BS you have? I was looking into getting that.
 
phillywood said:
Lenny, i think the guy figured out that you have connections to find out about that BS. that may be why he hasn't called you yet.

Lenny, John, are youguys saying that you are not happy with the Delta 14" BS you have? I was looking into getting that.
Click to expand...

I didn't say anything about Delta 14" BS not sure if someone else did.:confused:

I have an older Jet 14" that I'm reasonably happy with.... most of the imports have little issues .... although I think overall they have gotten better since I bought my Jet.

I use an old 14" Delta (USA made) at work and still see some of them on craigslist from time to time. They are a very solid tool!
I also use a 21" Grizzly at work. It's nice too, but like so many of the imports it's had it's little things that needed to be corrected. Bad bearings in the guide for one.
 
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