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Made by: JET
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Product Description
-- JET's 14-inch band saw offers woodworkers two big improvements over other band saws in this class. The blade guide with light spring tension inside the mechanism was the first thing we noticed. It stays in place when you loosen it instead of crashing down on the tabletop (or your fingers) as guides from other saws can. This allows for two-handed height adjustment, letting you set the guide precisely where you want it quickly and easily. The blade guide also offers oil-impregnated plastic parts rather than steel, so the blade stays sharp longer. We were also impressed with the blade tracking device, which locks in place so there's no need for readjustment after the test run. The saw has a 1-horsepower motor that's fan cooled and fully enclosed for dust protection, and computer-balanced, die-cast aluminum wheels for smooth operation. The 15-by-15-inch cast-iron table is slightly larger than tables on competing band saws, and it tilts 45 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the left.
Other advantages include a heavy-gauge metal housing and a powder coating (rather than paint), meaning the saw will hold up to regular usage and still look good. Another user-friendly feature is the quick-connect electrical plug, so you don't have to follow long cords to their outlets before each blade change. Band saws aren't the dustiest machines around, so the 2-inch dust port for the shop vac seems just right, but a 2- to 4-inch converter can be added for use with a more serious shop-dust-collection system. This saw is best for shops doing smaller pieces or serious hobbyists who want to do fine work. Owners will enjoy quick and easy setup by following a clear set of instructions.
From the Manufacturer -- Giving you room to maneuver, no matter what the project, this 14-inch band saw has a capacity of 6 by 13-1/2 inches and is packed with well thought-out features: The table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the left so that you can shift angles and directions easily; a V-groove blade guide ensures consistent and positive alignment, and the graphite-impregnated polymer JET blocks in the blade guides promise quicker setup and a cooler-running blade. The 1 hp, one-phase, 115/230-volt motor can get a 1/8-to-3/4-inch blade moving at 3,000 sfpm. The extra-large 15-by-15-inch cast-iron worktable offsets to provide you with a larger work area in front of the blade. Standard equipment includes the stand, 2-inch dust chute, and a 3/8-inch band saw blade.
FEATURES
. Features a rigid one-piece welded stand which requires no assembly
. Motor is totally enclosed and fan-cooled for long life
. Completely prewired with a unique quick connect motor-to-switch plug for easy setup
. Upper blade guide micro-adjustments
. "V"-groove blade guide bar for consistent alignment
. Graphite impregnated polymer "JET Blocks" in the blade guides for quicker setup and a cooler running blade
. Extra large 15" x 15" cast iron work table offset for more work area in front of the blade
. 3/8" woodworking blade; 6 teeth per inch
. Built-in dust chute
. A full 6" under guide cutting capacity with 12-1/2" blade to frame capacity
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
. Stand
. 2" dust chute
. 3/8" band saw blade
SPECIFICATIONS
Cutting Capacity (H/in): 6
Cutting Capacity (W/in): 13-1/2
Min Saw Blade (W/in): 1/8
Max Saw Blade (W/in): 3/4
Saw Blade (L/in): 93-1/2
Table Size (in): 15 x 15
Table Tilt (R x L): 45 degrees x 10 degrees
Stand Type: Closed
Table Height From Floor (in): 43-1/2
Dust Chute Diameter (OD/in): 2
Overall Dimensions (HxWxD/in): 68 x 26 x 19
Motor (TEFC): 1 HP, 1 Ph, 115/230V, Prewired 115V
Blade Speed (SFPM): 3,000
Net Weight (lbs): 185
Reviews:
A Major Player in My Woodshop -- I've owned this band saw for a year. Before purchasing, I researched others, including Delta, Grizzly, Ridgid, and General. I've written this review to answer the kind of questions I had when I was still shopping for a band saw!
Assembly is simple. The manual contains photos of each step, with hardware and parts clearly visible. Aligning the upper and lower wheels is no problem -- they were aligned perfectly out of the box. Installing the rip fence is also easy -- all the mounting hardware are designed for this machine.
In your daily band saw setup routine, there are five main steps: (1) Install blade; (2) Tension blade; (3) "track" blade; (4) adjust blade guard; (5) adjust guides. These are typical steps in setting up any band saw, but the Jet is easier than other 14" saws.
Installing and/or removing blades on the Jet 14" is easy. The upper and lower guides loosen up, and the blade slips out through the table without a problem. When installing a new blade, it's easy to guide it into the blade guard, mount it on the two wheels, and center it. Hint: when installing a blade, make sure the teeth are pointing DOWNward. Every new band saw owner installs a band saw blade upside down once.
With your blade centered on the wheels, use the tension knob to tighten the blade to the correct level. Jet designed the tension knob so it is above the wheel cover. This sounds like a small detail, but other brands position the tension knob so you bang your knuckles against the metal as you turn it -- very annoying. There's a tension indicator showing blade width. According to the manufacturer, you can use blades from 1/8" to 3/4", but 1/2" is the widest I've used.
With the blade tensioned, adjust the "tracking" (removes any blade wobble). Jet has designed a great system for adjusting tracking. First, loosen a wing nut. Then, spin one of the wheels with your hand. As you spin the wheel, turn the tracking knob one way or another until you see that the blade stays in the center of the wheel. Then tighten the wing nut again, and you're done. This saw holds its tracking setting, even after hours of use.
The next step is to adjust the blade guard. Jet's blade guard is a step ahead of the other brands. Loosen a knob, then set the blade guard for the proper height (I set mine about 1/8" above the wood). What sets the Jet apart is that, even with the blade guard knob loosened, the blade guard stays in place if you let go of it. With the Delta, when you loosen the blade guard, it crashes down onto the table. The engineers at Jet were smart to design their blade guard differently -- it saves crushed fingers and dented wood!
Next, adjust the saw guides. Again, the Jet 14" is easier than others. The upper and lower guides are both very accessible. For both the upper and lower guides, there are side supports and a rear roller. To adjust the rear roller, loosen a wing nut, then turn a thumb screw until the guide is set, then re-tighten the wing nut. For the side supports, first position it properly frontwards and backwards, then push the block against the blade. For frontward/backward adjustment, there is a wing nut/thumb screw system; to set the blocks against the blade, loosen a couple of screws, slide the blocks, and re-tighten the screws. All of this is engineered well on the Jet, making the adjustments go quickly.
The rip fence that comes with this saw is solid and locks down securely. The design of the fence is almost like Jet's table saw fences. The fence comes with two steel rails, which bolt onto the table, one in front and one in back. The front rail has a built-in measure, and a pointer on the fence allows you to read precise inch marks. This fence is very accurate, and holds its settings, even after running several pieces through the saw. The fence comes with a re-saw feature, a "peg-style" attachment.
Ripping straight lines on this saw is a pleasant task. You read all the time about "blade drift," but if you take the time to set up this saw as described above, there's no blade drift. For cutting curves, I use a 1/8" blade and find it easy to follow my guidelines. The saw feels smooth and safe. The table on this saw is a couple of inches larger than other models -- a plus when working with bigger pieces of wood.
This saw has adequate power for everything I've cut. On 1X material, the saw cuts without bogging down, even when pushing the wood quickly. Even using inexpensive blades, the saw cuts smoothly. With Timberwolf blades, I've noticed smoother cuts.
The best test of band saw power is re-sawing. I've used the Jet 14" to re-saw up to 5" wide, using 1/2" blades. Push the wood slowly when re-sawing hardwoods such as oak. Don't try to rush this saw when re-sawing wide boards because it will bog down a bit. If I feed the wood at an even, slow pace, it's not a problem. I've used this saw to slice off 1/16" veneer, and it's performed well. Again, the blade you use makes a difference. With the right blade, very little sanding is needed.
Dust collection is, at best, decent. None of the 14" band saws I tested had adequate dust collection. The good thing is, a band saw does not produce much dust.
This saw has been a terrific addition to my woodshop. In almost every wood project I do, I have come to rely on this band saw to play a major role.
Powerful Performance -- I purchased the Jet 14" bandsaw almost a year ago, use it almost daily, and it is going strong. It is used about 80% of the time resawing walnut, cherry and exotic woods like purpleheart, yellowheart and paduak. I am very satisfied with the peformance and repeat precision of the bandsaw. I just got done resawing 1/16" walnut blanks. Resawed the blanks into 3/32", then put them thru the Performax (Jet) Drum sander, and now have a precise thin stock 1/16" walnut blank for overlays and inlays! No high or low spots, just consistant precise thickness from the bandsaw.
The setup was simple, took about 2 hours, the manual is very self explainitory and easy to follow. I would suggest having a helper available, the base is very heavy. If you think you might ever put the bandsaw on a mobile base, do it now. For later would mean doing the heavy lifting all over again. Having the bandsaw on a mobile base allows for more options in your workshop as to the positioning and placement of the tools as you as actually using them and just having them sit there waiting to be used.
Blade changes are easy, taking less than 5 minutes to reduce tension on the wheels, remove blade, insert new blade and reposition the wheel tension to the proper level. I would throw the blade that came with the bandsaw away, and use either Timberwolf of Lennox carbide tipped blades. The Lennox 3/4" blades are perfect for resawing. I have not had must luck or quality production results from the Delta blades.
There is very little vibration in the machine, the powerful 1 hp motor cuts thru the purleheart with precision.
Are there better bandsaws out there ? There sure is, but not at this price. I am very satisfied with the Jet 14" bandsaw's performance and precision!
After hours and months or reseach and review reading I came to purchase the Jet 14" bandsaw. I am only going to review what I have seen in the limited time that I have owned it. It took about two hours for complete set up to include the mobile base, fence system, and riser block. Only very minor adjustments were made which you would expect from any new tool purchase. I encountered no problems with the enclosed hardware and the fit and finish on the machine was excellent. First time out the machine passed the nickle test with all stock parts to include the belt.
After I log some major hours on the machine I will be back with what I really think of the tool. After all it's what your money buys in the long run that really matters.
Outstanding choice -- I have spent a year looking at the different band saws. At first I was looking at Delta and comparing it to the other saws. I got stuck on Delta because I own other Delta tools and I liked the quality and performance of these machines. So, I ordered a Delta 14 inch band saw. But after reading the reviews (excellent source of information) I quickly cancelled the order. Then about the same time a Jet 14 inch band saw caught my eye. It was the same price and the reviews were excellent. So I purchased it. I was impressed right from the start. I received the saw 3 days early (way to go ABF). It took a little time to assemble the saw but it went right together. After a few fine adjustments were made on the blocks and the bearing the saw was ready to go. The operation was smooth and very little vibration. Only one recommendation, purchase the mobile base at the same time. It will save time and your back moving it around the shop.
Really nice band saw -- In this price range, this band saw can't be beat. I've ued mine for ripping, resawing, precision work, hardwoods, softwoods, plastics. The only time the motor bogs down is when I'm resawing thick stock.
But there are a few things I'd change:
1. The guide blocks wear awfully fast. I bought a set of Cool Blocks and they are wonderful.
2. The fence isn't so hot. After just a few weeks, it wouldn't lock to the table. I now insert a piece of sandpaper in the locking cam. It works but this could be designed better. (Fences are not new technology--this really shouldn't be a problem.)
3. The table top is just too small.
4. Buy the riser (height extender). Before long, you'll want to resaw a 10" wide board. Trust me, you will.
5. The dust control port is stupid, awful and a waste of time. The port is 2 1/2" on the exit side. But, if you look inside the port, the internal restriction is 1" x 1/2" !!! Whoever designed this should be fired. (Don't designers test their products?) You will want to cut a hole on the door and install a 4" dust port. Relatively easy to do. And it is worth it. With a 4" dust port, you could run the band saw in the living room. JET really needs to fix the dust port.
Overall, I'm satisfied for the price.