Replies

1. 
   BrianDerr | Jul 26, 2008 06:57am | #1

   I have a newer Jet 18" which I am pretty happy with. Not sure if it has the precision t-square or not . . . I guess probably not since I have never heard of it.

   Brian

2. 
   docrx | Aug 14, 2008 03:09pm | #2

   Sparky,

   I am considering the same saw, the 1 3/4 hp version, on sale for $999.00 locally.  Did you end up getting it and if so how do you like it.

   Thanks

   Tony

1. 
   user-172496 | Aug 14, 2008 04:12pm | #3

   No I do not have it yet, I am only dreaming, I am retired and money does not come from the money tree, so For the present time I will have to dream on, I would love to have one in my shaop, but for one thing I can't find a dealer here in canada. I know there must be some because I have a Jet 10 in. cabinet saw and a 6 in jointer both are made buy jet. The dealer I bought them from is no longer in business. I like the Jet, I also like the General, but I don't have that kind of pocket.

   Jack   Brighton Ontario

   Edited 8/14/2008 9:13 am ET by sparky 2006

1. 
   Jimurock | Aug 14, 2008 04:24pm | #4

   Yep, dealing with dealers in Canada can be frustrating.  I was surprised to find when I bought a Steel City machine from my dealer that they could have ordered me a Powermatic.  Who knew?  They don't advertise, I suppose because there's so little demand.  Come to think of it, SC isn't on their website yet.  You just have to keep asking, which I hate doing.

   Jim

2. 
   docrx | Aug 14, 2008 04:36pm | #5

   Jack,

   Thanks for the quick reply.  It is a pretty big chunk of change for me too, since it is just for hobby purposes, but I decided to do things differently this time and actually research before I buy, what a confusing journey this is turning out to be!! 

   Well, thanks again, hope your dream comes true someday, i'll let you know if I end up with it.

   Tony

   Las Vegas, Nv

1. 
   user-172496 | Aug 15, 2008 02:54am | #8

   Thanks for the reply Tony, Just maybe I will get a 18 in. Jet band saw one of these days, In the mean time I will have to make do with my 14 in. King, When I bought this one I wanted a 14 in. jet and the dealer talked me into getting the " King " bad thing I have been sorry ever since that I let him talk me into it. I wont do that again.

   Jack  Brighton, Ontario

1. 
   docrx | Aug 20, 2008 07:33pm | #9

   I had some questions about the bandsaw, so I called Jet.  For what its worth, the current model is the JWBS -18X which is being replaced by the JWBS - 18 QT.  The QT should be available mid October for about $ 1500 - $ 1900.  New features will be a quick release blade system, and a more rigid support, he also said it looked cooler, more "sleek and stylish".  I asked him if the new features were worth the price and he said probably not, unless you change blades on a daily basis.  So there may be some sales in the future on the X version, it is selling here for $ 999.00.  I will let you know when I get one and how I like it.

   Tony

2. 
   docrx | Aug 24, 2008 08:44pm | #10

   Jack,

   I bit the bullet and bought the Jet 18 inch bandsaw on Thursday, along with a powermatic 6 inch jointer and powermatic pm1300 dust collector.  Very expensive visit to the woodworking store!! Since this is my first bandsaw all I can say is WOW.  Took a several hours to get it all set up, but I am impressed by everything.  I bought the bandsaw book by Lonnie Bird and read it before I started.  After a couple of practice cuts I was able to resaw a 6" x 1" x 12 " piece of cherry right down the middle with no drift or difficulty, and a couple of consistent 1/32 inch cuts that were consistent the length of the board, and that was with the factory blade that came with it, I can't wait to try a better blade after a little more practice.  So for what it is worth I give the machine two thumbs up. 

   Tony

3. 
   user-172496 | Aug 24, 2008 09:42pm | #11

   Good For You Tony, I am more than a little envious, Just kidding I hope you enjoy all your new toys. And for the present time I will have to dream on.

   Have fun, but you be very carful now.

   All the best.

   Jack Griffin Brighton, Ontario.

4. 
   Don01 | Aug 24, 2008 11:42pm | #13

   Jack,
   I have had the King 14" for 5 years now. Once I figured out that the guide bearing holders were not properly aligned from the factory and replaced the blade tensioning rod with my own design, it has been a very good saw. I was looking at getting a new bandsaw for the extra re saw capacity.
   I looked at what I was doing, how much floor space I had and realized that I would be better off working with the saw I have.
   So, I bought the riser and some new blades from Mike at Woodworkers Haven. I can do all of this and increase the motor to 5HP for about $500.00.
   The one thing I really like about the larger saws is the table height. So to achieve this, I am knocking my current saw off its base and building a lower stand for it as part of a bench top, so I have lots of infeed and outfeed support.I also bought a Redline bandsaw fence from Dave at MD Wooland which will allow me to use the addons he sells with the Redline table saw fence. I didn't count this in my conversion costs as it was not required to get the extra resaw capacity.Don

3. 
   JSPIII | Aug 14, 2008 11:04pm | #6

   I have had mine for 2 years and it has met my expectations. You will have to replace the blade and adjust the guides, but after that you should be good to go.

   The reviews criticize the difficulty in adjusting the lower guides, but I did not have any problems; tilted the table and made the adjustments. The table was flat. The fence is a bit cheesey so you might want to replace it.

   Fit and finish were fine. All the power I need in my shop for any work I have to do.

   All in all, I would buy another.

1. 
   user-172496 | Aug 15, 2008 02:46am | #7

   Well Pena I am glad you you enjoy your 18 in Jet bandsaw, and just maybe one day I will get one to.

    

   All the best Jack

4. 
   THintz | Aug 24, 2008 10:46pm | #12

   I have the new JET 18" in my shop and like it a lot. I needed more capacity for trimming bowl blanks and other turning stuff but also wanted the increased resaw capacity.

   By the way, it is cool looking but I think the improvements are well worth it. The triangular frame is very trick and VERY rigid, the blade tension system is really handy and makes changing blades way easier/faster. There is more also.

   I have a review of this saw with lots fo photos and a video at the link below.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jet18bsrvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   user-172496 | Aug 25, 2008 02:59am | #14

   Well Tom, I really don't know what to say !!! I am envious, but Iam glad for you, ENJOY I hope you have a lot of fun with it, for a long time to come.

   All the best.

   Jack Griffin Brighton, Ontario

    

2. 
   docrx | Aug 25, 2008 03:15pm | #15

   THintz

   I actually used that review in my decision to buy a Jet, so I wanted to thank you for writing that review and writing it so that a beginner to band saws like myself could find it so useful.  You covered all the points that I was concerned about.  Although I decided to buy the 1.75HP  X version now rather than wait for the QT, your description of the quality of Jet band saws helped make my decision easier.

   Thanks

   Tony

1. 
   THintz | Aug 25, 2008 03:25pm | #16

   Tony,

    

   Thanks!

   And, prepare to have lots of fun! That is a nice saw!Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!