Jet bandsaw
Jet bandsaw
JET JWBS-14CS
The Jet impressed us right out of the box with its clear, thorough assembly instructions and illustrations.
Once it was put together, the Jet’s performance was second to none. It powered through every cut with ease.And even during the most aggressive cuts, it was one of the quietest, smoothest-running machines we tested.
The Jet also has one of the best blade guide systems of the bunch. It’s completely tool-less, and fine tuning the guides is incredibly easy.
The guide block carriages and thrust bearings are adjusted with knurled knobs and then locked with thumbscrews. The guide blocks themselves are also locked with thumbscrews.
The fit and finish of this machine also earned high marks. It has a flat, well-polished table that tilts smoothly. And every adjustment on this saw is made with large comfortable knobs. It was also the only cabinet that didn’t require tools to get to at least some part of the machine. Everything about the Jet band saw shows incredible attention to detail.
Amazingly, this is also one of the most affordable saws of the group. Hard to believe they could deliver this kind of quality for under $600, but they did it.
So,if you’re looking for high performance at a moderate cost, this is your saw.
At a Glance:
Price: $599
Motor: 1 HP, 115V/10 Amp
or 230V/5 Amp
Resaw Capacity: 6″
Rip Capacity: 131/2″
Blade Range: 1/8″ – 3/4″
Blade Speed: 3,000 SFPM
Weight: 185 lbs.
Dim: 19″D x 26″W x 68″H
Warranty: 2 years
Virtues: Powerful, quiet-running motor; Tool-less blade guide adjustments; Superior quality cabinet; Large, comfortable adjustment knobs; Large table; Great price.
Vices: Lightweight
Verdict: This is a superior-quality band saw from top-to-bottom at an unbeatable price.
While operating the bandsaw
• After starting the band saw, wait until the motor is at full speed before beginning any cut.
• A push stick/block must be used whenever possible. Keep hands a distance of at least 8 cm from an operational saw blade. You can’t cut your fingers if you don’t touch the blade.
• Always feed the stock with light pressure and avoid excessive twisting of the blade. If you push too hard or twist too much, you will hear the saw slow down. This is your cue to lighten up. Too much pressure or twisting can break the blade. Use even less pressure as you near the end of a cut because the blade will come out the last millimeter or so.
• If you have a number of cuts to make, plan your work so you can proceed in a sensible order. Never back out of long, curved cuts.
• Use relief cuts on sharp corners. Thinner blades can cut sharper corners without relief cuts.
• Round or irregular shaped wood presents special dangers because the force of the blade can twist it out of your control. Never cut round or odd shaped pieces unless you use a jig to stabilize them.
• Never use your thumbs to push toward the blade.
• Never back out of a curve cut while the machine is running. Always shut the band saw off and wait for the blade to stop before backing out.
• If the band saw has a brake, use it to stop the blade after the power has been switched off; otherwise, stay with the machine until the blade stops moving. Do not attempt to stop a band saw by thrusting stock against the blade. Recognize that a blade is sharp enough to cut even when it is not in motion.
• If the blade breaks, turn off the machine and advise the teacher.
• Do not stand to the right of the band saw while someone is using it. If the blade breaks, it might flip out in that direction.
• Always stand firmly on the floor and avoid any awkward operations so you don’t slip or lose balance.
• Do not carry on a conversation while cutting. Stay focused on the task.
• If it is necessary to remove scrap stock from the table, remove with a push stick; not your fingers.
• Stock must be flat on the table. Do not attempt to “free-hand” cut the stock in mid-air.
• All adjustments on the machine must be done when the saw has stopped turning.
• Do not lay tools on the band saw table surface.
• De-energize and lock-out all energy systems before making adjustments/repairs. Disconnect the power cord or turn off power to the room and secure the electrical panel with a lock.
• Never leave a band saw running unattended. Turn off the power and make sure the machine has stopped running before leaving the area.
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