JET 708749 JWBS-16 16-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Woodworking Bandsaw with Guide Blocks, 115-Volt 1-Phase

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Price: $1,795.00   

Product Feature

• 16-inch band saw with a powerful 1-1/2 hp TEFC 115-volt motor
• 1-piece dual-tapered column design for greater rigidity and strength
• Precision computer balanced wheels; rack-and-pinion blade guide height adjustment
• Convenient block guides offer support and reduce friction
• 17-by 17-inch cast-iron table; weighs 310 pounds shipped; 1-year limited warranty

Product Description

Motor Voltage: 115/230V

JET 708749 JWBS-16 16-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Woodworking Bandsaw with Guide Blocks, 115-Volt 1-Phase Review

Set up was extremely fast. 15 minutes including removing the rust coat on the table.
I didn't have any trouble dealing with saw on my own. I put the feet on by myself and managed to remove the wooden packing feet by myself. I'm not a championship weight lifter, but I am a pretty big guy 6' 1" 230 lbs.
I also thought adjustment on the guides lower and top was fairly easy.
My first cut was a 3 X 3 x 36 piece of curly rock maple. I sliced a thin 1/16 X 3 X 36 veneer from the face. No burning, minimal chatter considering the blade, and no noticable load on the motor.
I guided the piece through at about the same rate I would a similar piece of wood through a 21" Oliver I use to use at a shop I worked at.
No doubt about it, the machine is quiet and almost vibration free. I am very impressed with the smoothness considering the price, and the type of construction; the saw is not a cast iron monster like the olivers and deltas I am used to working with, it is fabricated metal.
The blade tracks perfectly with out adjusting anything but the blade tension to the exact marker for the blade size. That's a thrill.
The saw was delivered right to my garage, the package was somewhat damaged and they only strapped one 40" pallet right smack in the middle of the box (which didn't give me much confidence I expected it to come on a full pallet or crated)but the contents was not damaged, not a scratch or a ding.
I would give this bandsaw a 5 based on it's price and size if it weren't for the table. I took a Starett 36" straight edge and some winding sticks and the table is tweaked about 1/32" on one corner. Doesn't make for very accurate cutting. Hopefully it won't take too long to get a replacement table.
Have I used better saws? Yes
Have I used better saws at the same price range? Definately not.
The bad table aside, I would highly recommend this saw for any woodworker on a limited budget who wants the features of a resaw and bandsaw all in one inexpensive unit.

UPDATE Dec 20, 2004
For historical reference please read my review above. Jet makes a good bandsaw, and they responded promptly to my problem with the table. However Amazon does not allow Jet to replace defective parts. All replacement orders must go through Amazon.

Since Dec 1 I have been trying futilely to get the table replaced.
The first time I called their 800 number the rep never sent my request ahead to the "Appropriate Department". I have called once a week religiously and still no satisfaction.
I wouldn't be so bothered if this was just a cosmetic issue, but the saw is unusable without a flat table, it is just setting in my shop taking up space and collecting dust.
I would say to you, buy a Jet, but don't buy from Amazon unless you are ready for a lot of headaches and frustrations.

UPDATE Dec 28 2004
The manufacturer is finally sending me a replacement table. Got the saw Nov 24 2004, set it up Nov 25 2004 and hopefully I will be able to use it by January 5th 2005. Only 47 days after it arrived!

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