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This unit is shipped in two carton; base unit and upper saw unit. The blade was pre-installed, tensioned, and the tracking was dead center. Note that some of the mounting points were a bit difficult to get the bolt or knob snugged down without applying a lot of effort. The assembly and alignment instructions were clear and well written. Also, you will need metric tools to do the assembly. Total set up time from cutting open the box to cutting the first board was under an hour. All parts necessary for assembly were in the box. All I had left to do was hook it up my dust collector, plug it in and start cutting.Overall the fit and finish was very good.
Note that it does take two people to handle the upper saw unit safely.The machine was aligned right "out of the box." The only adjustment I had to make was to the table stop, and that is because you have to install the stop with the table off and adjust it after the table is on. Three tries and it was right on the money. This seems to be due to paint fouling the threads. For a machine in this price range I think it's a good value.
Most of my sawing is for resawing Cherry 5/4 into veneer. The latter is not the case because that works great for my other tools in removing dust and chips in my shop.The other complaint is the jet blade that comes with the saw. It performs flawlessly and it's a pleasure to use. A great deal I figured.This saw has quickly become one of my shops most valued tool. I bought this bandsaw through Woodcraft. I can't imagine what an expensive blade would do.Anyway, if you're thinking of buying it just do it. It's either that or my Jet dust collector is crap. It's on the side above where dust wants to settle therefore most of my dust is either on top of the cast iron bed or slips through the bottom where the door opens to alloy you to change blades.
Throw it away before you make your first cut. It does the job perfectly for that.I only have two beefs with Jet. At the time it was $549.99 with free shipping, $50.00 rebate AND free miter gauge and fence. Junk, junk, junk. I want to stretch the cherry wood I had milled four years ago from trees that were cut on my property. One, is the 4 inch dust collection outlets is absolutely useless. I ordered and installed an Olson blade and man, what a huge difference and they are inexpensive too. Your gonna love it.
Jet quickly sent a new part and it was easy to replace. The guides adjust quickly and the blade tracks well.
I have used to resaw 2x4 pine boards to build a fence. It has done well to resaw hardwoods such a oak and birch.
I have had the Jet bandsaw for over a year. I would recommend spending the extra money to get the 1 hp motor instead of the 3/4 hp.
It has all the power needed to resaw a 6" oak board. I also make boxes which I cut curves in a 6" thick piece of hardwood with no problems.
The only problem I have had is the blade tensioner broke after approximately 6 months. I have been very happy with this product and I use it all the time.
I bought this saw three years ago and have had nothing but problems since.I also have a Jet tablesaw -- which I love -- that led to me purchasing this bandsaw.For the money, this saw should come better built, better-equipped, and/or better-priced.It lacks decent blade bearings -- so add to purchase price $100+ for Carter bearings. Also add the extension pack for resawing -- another $50-$100, plus blades.It lacks a blade de-tensioner, add another $150.It does not come balanced and will shake like crazy, so add your time to balance the wheels.The dust extraction is a joke and it has nothing to clean the dust off the bottom wheel as it is working -- add your time to resolve that.The hardware that they use to get the blade tensioner is third-rate and I am replacing it for the third time.All-in-all, I wish I had bought the Laguna -- my buddy has one for less than I sank into this machine and his is reliable.The only positive note I have to add, is that when it is running nicely, after much tuning, it does work well -- but that doesn't seem to last too long a time.Good luck,Erik.
This is my fourth band saw. Other than that I am very happy with this tool and I would do it again if I need another one some time. You know the sound when you hear it.
Needless to say that I use it a lot. That would be a blade brush. And it the best one so far.
I have only one thing that I wish it had on it. I did add the 6" riser kit and am happy with the way that worked out. The blade is still very solid and has that really nice sound of a good band saw.
The wheels seem to pick up junk that will get them out of balance. Timothy the Tool Man
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