Popular Woodworking 2005-11 № 151, страница 40
Endurance Test Jet 14" Band Saw You can buy this machine with a variety of features, but what's critical is that Jet got the basics just right. When I purchased a Jet 14" band saw four years ago it was an amazing deal. The saw came loaded with features, including a fancy rip fence and miter gauge, and it cost hundreds less than comparable saws. Today, that same band saw is an even better deal because Jet has upgraded the motor, the blade guides and the blade-tensioning mechanism, and still kept the reasonable price tag. Like crows that are drawn to shiny obj ect s, woodworkers are easily dazzled by the features and gizmos on their machines. But instead of focusing on all the features available on this saw, I'd like to turn your attention to what's absolutely important and nonnegotiable on a band saw. Because beneath all the extras on this machine beats the heart of a well-designed, solidly built and accurate saw. Let's start with the table. Some 14" band saws have a table that flexes easily under hand pressure (and this will spoil your cut). Sometimes this flex is because of spotty trunnions that secure the table to the saw's frame; sometimes the table flexes because of the way the trunnions are attached. The Jet, however, offers a solid working surface that has never flexed under a heavy load, even when resawing big stuff. The second important characteristic of band saws is that they retain their settings during use. Band saws are surprisingly fussy instruments that need tuning to really perform. And there's nothing more frustrating than having to constantly adjust the blade guides, blade tension or the orientation of ABOUT OUR ENDURANCE TESTS Every tool featured in our Endurance Test column has survived at least two years of heavy use in our shop here at Popular Woodworking. the top wheel. I can report that the Jet is a real trooper in this department. I rarely have to make any adjustments, except when changing blades. And I have the stock guide assembly on my saw (not fancy ball-bearing guides). The only upgrade I've made to my guides is to replace the metal blocks with ceramic ones. Band saws also need a decent motor. I have the 3/4-horsepower version and have no complaints in the guts department - resawing is a bit slow, but not at all onerous. Jet now makes this saw with 1-hp and 1 V4-hp motors, giving you power to spare. And finally, the saw needs to run smoothly to get an accurate cut. I tweaked my saw in two ways to make it as smooth as a cabinet saw: I replaced the stock drive belt with a Powertwist link belt; and I balanced the top wheel of the saw so it ran true by drilling out a little material in seven places near one spoke of the upper wheel. (All decent band saw books explain how to do this.) Here are some other features and tweaks worth mentioning: The fit and finish of this saw is excellent; the paint job is first-rate and has endured lots of shop dings; and the welds on the base and frame are neat and tight. The only exception to this is with the accessory riser block, which I added to my saw. The metal casting that goes between the top and bottom wheel of the saw had a rough spot that rubbed the blades, shortening their life. About 10 minutes with a file fixed that. The rip fence on this band saw is good, SPECIFICATIONS Jet 14" Band Saw Street price: $529 to $599 Motor: 3A hp, 1 hp or 11A hp Table: 15" x 15" cast iron Table tilt: 45° right; 10° left Blade speed: 3,000 sfpm Max blade: W Weight: 172 to 194 pounds For more information: Contact Jet at 800-274-6848 or www.jettools.com though I have opted for a shop-made one that I simply clamp to the saw's table. Similarly, the miter gauge is fine, though it's not something you should take into account when buying any band saw. In the end, I would purchase this saw again. It is a nearly perfect machine for the home woodworker. The engineers got the basics right, they added a lot of nice (and useful) features and the price is still fantastic. PW — Christopher Schwarz 38 Popular Woodworking November 2005 |
