JET Reviews

A two foot square smooth cast iron table top combined with a very smooth spindle makes this machine very easy to work with. I measured the spindle runout to be 0.004 inches maximum for all spindles, except for the 1/4 spindle that was 0.013.

My lower rating of only 3 stars is due to 3 quality issues. The top came with chemical stains, but was smooth and usable. I had to re-wire the switch... minor but should not have been required. And third, the table inserts are not flush with the table top. This can cause a piece of wood to catch as you are sanding with a resulting cup or glitch. Jet is sending me a new set of table inserts, but I have a feeling it is a poorly machined table top. I could easily shim the inserts, but for the price of the machine I expect it to be right and I want JET to know their quality control is slipping.

This machine is solidly built. It runs smoothly and does a great sanding job on all your curvy things. Despite a warning that it was on backorder and that delivery wouldn't be possible for many weeks, www.Amazon.com confirmed within three days that it had shipped! With the exception of the wooden pallet on which it was shipped (the pallet had been smashed to the point of almost being useless), the sander arrived intact and ready to go. It's heavy, so plan on having some help on hand at your end to assist with the unloading. It's top is ground flat and glassy smooth and provides ample support for any of the projects I'm likely to encounter at home. It's also square to the spindle which is always a plus. There was some spillage of the 90 weight oil from its reservoir during shipping (caused by the unit having been tipped too far, no doubt), and some missing or chipped paint from the backside of the base unit where the access door butts against it. Aside from these minor defects, I'm very pleased with the condition in which it arrived, and very happy with this choice in an oscillating sander. I doubt there's abetter one out there for the $. I've given this purchase only four stars for one reason only: www.Amazon.com does not sell replacement sleeves for this sander. The sleeves are not readily available in any of the local woodworking stores and I haven't figured out yet where I'm going to get them (perhaps the folks at JET can make a recommendation?).

I've tried some other bench top spindle sanders and had to move up from a piece of junk that I've been using for the past couple of years.

I wanted a bigger table, smoother action from the sanding spindle, and a smoother surface to work on. Additionally, I wanted a dedicated tool on its own stand. I spend a lot of time at the spindle sander. I wanted a comfortable and rock steady station to work.

After looking at what was available, my choice came down to this unit and one made by Grizzly. After looking very closely at the pictures and manuals offered by both companies, I decided that these were very likely made by the same company in China. There are virtually no differences that can be determined.... except one. The Jet's table is rounded on the corners. I envisioned pemanent bruises on my hips from running into sharp corners of the Grizz.

I own several Jet and Delta tools. I like working with tools that are well finished, that have a surplus of power for the job, that have smooth and flat work surfaces, and look good. I have customers in my shop all the time, so appearances mean a lot.

So, for the looks and rounded top corners, I decided to spend the extra couple hundred for the Jet. I am not dissapointed. The work surface has been machined flat and sanded smooth. It has the nicest surface of any machine in my shop.

The unit came fully assembled. All I had to do was to remove the protective gunk that prevents rust from the table top and install the sleeves on the spindles. The manual is nicely prepared in B&W and has good pictures to illustrate the points being made. The manual is also pleasantly short yet covers all significant details.

The spindle action is smooth and quiet. There is plenty of power to quickly remove material but it is easy to control as well. The result is you'll have exceptional control when removing material. I hooked up my dust collection and with only 650 CFM, it pulls most all the dust very well. I'm very impressed with the operation of the tool. It is truly the nicest OSS that I've used.

The machine comes with a full assortment of different sized spindles of 60 grit paper. I practically never use 60 grit for my projects. I've found that sanding spindles are available from Southern Tool and from Grizzly. I've got some on order for the sizes and grits I use most. It also has a 4 inch spindle. This is great for sanding straight edges or large arcs.

One nit that I have is that there are two shelves for spindle storage, one mounted on each side of the cabinet. The holes in these shelves accomodate the smaller spindles well enough. But the larger spindles have large nuts on the bottom and don't fit in the smaller holes. They keep tipping or even fall out when I move the tool around.

Other than the silly thing with the spindle storage, I feel that this tool is of the highest quality. I am very happy with this purchase and highly recommend the tool for anyone who needs a spindle sander.

Problems on assembly:
1) Center hole on cast iron base @ both ends was not centered + did not line up to the leg cross brace. Fix: used air grinder to grind cross brace hole wider.
2) Instructions for the installing the adust. feet were vague. Just says use "provided hardware". Fix: used my incredible powers of observation and deduction to determine what goes where.
3) The leg cross brace opposite of motor has an interference problem w/switch box. Fix: ground the cross brace to form a notch to clear switch box.

Usage:
1) table for vertical cuts is flimsy. Only single support underneath - needs 2. could not level table since there is no adjustment.
2) Adjustment of eccentric bearing requires a thin wrench to fit between bearing + support casting.
3) The blade covering has to be put on "just right" otherwise interference with the stop bolt occurs.
4) When moving the miter vise plate, the hold down bolt interferes w/the screw that holds the scale strip. Loosening the bolt enough will get past the interference unless the angle you want is right where the interference occurs.

In general:
The motor has enough power for cuts. I've been cutting 4130 .125 steel and the motor never bogged down. Horizontal cuts is this machines best use. vertical cutting leaves a lot to be desired but this could be because the blade's tooth pitch did not match up to the metal type. But,as stated above, the table doesn't help.

I looked at the grizzly and harbor frieght saws and then I saw a jet saw at my job,abviously heavier duty. But what i had noticed about the jet saws is they are more stockier build and heavier construction.I went to harbor frieght and the cover on the 4 by 6 was broken.I set this saw up in no time and had no troubles it cuts very nicely and timely,I am very pleased with it.

I'm not a home improvement enthusiast. Don't know why Amazon put that there. (Stupid!) I'm a hobby machinist.

I compared several different Asian made 5x6 bandsaws. Don't believe it when someone tells you they're all the same.

The Jet was very easy to assemble and use. Very solid base. UL approved motor that is bigger than some other bandsaws have. Nice fit-and-finish.

Some other ones I checked on needed to have additional bracing added due to a flimsy base. I had read about some of the others having motors prone to overheating and meltdown.

Bought mine locally for $249.99. Don't understand how Amazon can charge a $70 premium. Around $250 seems to be everyone's prices except Amazon. $319.99! Ridiculous!

I just took delivery of this saw last week. I am disappointed with Jet's quality control and customer service.
I agree with other reviewers, that the mobile base for this saw is totally inadequate, but I also have a few other issues with Jet's quality control. I was just starting to mount the guide rail for the fence to the front rail (big piece of angle iron) of the saw when I discovered that the pre-drilled holes in the front rail were not drilled parallel to the face of the rail. There was a 1/2" difference from the furthest left hole to the furthest right hole in the rail. This made it impossible to align the guide rail parallel with the front edge of the saw. I also noticed a dent and several deep scratches in the guide rail (shipping damage), and that the stick-on measuring tape wasn't pre-installed on the guide rail as is shown in the fence assembly instructions.
Next, the instruction manual for the saw tells you to jam a scrap piece of wood between the saw and the blade to keep it from moving when you tighten the arbor nut. I noticed on my saw that there are flat spots already machined on the arbor shaft to facilitate use of the arbor wrench provided with the saw, but you need two of them, one to hold the arbor shaft and one to tighten the arbor nut.
I put my saw together on a Saturday afternoon, so of course, I had to wait until Monday to call Jet's customer service department. The lady with whom I spoke to at Jet on Monday morning was quite helpful in getting some new parts (guide rail, front rail and an arbor wrench) in the mail to me. I received the replacement guide rail and arbor wrench in the mail on Wednesday (these two parts came from Tennessee) and but I am still waiting for the front rail, which had to come from Washington state.
The replacement guide rail I received looked as if it had been spray painted to cover up scratches it had in it (which I could still see). The finish was very rough and as if they had spray painted it in a dusty environment. The guide rail that came with my saw originally had a very smooth powder coated finish (except in the places that were damaged, of course). I called Jet's Technical Service department this time, because I wanted to ensure that they had sent me the correct guide rail (my original one had seven pre-drilled mounting holes and the replacement only had six). I told the gentleman at Jet about the finish on the replacement part I received and he told me they had switched manufacturers for that particular item and that the replacement guide rail I had received had probably been repaired before it was sent to me, hence the spray painted finish. I explained to him that I paid for a "new" saw and I wanted a "new" guide rail with the proper powder coated finish on it (like the rest of the saw). He said, "OK, but you need to send me back the other two guide rails." I asked him who was going to pay for the shipping, and he told me that I would have to pay to send them back and Jet would pay the shipping to send the second replacement one to me. These things are heavy and would cost me a small fortune to ship. I told him I was not going to pay to shipping, especially when I didn't damage them. I told him I would speak with Customer Relations.
The lady at Customer Relations is sending me another guide rail (although, when I told her about my conversation with the man in their Technical Service department, she also started to tell me I would have to send them the other two rails back at my own expense. After explaining the situation a few times, she finally backed-off from that notion). I asked her to make sure the replacement is inspected prior to mailing and that it be packaged a little better than the last two had been. We'll see.
I am just getting started with woodworking and this was my first major tool purchase. I had been told that Jet was a good product, but after this experience, I think I will be looking to another brand to outfit the rest of my shop.

I order this saw about a month ago, and am very happy with it. When the truck showed up, I had my tractor with loader ready to unload it. Things went smoothly, other than bending my loader forks quite a bit. Brought the saw and related peices into the shop, and started unpacking it.

After a thourough inspection, the only thing I found wrong was that one of the fence faces had the brackets strip out of it. A quick call to Jet, and a new set of fence faces were on their way. I was very pleased with their response to this issue.

Set up was straight forward, but does require some heavy lifting. I found I was able to prop up one side at a time to get the mobile base under it. Once the whole saw is on the mobile base, the base is pretty warped. I only set it on it temporarily until I have the shop layout determined. Once that is done, the saw will come back off the base as it is just not sturdy enough.

Other than that, I assembled everything, wired it up and made a couple of test cuts. The fence was spot on, the blade was perfectly aligned with the miter slots, everything just works.

Over all, I am very impressed with the saw. I would have given it a perfect rating, if it weren't for the cheap mobile base. As I said, this was not a concern to me, but should be pointed out before someone pays extra for it.

I have had my Jet JTAS saw for about 10 years now, right tilt was bought before left was an option, hence the 4 stars n not 5.
I am an amatuer garage woodworker and except for the right tilt
this saw has been a dream come true. After the initial set up, with the original Xacta fence (no micrometer movement)I cut scrap 3/4 Oak into 2" squares n put them into a checkerboard layout with perfect joints right from the git go. Back then it does sound like fit n finish is better than what u get today, but it has always been the center of my garage n a tool I would recomend to anyone.

I purchased the Jet 14" Drill Press and was very pleased with the assembly which went very smoothly. The instructions were fairly clear. The tool appears to be a well-built tool that can handle a lot of use in my shop. I purchased the mortise and chisels set from Jet as well and I was very displeased with the lack of instructions for assembly and use of the mortise and chisel component. The drill press was a great buy, but Jet needs to improve on their documentation for the mortise attachment. Jet also needs to provide padlocks for their woodworking tools as they currently do not carry them.

I purchased this base at my local woodworkers store after trying one of the so called "Universal" mobile bases. No matter how I configured the universal base, I was not happy with the way it fit the machine base, I returned it and bought the OEM. The Jet mobile base is better constructed, heavier materials, and fits the saw base much better. I replaced the swivel wheel with one of Grizzly's locking casters of the same size, because their lock also locks the swivel feature. I drilled some holes in the base, and bolted the saw to the base. I don't know that this is needed, but it doesn't take much time and I believe in "suspenders and belt". The base moves the saw well and I have experienced no tipping or lateral movement when sawing. I generally just lock the swivel caster and have at it.
I was told at the woodworker store to make sure and mount it with the swivel caster to the rear of the machine (as in the picture on this page), and to slide the base of the saw as far forward in the mobile base as I could get it. This puts the table almost directly over the dual wheels and precludes tipping. I followed that advice and am pleased with the result.
They also told me that this was an improved model over last years, but didn't say how it was improved. I gave the base 4 stars instead of 5, because of the initial cost and the poor quality of the swivel caster. I am happy with the overall performance, fit and finish and would reccommend this base to anyone, over one of the cheaper "universal bases".

Fast. Easy. Sturdy. Works like a dream. Costs too much. 'Nuff said.

Better system than the excaliber type system, excellent accuracy with 48" crosscut capacity, table extension for long sheets is a little cheesy, t-nut fence design makes putting the alumium bar back on a little tedious. Unless you are going to use something like an Altendorf or other large panel saw, this is the way to go.

I have used many styles of sliding tables saws, including the $15,00 types and this this isn't bad for the money.
Prior to purchasing this slide arm, I contated a Jet technition to see if it works on a Powermatic66 and he said yes, but with some modifications. These modifications consisted of drilling new holes in the tube that mounts to the side of the saw that the bearings run on and this wasn't to hard. Next modification was a 1/4" thick steel plate was needed to be bent or welded to create a piece of 6" angle iron because the bottom base of the PM66 saw is too round on the corners. It wound up being a piece of 6"x6"x10" that I welded to the base and then drilled holes in that to mount the pivot part of the arm. I used a local sheet metal/metal shop to make the part and it cost around $45. The plasic dust sheild on the side on the saw for enclosing the base can't be used. And the slide hits the top of the motor when the base is raised all the way up. But only about the last 1/4" or so, the rest of the blade height is not a problem when using the sliding arm/table. Basically, the assembly took less than a day to setup

Jet should consider using bearings in the pivot arm to help reduce wear on the lower arm/table support. They should also try to figure a way to eliminate the tube that sticks out in front of the saw because it gets in the way(most sliding tables have this problem)

The saw was shipped with a slightly bowed fence rail and the new one was shipped to me within 1-2 weeks(not a problem). I have seen this type of problem on aluminum extrusions before. No problems on getting parts except that you have to go through Tool Crib(not amazon) for parts, not Jet directly. It took about a day to figure this out. I told them what I needed and the parts were sent no questions asked

I found the assembly to be relatively straight forward except for the mounting holes for the guide tube. I have a unisaw and the holes were off by a quarter inch so I had to redrill them. If the Jet guys ever read these things maybe they can forward this on to R&D. Maybe slotted holes would cover it. Alignment was a bear as previously noted but with so many adjustments I could just plod along until I had it dialed in. Action is smooth and consistant throughout the stroke, but they could have made the guide bar at least 5 inches longer so the sheetstock can fully clear the blade. I would also change the swing so that the pivot acts from the rear. As it is now the arm is almost a shin wacker, only a problem if you are trying to see a cut line from the blade side, but still a pain. All in all, though, I am quite happy with it.

I ordered the Jet JWBS-140S / 708113 14" band saw and Carter Jet 14 Band Saw guide (for 14" Jet band saw) at the same time, from the same page on Amazon, as the accessories were listed below the 14" band saw. The Jet JWBS-140S 14" band saw has a 3/4" (+ or -) diameter vertical guide post, but the inside diameter of the upper guide bracket and guide assembly included in the Carter Jet 14 band saw guide, both measure 7/8" (+ or -). So the Carter guide would not attach properly to the Jet 14" band saw. I am waiting to see what Amazon decides on this.

I don't know if Jet has changed their design but not bother to inform others, or has a bad design. I also ordered the HTC HSJ-1414 mobile base for the Jet WBS-140S and it doesn't fit the saw.

I was impressed with the look and feel of the Carter guides, but it doesn't help much if they don't fit.

While this thing works well, don't get it if you are going to have to change blades a lot. You basically have to readjust it for every size blade, which is what you have to do anyway, but it takes soooooo long.

How do you change a really good bandsaw into a "great" bandsaw?

These guides will definitely do it. Worth their weight in gold.

I do small remodeling and custom cabinet work. When I looked into purchasing a 12" planer the Jet unit seemed to be the right choice. It arrived o.k. and worked out of the box. Now, here comes the kicker...what I really required was a much heavier unit to accomplish my type of work.

The unit spits out quite a bit of wood chips and there is no dust collection included. After calling Jet, and paying a whopping [money], plus handling, the simple metal accessory arrived (4" connection) and accomplished the necessary dust connection for my big collector.

The next problem showed up in the height adjustment setting. You test the demensioning of a piece of stock, set the depth adjustment a bit tighter, and begin your first run. The vibration shakes the machine and the depth adjustment handle begins a slow return to a less pressure position. Simply put, it opens the gap. The "fix" was positioniong a clamp each time a new adjustment is required to hold the handle in place. This is a bother!

The next problem came with the two rollers on top. They fell off! I gathered the fallen pins and after applying "lock tight", reinstalled them. This fixed this problem!

The primary problem is in my application. I have attempted to run "old" reclaimed cypress and pine through the planer and I get a lot of noise and little planing! The TWO planer blades and the SMALL MOTOR don't have the power to handle this work.

So...if you are a hobby type of person looking for a cheap way to plane your stock; well, there is no cheap way to accomplish it. You will have to settle for small width boards (less power required), soft woods with few knots (less power requjired) and get your clamp out to hold the adjustment.

On the plus side for the Jet, the planer blades can be removed and replaced with the jig (included with your planer)in short order. You must attach the two jig fittings to the bar and position them properly; there is a front and back to the contact points. Anyone with commom skills can make quick work of all this.

For me, I'm purchasing the next Jet in the HP chain, the [money] unit which I hope will solve all these problems.

If you only have [money], and can fit into the mold above, go for it. But, remember what I've told you.

All this from a fellow woody kind of a guy.

I have had this planer for over two years!
Have run 100's of board feet of white oak through it with NO problems at all.

I always thought that this planer would not make it with my use but it keeps working great. The depth adjustment is always right on for me. For some time I have been thinking that a bigger planer should be in my shop. Many times the depth of cut was pretty deep just to see if I could burn this one up and have an excuse to get a bigger planer....well it just won't burn up!

You need the additional dust collection chute for this unit. It's a must to have it connected to a dust collector, will NOT run without it!

After several months of review reading and research I picked the Jet. Several woodworking mags rated it higher than the Delta and a better value than the Ryobi. Here's the clincher - JET CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AMAZING. I may just buy all Jet tools from her on out because the Customer Service Dept is so incredibly helpful and accomodating (ask for Dan - he's the man!). Happy sawdust making.

I just received mine from Amazon. After reading all I could find on 8" bench grinders. I thought I would pay a bit more than the cheaper units and ovoid the usual "made in China hassles" WRONG! Having been a machinist / mechanical engineering, since the late 60's. I new better than to turn it on, before checking it out. One wheel has side wobble of 1/6" and the other an 1/8"! The wheels themselves are not flat. One being worse than the other. The greatest problem is the clamping washers either side of the wheels. They are stamped steel. Not machined and run out "a mile". They have no right being used either side of a grinding wheel. Also the rests faces are angled about 5 to 10� out from the motor shaft centerline. By holding the washers and rotating the wheels, I have the wobble in one cancel out the other, somewhat. Run out of 1/32". I dressed the wheels and ran it. But it will have to go on a stand, if I want to keep hand tools lying on my workbench. So now what? Call the factory and have them send some more junk parts. Return it and try another "made in China" Cough up for a real one at 3 times the price. Or just fix the dam thing myself?

After much research and thought put into this purchase I am so glad that I took the time to do just that because the grinder is axactly the kind I was looking for . It is so powerful and runs so smoothly and is an added asset to my work space in the garage.Ken

It is the smoothest grinder I have run right out of the box no truing of the wheels or anything I like that the rests are heavy and not the cheep stamped metal you get on a lot of grinders. For the money I think this is a great grinder unless you don't mind spending $400-500 on a Baldor grinder. The motor is strong and doesn't bog down if you are pressing hard when grinding like some cheaper grinders I have used. For my money the jet was a good fit.

Previously, I tried two different sears craftsman versions which kicked out the release button when I tightened the holding knob.

At the home improvement show this fall, I got to play with this unit at the Wilton booth. It had a metal looking piece which kept the release unit from self releasing and if you overtightened-the unit just clicked but held on solid. I was pleased to see this. I found another Wilton in a hardware store with non-metal looking pieces which was what the sears ones had in them but didn't bother to buy it.

I find this a fine product for light work. It does double duty as a convenient wide-jawed clamp or spreader.

But whoever designed the hard plastic packaging should spend eternity in hell unwrapping these things. NO thought was given to the buyer's convenience. Even with sharp industrial shears, it is VERY difficult to remove from the packaging. I would not buy another for that reason alone. In fact, the one I received already had half the package cut away as if someone had given it up and returned it rather than bloody his fingers.

I already owned one but had the need for another. I have not found anything in the market which offers the flexibility that this product does.

I have owned this planer for a year. It does fine on softwood but gives me a constant fit in feeding any kind of hardwood over 6 inches wide. The feeding is TERRIBLE! The outfeed tables are poorly designed and do NOT stay in place, especially since you have to push & pull on them to move it. The vibration is a constant problem with loosening of bolts and setscrews, and the noise can literally be heard 1/2 a mile away. The maintenance is anything but simple. I wish I had bought a Delta!

I purchased a Jet 15CS wood planer a month ago and am very happy with it so far. It will take an 1/8" of material off a board without laboring and is very quiet compared to my two other finish planers. A Ryobi AP10 (almost 10 years old) and a Delta 22-580 (over two years old). I picked the Jet because it has conventional straight planer blades over the Powermatic 15" which has a set of spiral blades. It allows me to tune up the blades myself without having to send them out to a sharpening shop. The finish quality of the cut is very good.

The depth gauge isn't the greatest since it doesn't relate one revolution on the crank to some denomiation of an inch like my Delta but I can get my material close to the thickness I want in a hurry! When I get close I just finish it off with a final pass on my Delta finish planer or make sure that my final pass on the Jet is about 1/16" deep. If the final pass is too light I have noticed that it will leave slight indentations from the infeed roller which can be sanded out. I don't have this problem with the other finish planers because they have rubber feed rollers.

When I got my planer it was easy to assemble and required no fine tuning adjustments. The two speed switch wasn't working and it would only feed at the higher rate though. The authorized Jet Service Dealer came out within a week and had it working within 2 hours at no charge.

The cord that came with the machine was too short to be of any practical use so I replaced it with a longer cord with a twist lock plug to suit my needs. I also removed the casters that came with the machine and built my own plywood base with four nice locking casters.

I think this planer will serve my needs well for many years to come.

By the way, I put down 5 stars but the review somehow came out with one star and I can't edit it.

Michael

this machine is a beast for it's size. however, that is where my compliments end. i bought the jet 15" planer to mill face frame stock for my moderate sized cabinet shop. it will plane wood all day long without question. the only question is how do you make it work properly. it leaves more marks, indentations, snipe, etc. than i have ever seen from a planer. i have followed all of the "how to" instructions from the manual and nothing makes this thing perform. my shop spends more time sanding the planer marks out of the wood than we do for any and all other reasons. i upgraded from a portable 12" dewalt 2 knife planer to this--and i have to say that the dewalt planer hand's down out performed this machine in regards to finish quality. I would also like to add that the blade setting jig is awful...another area that the dewalt planer is superior. i could see no reason to recommend this unit to someone else unless you just needed to hog out material. it will perform that task effortlessly....just with enumerable mill marks.