|
But other than that I am happy with the product. However, because the tires that the blade runs on are concave and not flat, I cannot use a 1/8" scroll blade on the machine as the blade will travel to either one side or the other of the wheel and then come off. For the small amount of time that I have owned this product I have enjoyed it quite well. Set-up was easy and the instructions were easy to follow.
This seems to be due to paint fouling the threads. Total set up time from cutting open the box to cutting the first board was under an hour. 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. Three tries and it was right on the money.
This unit is shipped in two carton; base unit and upper saw unit. Also, you will need metric tools to do the assembly. 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. All parts necessary for assembly were in the box.
The blade was pre-installed, tensioned, and the tracking was dead center. For a machine in this price range I think it's a good value. The assembly and alignment instructions were clear and well written. 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.
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. I can't imagine what an expensive blade would do.Anyway, if you're thinking of buying it just do it. I bought this bandsaw through Woodcraft. A great deal I figured.This saw has quickly become one of my shops most valued tool. I ordered and installed an Olson blade and man, what a huge difference and they are inexpensive too. 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.
Throw it away before you make your first cut. Junk, junk, junk.
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.
At the time it was $549.99 with free shipping, $50.00 rebate AND free miter gauge and fence. It's either that or my Jet dust collector is crap.
Your gonna love it. It performs flawlessly and it's a pleasure to use.
It does the job perfectly for that.I only have two beefs with Jet.
Jet quickly sent a new part and it was easy to replace. The only problem I have had is the blade tensioner broke after approximately 6 months. The guides adjust quickly and the blade tracks well.
I have used to resaw 2x4 pine boards to build a fence. I also make boxes which I cut curves in a 6" thick piece of hardwood with no problems. 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. I have been very happy with this product and I use it all the time. It has done well to resaw hardwoods such a oak and birch.
It has all the power needed to resaw a 6" oak board.
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. 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.
|
