Thanks to everyone for your advice on my bandsaw decision. I took back my Delta 14 and got the Jet 16 on Saturday. Getting that thing loaded and into my basement was a chore. It comes in a single box that weighs 310 lbs. I got it all set up and adjusted this morning. It seems like a really nice tool and the fit and finish is great. No problems at all. The wheels are cast iron, the table is nice and large, it’ll take up to a 1.5″ blade, it adjusts very easily, etc.
I really considered getting the 18 that comes with the fence and roller guides, but I eventually talked myself out of it. The swap for the 16 was even up – I would have had to kick in another 3 or 4 hundred to get the 18. Also, even if I add both of those accessories to my 16 I’ll still be ahead $100 over the 18 price. I just couldn’t justify it. I had to stop the “dollar death spiral” ! 🙂
Anyway, I’ll try to keep you posted on its performance.
P.S. – Looks like I’ll be selling my 2 riser block kits and 3/4″ and 1/4″ blades, if anyone’s interested.
Edited 12/8/2002 9:37:57 PM ET by CAMPBELLDUST
Replies
I bet you'll like your saw.
I sold my Delta and bought a MiniMax 16.
The proof is in the puddin'
So...it's been almost a day. How do you like it now?
Should I get the credit card out before Christmas?
Tom
I built a mobile base for it from one of those Delta kits. I love that design. I have it on two of my tools now.
I cut with it for the first time last night. It was a pretty simple project, but that machine seems awesome. So far I am really enjoying it. The tensioning is easier because the wheel is lower and you can use both hands to crank it around. The blade holds steady like a needle which is something my Delta would not do. I attached my DC to the built in 4" port and I barely saw any dust at all. I am very impressed so far.
Campbell,
Thanks for the feedback. When you were in the buying mode, did you get any solid evidence/opinion that replacing the european guides with the rollar bearings would make a difference? thanks
I did ask about that some. That was the debate I was in while deciding whether to go 16" or 18". I learned that the roller bearings would extend blade life somewhat. I imagine they would also run quieter. I can't imagine it would make all that much difference in actual blade support, though. The guides that came with the 16" are extremely easy to adjust - no wrench necessary - and are definitely better than the block style on other saws. In the end I decided to try them out and see if I thought I needed to upgrade later. At this point I don't think I will. If you had a production shop of some kind and had that saw running all day long, I could see it. I'm a hobbyist though, and I don't think I will justify it.
Campblee,
That is good to know, and what I kinda expected. If the european style were grossly inadequate they would have been gone long ago..and we certainly would of heard about it here. thanks
CD
If you do a lot of scroll cutting, put a fine stone on the table while the saw is running and round off the back corners of the blade. This will reduce friction and heat build-up and extend the life of the blade also.
Don't have too much fun. Save some for us. Ha..
sarge..jt
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