Replies

1. 
   PeteBradley | Mar 15, 2006 10:25pm | #1

   You might want to describe what kind of resawing you expect to do the most of. You might get a different answer depending on whether you're slicing off veneers or slabbing up logs.

   Pete

1. 
   Sawdust9 | Mar 16, 2006 02:39am | #2

   I would have answered mainly veneers, however my son has gotten onto the disease called turning, so chopping up a log is also a requirement. Our current 14" with a riser block just doesn't seem up to the tasks.

2. 
   JMartinsky | Mar 19, 2006 02:03am | #3

   I looked at the Jet and all I ever heard was that they were underpowered. If you are resawing, you will need plenty of power. "Bridgewood" is a good saw as well as Laguna and Minimax.

   John

1. 
   user-104711 | Mar 19, 2006 09:27am | #4

   The Laguna and Mini Max machines have the muscle and brawn to do just about anything, they are impressive. Definately worth checking out. Just don't go into sticker shock, you get what you pay for.

2. 
   alias | Mar 19, 2006 11:53pm | #5

   i have had the jet 18" for three years now . six months into my ownership i fried the motor and they replced it in four days no questions asked just the lot number and serial number.( they do have good customer support ) i have had no trouble with it since and have ran through some pretty grueling tasks. and for re-sawing is at best a fair choice it is underpowered by my guesstamates a full horse. my rationalization was though why can they resaw on 14" delta band saw. the 18" should be more than adequate.... aahh im afraid not...... this is still a bit of a mystery to me. everything on the jet has to be perfect the drift , co-planer, tension , bearings and a perfectly sharpened blade. ...ok thats not much to ask for and i have done that. then the resawing is going smooth than things go awry when the friction/ heat builds up , now i have tryed the suffolk machinery blades , lenox, and a few others that the brand escapes me. anything over 5-5 1/2" becomes more of a problem. but for tasks other than resawing the jet is good, if you have to wait to save for the ones mentioned above i would. in another few years i'll be looking at the mini-max, bridgewood has caught my interests . maybe the grizzly but i'm gonna have to do some research on that one...... slainte'.." we judge ourselves by our motives, and others by their actions........."

1. 
   JMartinsky | Mar 20, 2006 01:17am | #6

   I researched them pretty thoroughly and you have confirmed my conclusions. My understanding is that the bigger Bridgewood is a Minimax with an American motor, although I hear that MM is offering the like as well. I am saving up for a good one. Once I have the cash together, I will decide then. I like MM and their service, but if Bridgewood is offering a better deal, I may go with them. Thanks for the update!John

2. 
   1hardwood | Jul 13, 2006 09:46am | #7

   I sold my Jet 18" after a few months of overheating and stalling.  I am now saving to purchase a MiniMax 16 or a General 18 at my local Woodcraft.  I live in Hawaii so shipping is a killer otherwise I'd be considering the Bridgewood also.

   Aloha

3. 
   yieldmap | Jul 14, 2006 07:09am | #8

   Just went through the same decision-making.  I looked at Jet, Delta, Grizzly, and Rikon and went with the Minimax E16.  The E16 comes standard with Euro-guides, a wheel kit, Lenox carbide blade, and a cast iron fence.  Add those extras onto any of the abovementioned and you're only a couple hundred bucks away from the best.

   Awesome saw.  Runs like a sewing machine.  Much smoother than the Rikon, which I tried out a buddy's before purchasing.  Save up a little more and get the best.  You won't regret it.

1. 
   Sawdust9 | Jul 14, 2006 04:08pm | #9

   Thanks for your input. I took the advice given here and purchased a quality band saw. It was a tough choice between Laguna and MiniMax, but I finally decided on the MM-16. I just got it into the basement and should have it running next week.

2. 
   1hardwood | Jul 17, 2006 10:22pm | #10

   Any experience with the General International 18" 90-270?  It did pretty well in the Fine WW bandsaw review.  Woodcraft has an Anniversay sale next week and I can get 10% off the General but not the MiniMax, which means I can get one or two extra tools if I go with the General.  I know I can't go wrong with the MM though!

   Aloha!

1. 
   yieldmap | Jul 18, 2006 04:32am | #11

   Nope, I didn't look at the General so I couldn't give you any info on it.  I have heard that General makes pretty good tools, but haven't had my hands on any.  That Woodcraft sale sounds like a good time to score some goodies, 10% off on the 27th is what I got in the mail.

   I got a chance to run some veneer through the Minimax this weekend.  I was facing a MDF benchtop with 7/32 of QS Red Oak.  Yeah, I know it's a bench, but I need the practice veneering!!  Anyway, I cut 20-some 4" by 8' long pieces of veneer and the speed and finish were excellent.  The Lenox blade zipped through with ease and the motor did not even hesitate even when I pushed the feed rate pretty hard.  One pass with the sander and I'll be ready to finish.  I just glued them on right off the saw...bottom side didn't need any sanding at all for a good glue joint.

   Good luck with your decision.  I've never regretted buying good tools, but have always regretted buying the cheap ones.