Replies

1. 
   Dustmight | Jan 21, 2005 11:11pm | #1

   My opinion is that the fence is not up to standard with other $900 saws.  I read alot of comments from others on forums that feel the DW746 is the more substantial of these two machines, and I tend to agree.  With the introduction of the Sears 22124, I think that saw has both of these pretty well covered in most aspects.  The new General 50-220CM1 hybrid has a better fence than the Jet and DW too...skip the 50-220M1 with the toy fence.

   The good news....The SS is a decent machine and like most decent saws, there are many happy owners.  If you're looking at a new one, reread the paragraph above.  If you're talking used, and the price is right, it should make a nice addition to many shops.

   My 2 cents......

2. 
   user-57097 | Jan 22, 2005 12:13am | #2

   I own a Jet Super saw and have had it for a couple of years.  I make some furniture and also am a part time professional carpenter.  I've built complete homes, decks, or custom cabinets.  I've been doing it for over 20 years now but still have a ton to learn.  I bought the Jet super saw as an upgrade from an old Craftsman saw.  I wanted a bigger table top, and a bigger motor.  I got both of those and have been generally happy with the saw.  There have been a few issues though.  First, the mechanism to raise and lower the blade, is a pair of small fine teeth gear with a belt drive around them.  (Think Harley Davidson belt drive) The teeth on the gear became caked with saw dust, and eventually shredded the belt.  Upon calling WMHtool group for a replacement, I was promptly sent the wrong belt.  It is a relatively complex procedure to remove all of the components to even get at the belt.  Well after several more calls, I got the right part, a new gear and was able to get the unit working again.  But I still have the same basically flawed set up.   I think a direct drive mechanism would be much better.

   Second, one day I was ripping down some plywood into 2 " strips.  Somehow the piece bound just a little bit and kicked back.  Well it drove into the fence , which flexed and snapped right off at the head.  The head, appears to be some sort of cast material.  Also, it is a bit finicky to clamp in place, and it just doesn't grab as firmly as I would like.  THe fence should never have flexed in the first place. 

   Now to their credit WMH tool group has been great with service.  When the fence snapped, they sent me a brand new one with out hesitation at no cost.  They also squared up the belt issue, but the fence clearly has some unique weak spots. 

   For a volume perspective, I probably run my saw on average two days every two months.  I work primarily with Pine and Plywood. 

   I don't have a better alternative suggestion though.  It is a good saw for the money.  I got the sliding table and the 33 inch top.  I don't know the model number.