Replies

1. 
   sschefer | Apr 13, 2002 08:18pm | #1

   Steve, I have the Jet 17" gold series. It's O.K. but it does have some vibration but not enough for me to worry about. As for runnout, I don't notice any problems. If I was doing precision machine work, I wouldn't have bought this or a Rigid. Mine works fine for me but your needs may differ. Go try one out if you can.

   Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   HackerRick | Apr 13, 2002 11:23pm | #2

   Hi Steve,

   I'm new to this forum, but since I just went thru the same decision, I'll share my thoughts.

   I bought the Jet about a month ago.  I got it on a 10% sale so I only (only?) paid $360.00, including the mortising kit.  A few features swayed me to go with the Jet.  First, and something you didn't list as a feature, was the 4 3/8" quill travel.  Seemed like so many of the others choices were only 3 1/8" or so.  Second, as a hobbyist,  I thought the mortising kit would give me an option I would not get otherwise since I can't justify a separate tool.  Third, I liked the separately switched work light.  And last, it was on sale.  Even though 10% isn't much, it was something.

   I have only had it for about two months now, and have used it at different speeds a dozen or so times with no complaints.  I built a simple mobile base for it so I can lift the front end and roll it fairly easily.  I intend to install link belts and line the lid with some self adhesive weatherstrip to get rid of the rattle.   Both  improvements should be a minimal cost.

   Would I buy it again?  Good question!  I think I acted a bit quicker than I normally would have due to the sale.  I've realized that I could have bought a floor DP at Grizzly or Harbor Freight and a separate HC mortiser for virtually the same money.  I just hope I need that extra quill travel someday so I can let go of any regrets about spending that much on a DP. 

   I don't know where you are in WA, but I'm in Portland, and I've heard of a Jet outlet store in Auburn, I think.  You might want to check it out. 

   Good Luck with your decision!

   Hacker Rick  

1. 
   SMXSteve | Apr 13, 2002 11:52pm | #3

   Steve,

   Along with your thinking I wonder if the complaints I read were from people expecting to get the same quality as a $1000 machine. I don't know how precise I will ever need it. I have even thought the Jet was probably more than I would need.

   Rick,

   One reason I didn't mention the quill travel is because it's not as critical on a floor model as it is a bench model. You can move the base up and down fairly easily to make up the distance. Although, probably a pain in the butt if you are trying to drill through a 4x or something to make up that little distance.

   Steve