Jet 20" Bandsaw - First Reaction

by Peter Teubel

I picked up my new 2hp Jet 20" bandsaw...all 500 lbs of it. Took about an hour to unload it, move it into position, and set it up. Not easy by yourself!

The blade it came with shouldn't be called a blade. While it LOOKED like a blade, had teeth like a blade, but it was so dull that I had to replace it after trying to cut up the shipping crate. I doubt I could have cut my finger with it.

I finally got to use some of the 250' 5/8" blade coil I've had sitting around for a few months. Welded up a band and installed it. Now THAT was a real blade. I proceeded to cut a few 12" thick blanks. MAN, this baby has some power! And smooth with a capitol "S". No vibration whatsoever. It's so nice to be able to raise and lower the blade guide without having to adjust the bearings.

One poor design feature is the adjustment bolts for the lower blade guide. Who was the freakin' Einstein who designed that?! You have to tilt the table just to get AT the bolts. Even then you have to be a contortionist to get a wrench on them. I solved that problem immediately by drilling two holes thru the table right above them so a long Allen wrench can now be used ABOVE the table to access them.

The foot brake is a simple affair consisting of a leather lined metal strap that wraps around the lower wheel shaft. There's also a micro-switch that shuts off the saw when the brake is applied.

Overall, I am very happy with it. Just in time, too. I just got a line on a truckload of ash this afternoon!