JET JWBS-18QT-3 18-Inch 3-Horsepower 1PH Band Saw with Quick Tensioning lever

Comment: We purchased the previous version of this bandsaw with 1 ¾ HP motor, otherwise essentially the same unit , with the intention of using it for light to medium duty resaw work.

After installing a high quality blade and setting up the saw we were disappointed the machine had a bad vibration. It turns out there was severe runout in the upper wheel, measured with a dial indicator to be more than 0.125". Others here have reported the same problem, NO GOOD.

We thought we'd get around to calling Jet to swap the bad wheel for a new one, but work and other projects got in the way are. We got busy using our other tools instead. The machine sat collecting dust and unused for a while...

Until a nice batch of 12/4 x 8" to 10" cherry came through our shop. With a new 3/4" 3 tpi blade we tuned and fired up the Jet but only after a few cuts the motor smoked and tripped the breaker. We took it apart to find the windings fried. Unfortunately the cheap Taiwan motor has NO THERMAL PROTECTION!!!

It took us more than 6 calls and emails with pictures and measurements to Jet customer service to illicit a response. Unfortunately the machine was out of warranty (this was before the 5 year warranty). Needless to say they were ueseless and it would cost us over $500 for a new motor and wheel to fix the machine.

The verdict: D-N-R. We have placed our order for a new Grizzly machine and will be posting this steaming pile for sale on flEa-Bay. Jet has some major quality issues to resolve before we would buy another machine from them for our shop.

Comment: Order could not have gone better, shipped right away, came in a few days. Packing was big, on a skid but really packaged right, crated all the way around and looked perfect when I got her.

The saw set up easily, came together in about 3 hours, table was flat, blade tracked perfectly and all in all was easy to set up.

After fooling around with it, did some 10" resawing, came out nice, flat, comes with good blade. Did the trick just out of the box. It should take some time to break in, the saw is very powerful 3hp cuts right through anything. Really nice, like all the features, very well made, great power switch, wish all my Jet saws had this type. With a HTC mobile base, moves around the shop easily and does what I need it to do, cut down turning stock and resawing big 10-12"planks. Good going jet and amazon, could not beat the free shipping!