Thread: Carbatec or Jet?

G'day Packrat Pete,

The Hare & Forbes 16-BPA is very hard to go past. I upgraded to one after a 14" and have found it a very good piece of machinery.

http://www.hareandforbes.com.au/sample_2/home.php

A search will give you more info.

The answer is, Jet for quality, Carbatec for savings. The latest Jet guide system is worth the extra due to lack of drift allowance etc. Mine tracks very true, I have never used a European saw but I doubt it could be much better.

I have the JET 16" and it's a beaut. The main reason I went for this 16 is that it took blades from 1/4" to 1" and large log capacity.

Is anyone able to describe the physical differences between both brands of machine?

Originally Posted by Packrat Pete

Guys & Girls,
I have a very old 14" bandsaw that may well be on it's last legs. I would like to get something like a 16" or 17" and I'm looking at the Carbatec and Jet models at the moment. I am researching with a view to possibly getting one at the working with wood show in September. Any tips, views, opinions gratefully received.

Cheers
Pete.

Check out the New Woodfast range on www.woodfast.com.au
Regards
The Woodfast guys

Hello,
I would encourage you to consider an older industrial machine. There are some great, older, european machines around that you can get at auction for less than a new Taiwanese model. Built to last and lovely to use. You generally need 3ph power or a converter though.

Just purchased my first bandsaw after much research and reading through this forum.
Settled with Jet 18" and very happy with quality and set up.
Had great service from Major Woodworking at Padstow,helped out with the freight. WWShow would be a good move, Carbatec usually have a big sale just before the show.

Gents,
Thanks for the info and suggestions, I will be looking into them at length. I was thinking about a bargain at the working with wood show in September but the show might be a more restrained event in the ACT this year. I was told that the venue operators are charging the vendors up to double the fees this year and several are pulling out because it's just not profitable. Thanks for your assistance yet again.

Pete.

Pete
I retired my old bandsaw recently to upgrade to something that would be ok for resawing up to 220mm. The Jet 18in was my initial choice however after a lot of research ended up getting a Woodfast BS 350. (A matter of $'s) I am extremely happy with the Woodfast - quality build, and when fitted with a 1/2in 3tpi bimetal blade it just sings thru resaw jobs.
Cheers
Shep

Originally Posted by Packrat Pete

Guys & Girls,
I have a very old 14" bandsaw that may well be on it's last legs. I would like to get something like a 16" or 17" and I'm looking at the Carbatec and Jet models at the moment. I am researching with a view to possibly getting one at the working with wood show in September. Any tips, views, opinions gratefully received.

Cheers
Pete.

Hi Pete and for Pete's sake give the Woodfast machines a look to save disappointment
Cheers
www.woodfast.com.au

Originally Posted by tcowdroy

Hello,
I would encourage you to consider an older industrial machine. There are some great, older, european machines around that you can get at auction for less than a new Taiwanese model. Built to last and lovely to use. You generally need 3ph power or a converter though.

I have to agree with tcowdroy; please consider looking at an older machine. I know that many are happy with new taiwanese models, and perhaps they do cut well or even "as well" as the "European models". The enormous difference, however, between Jet/Carbatec/Hare and Forbes, and European models that come out of Italy (Felder, Meber, Centauri, etc.) is that the latter are far heavier machines and are able to withstand the high tensions required for larger blades (say 19mm and upwards). The flat rubber on European models also means that there are no issues with blade drift (which you get from the silly humped shape on non-European saws). European models also come with much heavier castings, and much more robust blade guide assemblies. The cut on these machines is smoother (by far) and more consistent. There is simply no comparison.

And lest someone retort with the "you get what you paid for and last time I looked Felder bandsaws cost 3-5 times the cost of a Jet 18", please just be patient. Last week I purchased a Meber 500 bandsaw for my brother, for $1150. This saw is probably 40 years old, and works just as well as ever. All it needs is a rust clean-up.

There is no way I would be spending $1500 plus for a Jet or Carbatec when such machines (like the Meber) are out there for less. You just have to be patient.