Thread: Bandsaw choice

Went to the show, disappointed with the lack of exhibitors but did see the Jet 18 inch bandsaw. Loved the dust extraction and quick de-tension facility. Build quality seems excellent. I had viewed the Hammer saw at Felder and loved the build quality and power. It was a tough decision but went for the Hammer. Whilst at Felder I fell in love with their combination machine and will replace my Taiwanese table saw, jointer, and Delta shaper with a moderately optioned Felder CF741 professional which they had on special. David at Felder was invaluable with his information and general helpfulness in the decision making. I guess this is the pinnacle of my machine purchase and I am now hanging out for delivery. I'll post later about delivery and commission, which may be of interest Overall I'm a happy chappy!

G'day,
Just thought I would mention something about the Jet band saw I have. I bought it at the beginning of the year and it came with the european style blade guides. I am not a fan as they seem to be of a poor quality. Overall though, the the saw is great but it is really let down by the guides.

Perhaps you made the right choice afterall.

Hi, the Jet I saw at the show had double bearings, ie two face to face on either side- I asked about this as I'd read the new ones were european but was told that was what would be supplied. Anyhow while wide blades would be ok I'm not sure how it would handle narrow blades. The downside of the Hammer euro guides is the cost for replacement whereas bearings are cheap. You have bought an excellent bandsaw- enjoy. Mine's not here till end Nov. If your guides really get you down there are some good looking ones around as accessories, and perhaps older jet spares may be available.

I got the B-20 recently and I can't say enough good things.
If you can get that saw in your neck of the world, take a long hard look at them
They've made their saws beefier recently by taking the tables trunnions and other hardware from the next size up and migrating that down to the next lower size saw so the B-20 has the stuff that the B-24 used to have etc.
I'm sawing out little tiny hearts on a jewelry box that are maybe half inch across and also sawing whole logs 15 feet long. on the same saw ( different blades of course).
Smooth quiet operation no drift. I can tenson a 1" blade to 20 thousand pounds and re-saw with my eyes closed. There is never any drift using that saw and a lennox woodmaster carbide tipped blade.

Anodyne,
I am seriously considering changing the guides on my saw. Overall the saw is really good for the price I think. I will have to look into the JET bearing guides as hopefully they will fit straight onto my saw rather than having to 'fiddle' to get other brand guides to fit. You must be hanging out to get your saw. I look forward to reading about your experience when you get around to it.