JET 14 Inch Band Saw

JET 14 Inch Band Saw Model 708115K Review

I recently had the opportunity to review the JET 14 Inch Band Saw Model 708115K in my workshop. The new 14-inch band saw with enclosed stand allows a 6-inch re-saw capacity and a 13-1/2-inch cutting capacity.

The JET 14 Inch Band Saw 708115K measures 68″ by 26″ by 19″ inches; has a 15-inch by 15-inch table; and weighs 185 pounds.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

I had to assemble this saw, which was easy, the most impressionable thing during assembly was how durable and sturdy the band saw frame was.  The frame was cast steel and super beefy which equates to a sturdy saw and less vibration.  The first order of business was to add on 100 pound rated castes to the pre-drilled base cabinet holes.

I also noticed and immediately appreciated the 15 x 15-inch tilting cast – iron table.  The table tiles to 10 degrees left and 45-degrees right.

The saw also comes with a decent 3/8-inch, 6.0 TPI woodworking blade, which allowed me to start using the saw immediately.  The saw accepts blades from 1/8″ to 3/4″.  Blade changes are super easy with this saw!

Power

The JET 14 Inch Band Saw 708115K has a 1-horsepower motor with 3,000 strokes per minute and has plenty of power for the small Pro shop or serious woodworker.  This saw offers a six-inch depth re-saw capacity for cutting larger pieces of wood and a 13-1/2-inch cutting capacity.

The folks at JET designed this saw with precision computer balanced wheels to help reduce vibration and to ensure accurate blade tracking.

JET BAND SAW VIDEO REVIEW:

USING THE JET BAND SAW:

I took my time squaring the saw table, wheels, blade and guides and then started cutting different material including birch plywood, oak, mahogany, maple and poplar.   The saw cut smooth and had no visible vibration or blade drift.

I was super impressed with the blade guide and blade bearing guide micro adjustments.  These knobs are well designed, are user-friendly and really simplify adjustment.  I also liked the blade tension and tracking knobs – one knob for each and super easy to operate –  a great system.

The upper and lower guides are accessible and adjust quickly.  The blade guides have are micro-adjustable lower blade guide to reduce friction for longer blade life, as well as graphite-impregnated polymer blade guides with roller bearing thrust guides for both quicker set-up and a cooler running blade.

During testing I used a circle cutting jig as well as cut a slew of free hand cuts to include “S” curves and sharp curves.  I was impressed at the effectiveness of the saws ability to cut.  No binding, no vibration and no noticeable motor strain.

The saw adjusts up to allow a 6″ piece of stock to pass through or for re-sawing – which is plenty for what I do.

The 4″ dust port worked well but was not perfect and I think the only way to really collect 100 percent of the dust on any band saw is to suck it up at the table top.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

I did notice that after heavy use and testing the graphite blade guides started to show some wear and needed a slight adjustment. I think if you use your band saw a lot you will want to invest in a different set of guides.

It’s clear to me that the JET 14 Inch Band Saw 708115K was designed to stand up to years of heavy use, and wear and tear that a demanding shop can deliver.  Its sturdy, stable and cuts real nice.

I see this band saw as a viable solution to the small Pro shop or serious enthusiast!  JET did their homework on this saw and it is a real contender at real reasonable price of $ 750.00 with a five year warranty.