Jet Bandsaw

J. Hoffman

J. Hoffman

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
1,781
Does anyone have this model of Jet Bandsaw? I have never had any Jet tools, and there is a 14" model close by for $375. I would use it for cutting scales right now, but eventually would like to put a VFD on it and use it for metal also. Will this hold up to to metal use? Is this a good deal. I haven't seen it yet, but the seller states it is just dusty, but otherwise like new.
 
vfd will require 3 phase motor. so that will add to the overall cost. Slowing down can be done with pulley size but likely it's a 3450 motor so there might not be enough room for appropriate pulley sizes.
 
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Have the much larger version for woodworking and it is awesome....JET makes THE best tools out there in my opinion....my entire shop is set-up with their tools!!
 
That is a wood working bandsaw. I'm sure it would work fine on wood scales. Not sure about the phenolics I've always cut those around 200fpm. It is too fast to use on metal. Not sure how far down pulleys would reduce the speed. Like doc said a new motor would be in order for a vfd.
 
You need to reduce the speed before the VFD though. VFD alone won't do it, the big speed reduction will also mean a torque reduction that will be too great and the saw will simply stall in the steel.
 
I knew I was going to need to change the motor. I was thinking a 1 HP would be enough. I'm glad to hear that the Jet is a good saw. They guy is also selling an 18", Jet for $800, but that is a little bigger than I have room for right now.
 
Mooseyard said:
I knew I was going to need to change the motor. I was thinking a 1 HP would be enough. I'm glad to hear that the Jet is a good saw. They guy is also selling an 18", Jet for $800, but that is a little bigger than I have room for right now.
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That would likely be better because of more room for the pulley sizes that you would need. A 3450 motor would need to be reduced by a pulley ratio to about 150. Then with a vfd and 3 phase motor you could get down to sub 100.

A 30:1 gear reducer would be even better then adding the 3 phase and vfd, you would be all set.

maybe it's not worth it cost wise if you really want to use it for metal cutting.
 
butcher_block said:
if you have space for 2 saws i woudl do that rather then work arounds
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I'm thinking I'll get this one, and then just get a porta-band and Swag table. I guess I'm kind of leery about having sawdust on the saw, and then maybe getting a spark from cutting metal. That would be bad!
 
Jet is the best of the imports!!!

Like said, I want a wood cutting saw and a metal cutting saw. A one saw combo is no good. I know, I have one...
 
Wilton did make a 14" band saw with a back gear set up you could change and use on wood or metal . You still have to change blades . I have put a gear reduced motor on a number of 14 " band saws to make them metal cutting only .Right now in my shop I use a 4 x6 Jet metal band saw and a 14" wood saw for the soft stuff.
 
Wild Bill 1 said:
Wilton did make a 14" band saw with a back gear set up you could change and use on wood or metal . You still have to change blades . I have put a gear reduced motor on a number of 14 " band saws to make them metal cutting only .Right now in my shop I use a 4 x6 Jet metal band saw and a 14" wood saw for the soft stuff.
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I have the Wilton. Very good saw, but a pain to change over. Best to have two saws!
 
Mooseyard said:
I'm thinking I'll get this one, and then just get a porta-band and Swag table. I guess I'm kind of leery about having sawdust on the saw, and then maybe getting a spark from cutting metal. That would be bad!
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The dewalt or will Milwaukee table will likely cost about $400. So maybe the $800 saw is a good deal in the end.
 
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I have the portaband with swag table and it has far exceeded my expectations.
I just finished cutting some .250 5160 and made pretty quick work of it also I am able to track a decent radius with in reason
 
I have no personal experience with converting wood to metal. Jet saws are well built.For speed reduction, use a gear reduction motor. Don't forget about 3 phase motors and vfd. Plan well and work carefully in converting your band saw.
 
Ive converted a Delta Rockwell 17" Drill Press and a Barker mill to DC motors and put variable controllers on them. I have 3ph/vfd setups oh my 2x72 and disk grinders and I am happy with them, although the DC motors have better low end torque. When I swap motor on my old powermatic 14" band saw, Im definitely going with a DC motor with a variable controler.
 
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