Product Details

Manufacturer: JET
Model: 708750G
Product features:

1-1/2-horsepower induction motor can wired for either 115- or 230-volt sources
Steel cabinet protects the motor from dust and debris
Features a 10-1/4-inch-high and 18-3/8-inch-wide cutting capacity
European-style blade guides provide quick, precise adjustments while running cooler
Package includes 1/4-, 1/2-, and 1-inch blades, over an $82.00 value

Accessories:

Tools and Hardware Reviews of JET 708750G 18-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw

Customer Review: A good tool, but not without problems
Summary: 4 Stars

I bought this saw nearly a year ago, and although I haven't had as much time to use it as I'd like, I have a good idea of what the saw can do. Firstly, I bought the saw at a local store, they helped me load it in the back of my truck and with a little finese and a hand dolley, I was able to get the monster into my garage shop single handedly (I'm only 5'9", 155lbs). Set up was easy as most of the saw was already assembled, and as I recall, adjustment needs were minimal.

On the negative side, I found the blade to pulse forward while cutting, and ripping would not give as smooth cuts as I had hoped. I measured the wobble in the lower wheel and found it to be about 0.030 from a true plane with respect to the case. The one at the store was out by 0.005". Jet replaced the lower wheel for me without complaint - a very responsive company. I installed the new wheel, put on a 3/4" blade and turned on the saw. Then a big clunk, bang, and out rolled the wheel I just installed. Turns out the spindle that the lower wheel was mounted on sheered (broke in two). Another call to Jet and they sent out a new spindle and new bearings, and offered to have someone come out to install it. Now again the service was great, but the technician said this happens about once a month! I've used 1" blades, tensioned according to the built-in scale, and never left the balde tensioned for more than 8 hours, so either the spindle is under designed for large blades, or they are having a QC problem with that part.

On the good side, the saw has plenty of power for my purposes. I've resawn oak logs up to 8" in diameter, as well as resawing oak, maple, and redwood 1x8 boards. The big table is nice, and my cuts are pretty darn straight, especially with that 1" 3 tpi blade. I use it to cut the tops off boxes.

Overall, I like the saw, but am somewhat concerned about using larger blades and having the spindle break again. Cost at the time was not much more than the Delta 14" with the riser block, and this has a much more sturdy feel to it. I've wired it to 220 VAC and have never had it bog down at all. I look forward to many years of service from this machine.

Write your own review

More JET 708750G 18-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw custormer reviews:
1 2 3

Description of JET 708750G 18-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw

Designed for the professional woodworker, Jet's 18-inch band saw uses industrial-strength materials and accessories for long-lasting performance. The 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor is housed within a steel cabinet base and can be powered by either 115- or 230-volt sources. We found components to be finely finished with smooth castings and well-machined steel parts, as with all Jet band saws. European-style blade guides provide quick precision adjustments and full support, running cooler than traditional guides to extend blade life. This saw features a 10-1/4-inch-high and 18-3/8-inch-wide cutting capacity, 3,000 sfpm blade speed, and an offset, 19-by-19-inch tilting table with a T-slot miter gauge. Using blades from 1/8 of an inch to 1-1/2 inches, you can perform a wide variety of tasks, from cutting shapes to re-sawing large stock.

The hand wheel height-adjust operates smoothly, thanks in part to rack-and-pinion hardware. There's a well-placed tension-indicator gauge that works in conjunction with the conveniently located cast-iron wheel-control blade tension. We were thoroughly satisfied by the gripping power and glide of the T-style rip fence, and we especially like the pad-lockable start button that comes standard on all big Jet tools and prevents accidental start-up and unauthorized use. --Justin Paul