JET JWBS-14DXPRO Review

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JET JWBS-14DXPRO Review

JET and Delta are arguably two of the most popular brands found in woodshops today. That said, we are going to focus on the former, not the latter as the JET JWBS-14DXPRO is a mean machine that would look great in anyone’s wor shop or a garage.

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO is billed as a “professional” bandsaw in the 14” class and sports the Deluxe tag to boot. For once, we agree with both of those standards as this saw is more powerful than similar models and has better resawing capabilities as well. For those reasons alone, this bandsaw stole our top spot in the best band saw guide

In our JET JWBS-14DXPRO review, we’re going to walk you through the fine points of the machine so you can decide if it’s right for you. It’s not cheap and is a saw for serious woodworkers that want something precise, powerful and easy to use.

Quick Specs

  • Motor: 1.25 HP
  • Blade speed: 1500/3000 SFPM
  • Cutting Capacity Height: 12”
  • Cutting Capacity Width: 13 1/2”
  • Blade Size: 93-105
  • Maximum/Minimum Blade Width: 1/8” – 3/4”
  • Table Size: 15” x 15” (tilting)

Who is the JET JWBS-14DXPRO built for?

If your makeshift woodshop started to expand beyond your garage or dedicated space, you probably have room for the JET JWBS-14DXPRO. It’s not something that will easily fit in a corner, and it is also not the type of purchase you want to make if you are unsure about how often you’ll use the saw.

On the other hand, if you are in the market for something in the Pro class, but don’t want to pay up for a model decked out with too many features, this may be just the saw for you.

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO allows users to resawing larger stock, which is its bread and butter, but it can also handle more delicate cuts or angles.

Its broad capabilities make it an excellent option for woodworkers that are serious about their craft and hobbyists that are ready to move up from cheaper models. In a nutshell, it’s a great saw for anyone provided you have enough space and the budget to accommodate this lovely piece of machinery.

Build Quality & performance

When shopping for a great bandsaw, the build quality is one of the first things to keep in mind. If you’re looking for a lightweight machine you can easily move around the shop, you will want to look at benchtop bandsaws, as this isn’t it.

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO has a cast iron frame that can take a beating. Once you put it in place, it’s going to stay put at over 250 pounds, so you’ll want to ensure you have room for this beast well ahead of time.

If you’ve owned other bandsaws, you’ll immediately notice a difference between your old one and the JWBS-14DXPRO the instant you flip the switch.

It’s smooth and accurate thanks to ball bearing roller guides which cut back on friction while increasing performance. You will not experience any vibration with this machine due to the build quality and its overall weight. It is a very solid bandsaw suitable for a wide range of tasks.

Setup is incredibly easy as well, and the high tension spring will keep the machine tuned in with extended use.

Features

When you pay up for a bandsaw, you tend to get more “flagship” features, and that is what we uncovered in our JET JWBS-14DXPRO review. It’s packed full of useful perks including a poly-v belt drive system that lets you choose between two speeds.

The first thing we want to talk about is the table. You’ll get a large one measuring 15” x 15” which can tilt 45° to the right and 10° to the left. Angled cuts will be easy, and the same can be said for resawing boards.

If resawing stock is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know this saw has a 12” resaw capacity, so you may be able to finally put those riser blocks away. That is impressive, and larger stock is no match for this machine with its rigid frame and the 1 1/4 HP motor.

Other features to note on this model includes a 4” dust port and a retractable blade guard that goes from zero to 12-inches. It also comes with heavy duty enclosed stand which has a shelf for storage space.

Ease of use

We’re not going to spend too much time here, so trust us when we say that this saw is easy to use. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you will have no issues operating this machine.

Ease of use can mean many things in the bandsaw world outside of adjustable knobs and tensioning systems. Part of the reason the JET JWBS-14DXPRO is easy on woodworkers is that it’s so heavy that you won’t’ have to deal with vibrations or other issues commonly encountered on lighter machines.

The table to floor height is going to be optimal for most folks as well at 43 1/2” and the fact that it comes with a storage stand allows you to keep important tools close by.

The blades are extremely easy to change on this saw as well. Setting the tracking is also a breeze thanks to a see-through window that lets you keep an eye on the action and adjust things accordingly. That’s one feature you won’t find on too many models.

Any downsides?

When this monstrous bandsaw arrives at your doorstep, you may notice a few common items missing that you’ll find with other saws. While the rugged storage stand is nice, you will have to pick up a few extras if you don’t have them already.

Surprisingly, there are no extras with this saw. That means you won’t get a miter gauge or even a fence – something that’s basically become a standard accessory on benchtop models. That’s disappointing given the price although not a deal breaker by any means.

Several users have reported that the guide adjustments can be difficult to use as they are under the table, but the rest of the knobs and levers are easy to use. It is a minor gripe but a common one nonetheless.

Last but not least would be the price. Depending on your budget, this one may not end up in your shop as it’s not budget-friendly unless you’ve got money to burn.

There are also more powerful models available with a similar price point but without as many features or perks. As always, it comes down to your needs… and your budget.

Conclusion

Bandsaws are a woodworker’s best friend, and this saw will be your new best buddy once you fire it up for the first time. We are not overstating things when we say it’s the type of machine you can fall in love with.

We may sound like a broken record, but we really want to hammer home how stable this machine is. It is one of the heftier models we’ve reviewed and solid throughout from top to bottom.  

High-quality parts are found both inside and outside of the JET JWBS-14DXPRO. From the frame and table to the wheels that turn the blades, there is not a weak spot on this one in regards to the construction.

Even the wheels are a step above the rest thanks to polyurethane tires which are yellow to help improve tracking. The cool see-through window obviously helps as well. Overall, the resawing capabilities and its stability are what really stand out to us and make it an option for one of the top bandsaws of 2018.

Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.

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Categorized as Saws