Resawing on a Jet JWBS-14CSW (1hp) Bandsaw?

[Danny Thompson]

I have the opportunity to buy a used Jet JWBS-14CSW bandsaw. It is 1 hp, and I believe is the same as the JWBS-14CS, but with the miter guage and fence thrown in.

I am a hobbyist with the expectation of cutting tenons, cutting curves, and doing some resawing (Padauk, Macore, Leopardwood) potentially wider than 6", so I would need to add a riser block. I won't be doing a ton of resawing, though, so speed isn't a real concern as much as effectiveness.

So, my question is is the 14CSW a decent saw for this kind of work? Or should I just wait until I can afford a 1 1/2 hp?

[Jerry Allen]

If the price is right, go for it. If it is in nice condition and is less than $400. You may still have to spend some on tuneup, blades and add ons.

I have an old 14" Summit from HF I got in 1987. Lots of modifications to get it working right. Linkbelt, roller guides, wheel balancing, tension spring, removing the crappy stepped pulleys, added 6" riser, adding a tension adjustment extension and dust chute. The blade I use is a 1/2" x 105" Wood Slicer--great blade. The motor is only 3/4HP but I can cut 10" oak nice and straight. It's just slow. If I had the money, I'd get a Grizzly 0555X with a riser or better yet, the 17" G0513 2HP if I could afford it.

[Doug Shepard]

That's pretty much the same saw I had and just wasn't happy with the resaw results
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=25068
Out of sheer frustration, I finally bit the bullet and bought a MM16.
Up to resawing about 6" (the non-riser block height) things were OK (not great), but started to go downhill as height increased. It's a nice BS but resawing isnt one of it's strong points.

[Mike Cutler]

Danny.
I have the 14" Jet bandsaw.
I added Carter guides.
A Carter Cobra Coil Spring.
Re machined the tension assembly.
Added a riser kit.
Modified the saw to accomodate dust collection.
I used Woodslicer 1/2" resaw blades from Highland hardware.

It was still only marginal at best resawing. In fairness I will say that it would cut veneer thick slices pretty effectively, but If you wanted to take 6/4, or 8/4 material and resaw it for bookmatching. it just wouldn't do it. The blade would wander too much.
I think the veneer slicing worke because there was less pressure on the blade, and somehow the heat may have dissipated better.
If resawing is what you are primarily after. I would wait.

[Danny Thompson]

Jerry, not under $400, but comes with a mobile base.

Doug, Wow! Great thread. Thanks for the link.

Mike, it sounds like all the necessary upgrades would exceed the price difference.

Clearly, the answer is, "Wait!"

Thanks guys.

[Josiah Bartlett]

Well, if you think it is a real bargain, you could get it now and then resell it when you can afford the bigger machine. I suppose it depends on how much you really think you are going to need to resaw. If the saw still provides utility to you, why wait? I wouldn't sink much money into upgrading it, though.

[Mike Cutler]

Mike, it sounds like all the necessary upgrades would exceed the price difference.

Clearly, the answer is, "Wait!"

Thanks guys.

Yeah, that was kinda what I was trying to point out.
I own 2 bandsaws now. The Jet and an 18" Rikon specifically setup for resawing. I still use the Jet for the smaller, curvy stuff.
The Jet is a fine 14" bandsaw. A very nice machine, although I like the lower guide bearing setup on the Delta 14" better.
If you don't have a pressing need, I'd wait awhile.

[glenn bradley]

Speaking from the experience of getting a lesser saw and buying all the add-ons to make it 'usable' I would recommend waiting to get a larger saw. If you were cutting 6" and above every now and then you could probably muddle through. Given the eventual price of the saw plus the add-ons and the fact that you want to use it for tall cuts; I would wait.