I recently pick up a used Jet 14 bandsaw on CL. This is my first bandsaw. I am working on getting it set up/aligned but I am a little confused with the alignment of the wheels. The upper wheel is about 3/16 to 1/4 further out than the lower which I understand is about normal for the Jet.
I have the Iturra Design catalog which discusses (and sells the shims for) the aligning of the wheels. I also have a copy of a Fine Woodworking article Bandsaw Tune-up(July/August 2002) which talks about aligning the wheels by shimming the lower wheel.
Here is where my confusion sets in - I also have a copy of the Fine Woodworking review of 14 bandsaws (New Breed of Bandsaws, September/October 2007) which states wheels on the Powermatic and the Jet were the most misaligned and could not be fixed with shims and the misalignment on the Jet and Powermatic could not be fixed because their bearing shafts are too short.
So
Is it worth trying to align the wheels?
Is it even possible to align the wheels on the Jet?
If possible and for those that have done it on the Jet, was it difficult? It appears to be a matter of removing one bolt, pulling the lower wheel (with gear puller if necessary) installing the shims and then re-installing the wheel and bolt. Am I missing anything?
Thanks for your help.