7x12 Jet Bandsaw Model HVBS-7MW Stock Number 414459 · May 15, 13:30
The 4×6 bandsaw is a great little starter saw for the home shop. But as time passed, we found some issues with the saw – namely that of stuck blades that “popped” out of the bandsaw rollers. This was quite a frustrating experience! One of the reasons for this (and this occurs even with nice blades with no missing teeth) was the lack of an even downfeed. With only gravity pulling down on the saw, sometimes the arm would pop-up as it fed down. This in turn would case the teeth of the blade to jam in the workpiece and dislocate the saw blade. Also, without a steady coolant feed, it was difficult to evacuate the shavings which would also help it jam.
It was time to finally upgrade to a bigger bandsaw. The big brother to this 4×6 is the 7×12. While other models exist in between these two sizes (some with geared heads as well as smaller footprint miter-types, etc..), the standard pulley-driven 7×12 is another cost-effective bandsaw with more heft and features such as hydraulic downfeed, coolant, and a nice sheet metal base (unlike the ones sold with the 4×6).
Having gone the Harbor Freight route with the 4×6, we thought it smart to try a better-quality Chinese import. And so, Jet it was…
Presenting… the Jet 414459 7“x12” Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
7×12 Features
* UL listed motor * Heavy cast iron bow and bed * Hydraulic downfeed for ease of cut * Hardened and ground worm gear * Roller cabinet with built-in chip tray * Automatic shut-off after cut * Bow rotates for Vertical useStandard Equipment
* Complete coolant system * Adjustable material stop * Bi-metal variable pitch blade * Vertical worktable * Chip BrushThe Jet 7×12 is heavy, has a nice base, and feels like a quality bandsaw. We’ll be putting video up here shortly and running some comparison tests. I think we know who the winner will be, but it’s always fun to see side-by-side comparison, no?
Happy sawing!
Comment
Commenting is closed for this article.