Need new metal cutting bandsaw; Anyone have experience with Jet 8201k 14"

Bob Ohlemann

Bob Ohlemann

Joined
Dec 5, 2013
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I am at the point where I need to upgrade from my porta-band to a real bandsaw with more throat depth and less stress on the blade. I've considered the Jet 8201K for years but haven't really needed to upgrade until now. I am also watching for a quality used saw but I think the Jet could be a good option. Anyone used one? Opinions?

BTW-I have had a Jet 14" wood cutting bandsaw for about 20 years and the only thing I've had to do is replace the tires.

Thanks,

Bob
 
I don't have experience but if you think you really need to upgrade now, then do it. Or You can actually convert your wood band saw into metal. Also, there are many CL posting, you can start from there in looking used band saws. Good luck!
 
Don't try converting a wood saw to a metal saw. While it can be done on some saws, the result is not worth the expense/effort.
The Harbor Freight 4" X 6" bandsaw is the usual knifemaker's saw. They require a little tweaking, and a good bi-metal blade.
 
Yep, the HF is basically the exact same saw as the JET. Just a different color and a LOT cheaper. I've looked at several different brands of 4X6 saws and they all look the same to me. I bought mine on sale with a coupon for $169 4 years ago and all I've had to do to it was replace a broken drive belt.
I did upgrade the work table by using the sheet metal one for a template and making one out of some 1/2" plate. 1/4" would work just as well, the 1/2" is just what I happened to have laying around. Mine is about 8" X 6" and works perfectly. Its 6" wide & 8" long. I have about 3" behind the blade and about 5" in front of the blade.
 
Well that didn't take many posts to go completely off the rails from where Bob was... ;) LOL

FWIW- Bob was asking about this saw- (it's basically their 14" wood band saw geared down to metal cutting speeds)

jet_14__metal__wood_bandsaw_model_j___8201k__1_hp__1_ph__115v_2_lgw.jpg


I've never used it Bob. Too bad you're so far away, there is a "scratch and dent" Jet dealer a few hours from here that often sells that saw for about $650. I've thought about it quite a few times.
 
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I'm not looking to convert anything. I've been using a DeWalt Porta-Band in a SWAG Offroad chassis for a few years. It's been fine but my needs have changed. I'm looking for light industrial or better. I'm really hoping that a decent Grob or Dake or something along those lines comes up but my old Jet woodworking saw has cut mostly 6061 aluminum its' whole life and is still going strong. I don't want any saw that twists the blade to run through the guides and it has to have a full, adjustable blade guard. If the quality is there on the Jet, it seems like it could be a great saw for a knife shop. Unfortunately, it's a $1500 gamble and without any reviews anywhere that I can find, it makes me a little skittish.

Bob
 
Yup, that's the one Nick! A scratch and dent for $650 would be a lot easier to justify than the normal retail of $1499. I really like the size compared to a big three-phase saw.

Bob
 
NickWheeler said:
......I've never used it Bob. Too bad you're so far away, there is a "scratch and dent" Jet dealer a few hours from here that often sells that saw for about $650. I've thought about it quite a few times.
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Do tell Nick! I have been wanting to upgrade for a while now.
 
You can slow boat ship it for $75. Worth a small comission (an enchillada plate) to have some pick it up and ship it to you. If I head that way for work in the next month I will let you know.
 
(completely off topic...)Bob, I'm digging the avatar. Is that your new makers mark?
 
I picked up a used Delta 28-303 that has worked well. It's a 14" upright bandsaw with a gearbox for metal. It also has a clutch where you can use it for wood. You'd be angry if you heard how little I paid for mine.
 
h20oni said:
(completely off topic...)Bob, I'm digging the avatar. Is that your new makers mark?
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Thanks! It will be incorporated in my mark. I'm going to go to a more traditional top and bottom arch with the mark in the center.

Jason Fry said:
I picked up a used Delta 28-303 that has worked well. It's a 14" upright bandsaw with a gearbox for metal. It also has a clutch where you can use it for wood. You'd be angry if you heard how little I paid for mine.
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Jason, I've seen the Delta and Powermatic gear reduction bandsaws come up on CL for $500-600. Just haven't seen any lately.

Bob
 
Bob, I have that saw. Mine is the one that has the pulleys to adjust the speed instead of the dial to adjust (which is referred to as the variable speed model) . I like this saw although it is pricy. I use it with a good lennox bi metal blade that is 14-18 tooth for both my steel and composite handle materials even some kydex. Thickest I cut is 1/4 inch d2 and it cuts it just fine. I know you should switch blades between composites and steel but I don't. Now I do have different blades for wood but they take time to change. There is a company, carter I think that makes a quick change blade tensioner that can be used on these saws. I've seen them on some of the nicer wood saws that are built on the same frame. Not sure whether to buy that or just find a cheap wood saw on craigslist. I purchased mine through enco during one of their sales. It was around 1200 shipped. I know you can buy roller bearing guides that fit these but I'm not sure if a saw used primarily for metal needs them. I could use some opinions on this.
Thanks
Jeff
 
jdh6fan said:
Bob, I have that saw. Mine is the one that has the pulleys to adjust the speed instead of the dial to adjust (which is referred to as the variable speed model) . I like this saw although it is pricy. I use it with a good lennox bi metal blade that is 14-18 tooth for both my steel and composite handle materials even some kydex. Thickest I cut is 1/4 inch d2 and it cuts it just fine. I know you should switch blades between composites and steel but I don't. Now I do have different blades for wood but they take time to change. There is a company, carter I think that makes a quick change blade tensioner that can be used on these saws. I've seen them on some of the nicer wood saws that are built on the same frame. Not sure whether to buy that or just find a cheap wood saw on craigslist. I purchased mine through enco during one of their sales. It was around 1200 shipped. I know you can buy roller bearing guides that fit these but I'm not sure if a saw used primarily for metal needs them. I could use some opinions on this.
Thanks
Jeff
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Thanks Jeff, This is what I was looking for. I really figured the saw would be adequate considering the long life and reliability I've had with the wood cutting version. I would not put roller guides on the bottom guide of a metal cutting bandsaw. Small slivers of steel can get caught in the rollers and jam the blade, sometimes even break it. In my opinion the best guides for the bottom are the angled steel blocks. I would probably install the Carter roller guides on the top guide though. The quick release tensioner sounds interesting but I would (hopefully) not change blades frequently enough to make that worth buying.

Thanks,

Bob
 
i picked up a used "roll in saw" for 2K $ a few years back and love it i think jet makes one like it. i had a few of the 4x6 saws and this is the last saw i think i will buy (its US made too, not the Jet one tho) look around for used tool Co. you can get a hell of a deal on a good tool tht has piles of knife maker life left in it
 
I have that saw, and it is a good saw. However, it won't cut steel...if you read the info it is for cutting "NON-FERROUS METAL". It doesn't get slow enough for cutting steel, and the tires and guides are fine for wood dust, but not going to last with steel shavings.
 
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