Customer Reviews

HTC HSJ-1413 Mobile Base for Jet JWBS-14CS Bandsaw

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have two HTC mobile bases. The HSJ-678 for the Jet JJ-6CSX 6" Jointer, and the HSJ-1413 for the Jet JWBS-14CS enclosed stand band saw.

Assembly of the bases is easy, taking only a few minutes. On one of my bases, the threads for the one of the lock bolts had not been tapped properly. Rather than returning it, I ended up (re-)tapping it myself.

The base is "locked" in place by hand-tightening a pair of bolts (with plastic knobs) which press against thin metal "brake shoes" which in turn press against the rear wheels. The brake shoes increase the surface area holding the wheels and prevent the bolts digging in and deforming them.

It is possible to move a machine with the wheels locked, but it takes a awful lot of force. A bit less than what's required if the tool was on solid ground, but probably more than what you'll use in normal operation.

Even though I ordered these mobile bases, I didn't think I'd ever move my tools around very much. But now that I can (move them), I find I'm doing so. This is allowing me to come up with the optimum layout for my shop.

I purchased this base at my local woodworkers store after trying one of the so called "Universal" mobile bases. No matter how I configured the universal base, I was not happy with the way it fit the machine base, I returned it and bought the OEM. The Jet mobile base is better constructed, heavier materials, and fits the saw base much better. I replaced the swivel wheel with one of Grizzly's locking casters of the same size, because their lock also locks the swivel feature. I drilled some holes in the base, and bolted the saw to the base. I don't know that this is needed, but it doesn't take much time and I believe in "suspenders and belt". The base moves the saw well and I have experienced no tipping or lateral movement when sawing. I generally just lock the swivel caster and have at it.
I was told at the woodworker store to make sure and mount it with the swivel caster to the rear of the machine (as in the picture on this page), and to slide the base of the saw as far forward in the mobile base as I could get it. This puts the table almost directly over the dual wheels and precludes tipping. I followed that advice and am pleased with the result.
They also told me that this was an improved model over last years, but didn't say how it was improved. I gave the base 4 stars instead of 5, because of the initial cost and the poor quality of the swivel caster. I am happy with the overall performance, fit and finish and would reccommend this base to anyone, over one of the cheaper "universal bases".

The rear wheels are cheap, fairly small and don't turn very well. The plastic knobs to lock the rear wheels are also cheap, a bit hard to turn, and will probably wear out soon. The front wheel's caster hardware is also flimsy and 2 of the 4 carriage bolts broke off during assembly while I was tightening them.

Keep in mind that this is a tricycle design. As such it teeters a little so be careful not to apply too much horizontal force. Also, the front wheel is a caster type roller and even though you can keep it from rolling, you can't prevent it from twisting.

This base is only worth half the price being asked for it and I recommend it only if you cannot find an alternative.

I have a small garage shop and purchased this for my JET 14" bandsaw. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I can freely move the 200lb bandsaw around my shop very quickly and easily. Setup was a snap, and its durable. The only con is that to fully lock the wheels takes more than just a press of a button. Oh well, can't have it all.
Definitely a must-have for every tool in a small shop.

I can't believe this is made in the U.S.A. When I opened the box and started removing the parts both the 1/4" studs on the bracket that holds the floor lock to the frame fell off. I had to drill through the frame and put in bolts. The lock down bolt that is supposed to hold the bracket to the frame is a joke, it kept sliding off the frame when I tried to tighten it. I had to drill a hole for it to go in to hold it in place. The axle bolts for the back wheels would not go through the holes for them so I had to re-drill these holes. The whole thing is very cheaply made of sheet metal and plastic. It said on the box "Made in USA" but I have seen better made "JUNK" come from China.

Fast. Easy. Sturdy. Works like a dream. Costs too much. 'Nuff said.

Small or large shop, it is necessary to move things around.
HTC makes great products...the welding, the paint job, the hardware - all are of good quality, if assembled and tightened properly you should have no problem.
I was so satisfied with this Band Saw Mobile Base, I also purchased the HJTS-761-X (Style B1) for my Jet Contractors Table Saw. WOW! Now that was by far the best investment; my shop seems half again as large. Note: I would advise against purchasing ANY of the small (Style J) mobile bases for table saws (too unstable), even if you don't have a 30 or 52 inch extension buy the Style B1.

Great price and everything was as expected. If you need the best in Mobile bases then HTC is the best.

This mobile base is very sturdy and the best type for a tall top heavy machine like the Jet Bandsaw. The one size fits all adjustable bases are too rocky for the small footprint this bandsaw has, as well as having too much of a tilt for moving the saw easily. (Saw bottoms out when being moved) Spring for the extra for this base and you won't be disappointed.

I purchased the Jet 14" Drill Press and was very pleased with the assembly which went very smoothly. The instructions were fairly clear. The tool appears to be a well-built tool that can handle a lot of use in my shop. I purchased the mortise and chisels set from Jet as well and I was very displeased with the lack of instructions for assembly and use of the mortise and chisel component. The drill press was a great buy, but Jet needs to improve on their documentation for the mortise attachment. Jet also needs to provide padlocks for their woodworking tools as they currently do not carry them.