Customer Reviews

Jet 708917 JWBS-12RF 12-Inch Band Saw Rip Fence

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

 

 

I am a little displeased with this item. Installation is no big deal, but lining up the rear rail clip vertically such that the fence smoothly glides across the table, yet locks smoothly, is nearly impossible. Pliers required to fine-tune the fit. Moreover, the needle indicator is sufficiently long to allow an accurate read on the cm side of the fence scale rule, but not the inch side. On my front rail, the stick-on rule is actually not parallel to the rail and table, and it came this way. So the upshot is use a conbination square to measure your cuts for this one. Finally, I have seen much better online deals for this fence. On the plus side, it does permit a very stable cut - I have shaved 1/8" veneers from 6 inch tall maple with reasonable precision, and it really helps, along with a featherboard, for resawing to make bookmathced cabinet door panels.

The fence for the 12" band saw doesn't meet Jet's normal high standard. I had trouble with the rear hook assembly. Some detailed instructions would be helpful (none exist with the manual). The parts come in a bag, and you're on your own. The front clamp doesn't work smoothly. This, combined with the poor rear hook assembly, make the fence less than I'd expect from Jet. I'll use it until I can find a well-made substitute, then in the can it goes...

First of all the fence works fine once you tune it up, the table of the saw is predrilled to accept the rails and their assembly is pretty straight forward. The fence itself is not assembled and there are no instructions provided, but its fairly obvious when you look at the CAD drawing on the parts list what goes where.

TIP: if you don't already have one buy a feeler gauge or better yet a set of setup blocks. This makes setting the fence height from the table a lot easier.

My only gripe is the sick-on ruler that came pre-attached to the rail is not square to table and is full 3/4" off the mark. Easily replaced with another stick on ruler but its a bit annoying that its that far off. Having to pay over 50$ for such a critical piece of equipment that is standard on most other band saws the least they can do is get the tape on straight and true.

Since there are no other fence systems out there for the Jet your stuck with this one. But it does work fine just plan on spending additional money on a new adhesive measuring tape and a good set of setup blocks.

Needed a good whack with a hammer on the tab that friction locks the near side of the fence. It is just like the Jet contractors saw fence: square adjust with four screws, friction lock on one side only. You can adjust the front rail to line up the measuring tape. Pointer is weak but considering the error in measurement added by the rough cut of the blade itself it is plenty accurate.

(...)

This fence is advertised as including a miter gauge and a resaw adapter. Neither of which is actually included. Sent it back and received a replacement - same thing, no accessories.
Then Amazon tells me "this is a widespread problem", and that I should send the replacement back as well.
I just took the loss as a lesson, and went ahead and mounted it to my bandsaw.
It's not a bad unit, but just be aware it will not include the accessories. And they still have not removed the false advertising from the unit's description............

Fence works great. Only problem would be if you want to use the metric scale on the fence guide. The pointer covers the metric side of the scale. Just take note that the miter gage is not included (but,is pictured in the view). I was sort of surprised that it did not come in the box until I looked closer at the description.

Well this part description comes from the manufacturer so I put no blame towards Western Tool, but it stated that it came with a resaw attachment and a miter gauge which it apparently does not. I asked Western Tool about it and they realized this after speaking with Jet. They didn't try anything with me aside from telling me how sorry they were and that they had refunded my purchase, but to keep the fence anyway. I know I could have gotten my money back, but for them to not try to keep my money was very "stand up" of them. Simply due to their customer service, I will be looking at them in the future. If they're a few bucks more on something, I will consider that the price for peace of mind as I KNOW they will take care of me in the event of a discrepancy. Highly recommend this retailer!!
As far as the product goes, It is very stable and accurate with the ruler. Easily slides on the plastic glides. Highly recommend as I was previously using clamps and a straight edge.

I HAVE OWNED THE NICKEL AND DIME BANDSAWS ALL MY LIFE (I AM 60). I GOT TIRED OF USING GARBAGE AND DECIEDED TO FINALLY BUY SOMETHING NICE. AND NICE I BOUGHT. I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF THE JET 12" BANDSAW. THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IS THAT I AM SO SORRY THAT I DIDN'T PURCHASE ONE LONG AGO. THE SQUARENESS OF THE 12" IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULL. I HAVE CUT OAK, ASH AND POPLAR AND I HAVE GOTTEN THE BEST CUTS IN MY LIFE, AS FAR AS BANDSAWS ARE CONCERNED. ANYTIME I CAN HIT WITHIN A 1/64 TO 1/128TH OF AN INCH I GO ESTATIC. SUCH A NICE BANDSAW. I WISH THE FENCE WOULD HAVE COME WITH IT, BUT HERE YOU ARE AGAIN. IF YOU WANT QUALITY, YOU MUST PAY FOR IT. I WOULD RATE THIS ON A ONE TO TEN SCALE AS A TEN PLUS. THANKS FOR SUCH A NICE MACHINE. REGARDS, TERRY