Just to add another $.02. I also have the Jet 18" and got it last year at
Woodwerks in columbus OH. The lower guides take a little getting used to,
but I can do a blade change in well under 10 minutes now without problems.
I would suggest getting a set of longer metric T handled allen wrenches.
As far as blades go, last fall I put a 1/2" 3 tpi hook tooth and found that
it accomodates most sawing tasks well and have had no reason to change it.
Jet has recently came out with a new model, the JBS 18X It has 1/4 more HP
and will resaw up to 12" IIRC. I don't know if the guides are any
different. My saw is just a JBS 18 with 1 1/2 hp and resaw limit of 10".
These are probably the ones that are on sale now. Do yourself a favor and
get a mobile base with it, the saw is just damn heavy, like 350 lbs. or so.
My only (minor) complaint with the saw is it can be a little underpowered
when resawing 8inch or thicker dry hardwood lumber. Slow the feed rate and
you be fine. I don't do a whole lot of resawing anyway, so this is really
not a problem for me. ( If you are doing a lot of resawing, I'd get the
newer model with the extra HP.) Although it can cut very thin veneers
quite nicely. Finally, I've been really pleased with the saw. It's pretty
much the crown jewel of my shop (well, until i replace the old TS). It has
performed any task I've thrown at it and performed it well. --dave


"Rick Cox" wrote in message
m...
BTW, if you are interested in the store that has the special for price
matching purposes, it is at www.woodwerks.com