Jet JWBS-18QT-3 Owner's manual

JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw
When you need an industrial-tough band saw with large
capacities and the power to handle whatever cutting job
you throw at it, the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band
Saw stands head and shoulders above the competition.
Our new super-tough triangular frame and the strong-
running JET 3HP TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled)
motor will keep handling your jobs for many years to
come.
Rigid Frame, Cabinets & Doors
Our new triangular design frame is made from heavy gauge steel
and designed to provide superior column rigidity. The triangular
column design reduces rotational twist by 65% versus the
traditional square column design. The exceptional strength of the
JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw frame allowed us to
incorporate an impressive standard 12-1/4" resaw capacity to
handle the large pieces of wood, slicing veneers and cutting book
matched panels right out of the box. No spacers or riser blocks to
buy and install.
The triangular column
design reduces rotational
twist by 65% versus the
traditional square column
design.
The 18” by 29” steel base gives the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch
Band Saw a solid footing. Pre-punched holes in the corners of the
base make it easy to secure this machine to a suitable floor surface
when that is desired.
Also new on the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw are the curved-face cabinet
doors that increases their rigidity and appearance. These large, all
steel doors overlap the cabinet openings and have a special sealing
strip that helps to contain the dust. Both the upper and lower
cabinets have rotating locking knobs that keep the doors closed
tightly during operation but allows them to open wide to provide
plenty of access for changing blades.
The 4”-diameter dust
port and sweeping
brush help keep the
dust in your bag and
not the cabinets!
We added a see-through window in the front edge of the upper
cabinet that provides a clear view of the blade for making tacking
adjustments with the door closed. We even use light colored tires
on the wheels that dramatically increase the visibility of the blade.

The JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw lower cabinet has a 4”-diameter dust port
built in that makes connecting a standard dust collector hose adapter free. The dust port is
located directly below the cutting action to collect the most dust possible right at the
source. To further enhance dust collection a brush is located directly in front of the dust
port to sweep the lower wheel tire. That reduces build up on the tire and blade
substantially.
High-Tech Wheel System
The JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw features 18 3/8”-
diameter cast iron, 8-spoke wheels. The mass of cast iron wheels
imparts a flywheel effect that produces smooth, consistent
cutting action. The wheels are precision-machined to run true
and computer balanced to insure vibration-free operation. Both
wheels are fitted with high-quality, long-lasting tires for smooth,
reliable tracking.
Both band saw wheels run on high-end, sealed and pre-
lubricated ball bearings for smooth operation and long life. The
upper wheel has a single-knob tracking adjustment. This knob
and the window in the upper cabinet make adjusting blade
tracking easy, precise and safe.
The band saw wheels are
precision machined and
balanced and run on high
quality bearings.
Tension & Release
The JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw has an easy-to-use blade tension adjusting
system, operated by a handwheel on
the bottom of the upper cabinet. Scales
showing the appropriate setting for
common blade widths are displayed on
the rear outside and inside surfaces of
the upper cabinet. Both scales have
pointers that make setting tension easy
whether you are in front or at the rear
of the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch
Band Saw.
Relaxing blade tension is important to
the life of the blade as well as the
entire wheel system. The JET JWBS-
18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw comes
with a specially designed, lever-
operated tension release system that makes applying or relaxing blade tension fast and
The long tension release arm (left) makes moving it between
the detent positions very easy. Easy-to-read scales on the
inside and outside of the upper cabinet make setting band
tension quick and accurate.

easy. The l9”-long steel operating arm has three detent positions, identified by a sticker at
its base that eliminates clumsy external locks or stops. Full Tension is used for making
cuts. Partial Tension relaxes the blade tension to a safe level when not in use. Full
Release relaxes the blade tension entirely for changing blades.
Motor and Speeds
The JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch
Band Saw is powered by a 3HP,
230V, 1 Phase motor that is rated
using a continuous duty cycle rather
than the “peak” or “max developed”
ratings used by many other
manufacturers. A continuous duty
cycle gives the most accurate
depiction of a motor's performance
while in use, not just a spike or short
burst of power. JET motors are large
and heavy because they are designed
and built for long-term service and dependability.
The heavy-duty 3HP motor and tensioning levers (left) are
mounted outside of the cabinet for easy access. The high-
quality serpentine belt (right) transmits power to the band saw
wheel smoothly and reliably.
The motor is mounted on the outside of the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw lower
cabinet where is stays cool and is easily accessible. The belt tensioning handles are also
on the outside of the cabinet where they are very easy to reach
and use.
The magnetic switch
protects the motor from
voltage variations. It also
prevents the machine from
restarting on its own should
the power go out and then
come back on
unexpectedly.
The motor is turned on and off with a magnetic switch mounted
on the column within easy reach of the operator. The pushbutton
On switch is illuminated whenever the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-
Inch Band Saw is connected to electrical power. Surrounding the
On button is a large red Off ring that shuts the saw down when
pushed. The large diameter of the ring makes it easy to “bump”
the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw Off with an arm if
your hands are full.
The magnetic switch is designed to protect the motor from power
fluctuations that could damage it. The magnetic switch also has a
safety feature in that it prevents the saw from starting on its own
should the power go out and then come back on unexpectedly. To
restart the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw after the
power is restored, the On button must be pushed.
We also offer a 1-3/4 HP motor version of this band saw-JWBS-18QT. The only
differences are the 1-3/4 HP motor and it uses normal industrial-style push button

pend
g
.
oth the upper and lower guide assemblies have r maximum 1/8”
de le
he upper blade guide assembly is mounted on an oversized post that
and
switches. Everything else is identical to the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw
version.
The motor power is delivered to the lower band wheel through a Poly-V belt running on
two-position pulleys. The Poly-V belt is considerably more efficient at transmitting
power and resists slipping better than the standard v-belts. Also, the thin profile of the
Poly-V Belt creates far less friction at the pulley, which means less heat buildup that
could damage the belt or bearings.
The two step pulley allows changing between blade speeds of 1800 and 3000 FPM (feet
per minute). The exterior belt tensioning controls make changing between the speed
ranges fast and easy.
Fully adjustable and tool-free ball bearing guides are standard equipment at the
ottom (left) and upper (right) guide positions. These fully sealed bearings provide
eat control and drag-free operation
Roller Blade Guides
The JET JWBS-
18QT-3, 18-Inch
Band Saw comes
with fully adjustable
roller bearing blade
guides. All of the
adjustments are tool-
free so you can s
more time workin
and less setting up
bgr .
B
double roller bearings on either side of the blade fo
support. The guides are designed to work with blades within the
to 1 ½”-width range the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw is
designed to use. A large diameter ball bearing controls thrust at the
upper and lower guide assemblies. Tool-free micro adjustment
mechanisms make ultra precise adjustments easy. The lower gui
has extended adjuster shafts that make operating them under the tab
much easier.
This rack and pinion
drive raises and
lowers the upper
guide post.
T
is raised and lowered through the 12” cutting height range using a
rack and pinion gear drive. That gear drive is operated by a
handwheel on the front of the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch B
Saw. A full-length blade guard on this post helps keep you safe
regardless of material thickness.

arge Table
The JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw is equipped .
he table tilts to 45-degrees right and up to 10-degrees left.
k to
square with the blade virtuall
full-sized, t-shaped miter slot runs the full width of the table. We include a full-
ade
quick-release, precision T-square style rip fence is standard equipment on the JET
s
he JET JWBS-
sy-
-
p
Band Saw for resawing is quick and easy.
he JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw packs all of the power and capacity you need
general-purpose woodworking blade so you can start cutting right away!
L
with a generous 19" x 19" precision ground cast iron table
This spacious table provides plenty of support to keep the
big jobs stable, allowing you to concentrate on following
layout lines precisely.
T
A pair of knobs below the table lock and unlock it for
tilting. An adjustable stop makes bringing the table bac
y automatic.
The 19” by 19” cast iron table
provides plenty of support for the
big jobs. It tilts to 45-degrees left
and 10-degrees right.
A
function miter gauge with the JET JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw for making
accurate miter and cross cuts. The miter slot also provides a guide for your shop m
jigs and fixtures.
A
JWBS-18QT-3, 18-Inch Band Saw. The fence mounts to a set of full-length rails that
provide a maximum rip cut of 16 ½” to the left and 7 5/8” to the right of the blade. The
fence locks on both ends for maximum stability during rip cuts. The operator side rail ha
an easy-to-read scale.
T
18QT-3, 18-Inch
Band Saw fence
comes with an ea
to-install solid steel
resaw post. This 1
1/8”-diameter by 6”
tall post attaches to
the fence with its
own threaded rod
and knob. Setting u
the JET JWBS-
18QT-3, 18-Inch
The included rip fence (left) locks on both ends and has a handy scale on the operator-
side rail. We also include this solid steel, 6”-tall resaw post (right) that attaches to the
rip fence.
T
for your woodworking shop. The legendary JET accuracy, durability and user-friendly
features mean you will be up and running in no time. We even include a 3/4", 4 TPI