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[QUOTE=Hodges_Guitars] I have bought just about every brand of blade you can immagine and they all break from the back of the blade after about 6 total hours of use. alot of blades.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like you might be running the band to tight against the back guide. This will cause the band to "fold" back on itself and cause stress cracks in the back and gullet. Check on some of the old broken blades for this. The band should run free from contact with the back block, about the thickness of a dollar bill spacing is standard without any material being cut.

James, I'm not too impressed with Timberwolf blades.  I cut some lexan with it and it was not worth anything after that.  I've used cheapo Grizzly blades that stood up better than that.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

James,

I have both Rockler and Woodcraft nearby. I noticed yesterday that Woodcraft has a special sale and free shipping on some Jet products. (but not the 14DX) For me, buying local would save some pretty hefty shipping charges.

Thanks,

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GregH
Fot Wuth

The Finewoodworking review was for heavy duty 14" saws and actually rates the Grizzly 0457 "top value" at $875 and the Laguna "best overall".  The Rikon rated pretty low with slow re-saw times and difficult guide adjustments and blade changes.  They only issue they had with the Jet JWBS-14DX was that it bogged down with heavy re-sawing.

I've found Taunton/FWW to be pretty fair in their reviews. They don't seem to hesitate to pan an advertiser.

I live 5 minutes from a Grizzly distribution center and am also in the market for a new bandsaw.  I'll probably get over there and kick the tires on that one in the next week or so.  I've never been a big Grizzly fan but their top of the line series seem to be pretty good machines lately.

I have a Jet 8" jointer, 15" planer and the disc/belt sander (same one David hates?) and have nothing bad to say on any of them.  It does seem that, unless you go to Powermatic, most middle of the road brands are inconsistent.

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