Jet jts 315 site saw bench

[dance]

Hi,

I'm having trouble finding reviews of the above saw, a Jet JTS 315.

Does anyone here own this saw? Is it accurate and useful?

I would want to use it mainly with timber (not sheet goods) for projects like building beds, toys, picture frames, cupboards, boxes etc.

Thanks!

 

[misterfish]

If you look further down the Axminster page you've linked to there is a Reviews tab with 5 reviews.

Misterfish

 

[dance]

Hi, I can see that, sorry I should have said so. I was looking for forum users' opinions because I can't respond to those reviews with requests for clarification.

 

[dance]

What confuses me, for example:

- This saw doesn't have a cast iron surface, while Axminster's budget table saw does - isn't this a bit odd?
- The blurb states 16A may be required? I'm sure I'll only have the standard 13A supply - but how do I know if I require 16A or if 13 will suffice?
- There is criticism of its sliding table because of it being unsupported - it is suggested by that reviewer that this makes it only suitable for rough work?! I don't understand the logic that it being unsupported means it is inaccurate?
- Someone else wrote "difficult to set up accurately" and "wouldn't recommend it". This is worrying.

I wonder what the hive mind would recommends?

(Do I even need a table saw if I plan to buy a band saw and have a track saw?)

 

[Chems]

Its not really a cabinet makers saw, its as it says on the description its a site saw. If I had a budget of £365 I would probably look at the TS200 kit.

What sort of space do you have available, is it a requirement that the saw must be moved into the corner when not in use?

 

[Jacob]

...
- The blurb states 16A may be required? I'm sure I'll only have the standard 13A supply - but how do I know if I require 16A or if 13 will suffice?

It (probably) means that the start up current will blip over 13 amps and may blow your 13amp fuse, although the running current will usually be less - until you work it too hard and it binds on a bit of thick timber. Then the fuse blows.
That'd make it absolutely useless as a site saw and a nuisance in a shop unless you wire in a new circuit.
There is a highly deprecated temporary emergency fix to this, i.e. add a bit of 3amp fuse wire to the 13amp fuse, but this is not a good idea and could be dangerous as a permanent solution.

- There is criticism of its sliding table because of it being unsupported - it is suggested by that reviewer that this makes it only suitable for rough work?! I don't understand the logic that it being unsupported means it is inaccurate?

This suggests that it will run out of true under load. If you only do light work this may not happen.

- Someone else wrote "difficult to set up accurately" and "wouldn't recommend it". This is worrying.

I wonder what the hive mind would recommends?

(Do I even need a table saw if I plan to buy a band saw and have a track saw?)

A good table saw is highly desirable compared to band or track saw, and can do very accurate work. But only if it is good. This one sounds like a dud to me!

PS as you are doing beds, toys, picture frames, cupboards, boxes etc. then a good table saw would be really useful, but perhaps smaller and lower powered but with better build quality and a good sliding table.

 

[JanneKi]

I have one of those, it's definitely a saw more for construction type of work, not for fine cabinet making. It's only got a thin steel table and in my opinion also slightly underpowered if you need to rip say 2" hardwoods or similar (at least the 1-phase).

The fence is surprisingly good for that pricepoint, the similar cheaper/other brands have a much lousier fence.

The sliding table is a bit of a joke, but then again I think I would only be happy with a proper solid aluminium one next to the blade anyway. I've removed mine and do my cuts on the mitre saw (Bosch 10" slider).

 

[dance]

Its not really a cabinet makers saw, its as it says on the description its a site saw. If I had a budget of £365 I would probably look at the TS200 kit.

Hi! Thanks all for replying. I can't find this saw at that price?

 

[RogerBoyle]

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... rod833225/

 

[dance]

D'oh! Sorry. For some reason I'd got it into my head you were talking about the PK200. Apologies again.

OK. If that saw is better than the Jet I'll get that one. I have a track saw for panels so it's no problem that it's not accurate for the bigger stuff.

 

[tisdai]

You won't go wrong with the TS200 kit, and the customer service at Axminster is the best i have come accross. If you live near any of the stores they have, drop in they will be only too happy to help you out.

Cheers

Dave

 

[studders]

Over all the TS200 is a good Saw and you won't be disappointed.... but, be aware that it won't be right 'outta the box' and takes some effort to get, and keep, things tickety boo. Plenty of threads here showing what is likely to be needed.

 

[Jacob]

Nice saw over here

 

[mckenm1m]

I own this saw. I like it. It is what is known as a site or contractors saw which basically means it is designed to be portable which is why it has a galvanised steel top instead of cast iron. The 16 amp thing is not an issue for me. I do not have a 16 amp supply but it works just fine.

I find it to be very powerful. If you fit a decent blade it will cut through pretty much anything without a problem, and it is definitely an advantage to have a 12" blade over 8 or 10.

As far as accuracy goes it is really a matter of how fussy you are setting it up. If you take your time and make sure to do it right, I find it is pretty good. The sliding mitre table thing that comes with it (necessary because the galvanised top does not have a mitre slot) may be a bit big and clumsy, but if you set it accurately it certainly does the job. The rip fence is a tad flimsy however and could do with anchoring at the back as well as the front, but sadly is not long enough.

Overall it may not be as precise as a decent table saw with a cast iron top, but I do not feel I have been limited by it.