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We decided to go with the Jet because it had good reviews and its specifications were in line with what we wanted, cast plate, oil bathed worm gear. The operation is very smooth, it is relatively quiet and after 3 months of use with various types of wood , that machine has been performing very consistently. We purchased this sander to replace an old Ryobi oscillating sander. We like that sander for its simplicity and sturdy construction. Being a professional custom sign shop we can not spend much time in fixing our equipment. what a difference that was from the old plastic made Ryobi. The third time after complaining about the inadequate packaging, it was decided they were going to use a freight company instead of Fedex.That did it, the machine came in perfect condition.As soon as it was in the shop, we set it up and gave it a spin.
After changing multiple belts, we knew it was time for it to go. We ordered the machine from a tool mail order company and unfortunately came damaged twice. Jean-LucBelmeade Signs[.]. We had a sign that needed to get its edges to be sanded and boy.
There is considerable side to side free play in the bushings/bearings that support the spindle as it rotates and oscilates. This becomes more noticable as work piece thickness increases.I too noticed the table not square (when new) to the spindle and made the necessary adjustments. The work piece, at times, seems to bounce off the surface of the 3 in sleeve. With this amount of run out, it can be difficult to get smooth continous curves that match properly at the tangencies. I've used this machine for about 4 years, maybe once per week for 30 -45 min per usage on average.
I have used up maybe 3 sets of sleeves.At this point, the spindles do not run true. I would estimate the free play to be about.040 inches when a spindle is in the upmost postition. The sanded edges of work pieces tend to have a slight arc rather than being flat and perpendicular to the faces. But now that the spindle has so much free play, the table cannot be set square to the spindle with the exception of exactly one spot. Certainly not production.
It has become noisey, not necessarily loud, just not smooth soundng as if gearing is not meshing as it should.The free play results in vibration especially when the 3 inch drum is installed. For me, the tool is a disappointment. It can be difficult to use.
I give this a rating of four stars only because a larger unit would offer more versatility.The unit is a heavy, well built piece of equipment and, certainly, would cause me to consider other Jet equipment purchases. It has saved hours of, otherwise, tedious sanding of curved items.When connected to my small dust extractor, or even a vacuum, this unit does a fair job of collecting most the dust produced in sanding operations. In the three years I've used this machine, it shows no signs of wear or tear.The table tilts easily for special sanding operations, a feature not offered on other brand name units.Like many woodworking tools, this unit opens doors to new woodworking opportunities, if only for time saved.
My only wish is that there was a way that you could also use this unit as a router. I have been wanting an oscillating sander for quite a while. I could have settled for a less expensive one but after purchasing a JET table saw I am hooked. This would save space in the garage. No more craftsman for me.
I did some checking and found the table mounting brackets were not drilled and tapped at the same height. Jet provided me with a can of paint so I can file them wider and repaint the mount. The tool as a whole works very well. Received the Sander in great condition, however the quality control at the factory is poor. I think the QA at the factory needs to be looked at.
The table was not square to the spindle. I ordered replacement brackets and they were the same as the originals. I fixed it buy installing some brass shim stock under the bracket that the hole was low on and this fixed the table. The spindle insert storage rack slots were also to narrow to insert the spindle table inserts.
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