Are JET Power Tools Any Good? (11 Helpful Tips)
When beginning any sort of construction project, the last things you need are low-quality or unreliable tools. They can make your work more difficult and time-consuming or impossible, at worst. You should be able to trust that your power tools will get the job done right the first time.
Jet has been in business for over 60 years and specializes in a variety of woodworking tools. They’re a mid-tier brand that offers affordable alternatives to more high-end woodworking and metalworking equipment.
So, are Jet tools any good?
For most people, the simple answer is yes. Jet tools offer a good balance between reliability and cost-effectiveness. While they may not be considered market leaders compared to more expensive brands, their products have relatively few problems and boast a positive customer satisfaction rating.
4 Benefits do Jet Tools Offer Over Other Brands?
- There are a few reasons you would want to consider Jet tools for your next big project. While it’s not the most well-known brand on the market, they offer several benefits that make them a worthy purchase:
- For a mid-tier brand, Jet’s tools are of decent quality. JPW Industries manufactures its products. JPW is a well-known and trusted manufacturer of power tools (JPW also manufactures tools for Powermatic).
- Jet’s tools are consistently reliable across the board. Customers report decent satisfaction rates across the board, and the tools last over time, even with heavy use.
- Jet as a company has been around since 1958, meaning you can get replacements for older tools.
What Are Jet’s Most Popular Products?
Jet is mainly known for its woodworking and metalworking equipment, including lathes, band saws, table saws, shapers, sanders, and more.
Jet’s website boasts positive product reviews from several well-known voices in the industry. The Jet JWBS-14SF 14″ Steel Frame Bandsaw gets a glowing recommendation from Fine Woodworking, while the Jet DC-1100VX-CK Vortex Cone Dust Collector gets high praise from Popular Woodworking.
How is Jet’s Customer Care?
It’s an important mark of a company that they’re able to keep customers happy and retain them even when things go wrong. Jet’s customer service has consistently been rated as good by customers who come to them with complaints.
Jet Tools Customer Support website offers a variety of ways to get in touch with a representative, whether you need to speak to Customer Support, Technical Support, or a Distributor Hotline.
Are Jet Wood Lathes Any Good?
Jet carries a variety of lathes for projects ranging from simple to advanced. Not every project requires a huge or powerful lathe, so it’s important to consider your specific project needs before choosing your tools. Do you need power and performance over quality or longevity?
Jet carries a variety of lathes, from miniature tabletop models to full-sized options. Wood Magazine rates Jet’s 12” Wood Lathe a 3.8 out of 5, citing its adequate power levels and sturdy, stable construction that minimizes vibrations while working. They also cite the smooth operation and ease of use.
Are Jet Table Saws Worth It?
Fresh Handyman praises Jet table saws for their quality and value. The Jet 708675PK 10″ Deluxe XACTA Saw scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 during their review process, doing well in categories like accuracy, safety, and value for money. It’s by far Jet’s most popular model.
A ten-inch blade and cast iron worksurface make the saw both versatile and durable. Its 3HP motor offers adequate power but is not its most impressive feature. Its modular blade guard and anti-kickback pawl make the cutting experience safer and more efficient.
When it comes to important features like efficiency, storage, dust collection, and ease of use, Jet table saws are easily impressed. However, when Jet table saws do not impress, it is usually for smaller reasons, such as difficult assembly or lower motor power.
Are Jet Sanders Good Quality?
If you need a quality sander for your project, you really can’t do better than a Jet sander. Whatever your product requirements, there’s a range of sanders that can get the job done right. Jet consistently shines next to the competition, so you know you’re choosing the right brand.
The Home Woodworker features Jet sanders 4 times in its list of the 6 best drum sanders, while the Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 drum sander beats out the competition on Electronics Hub’s list of favorite sanders.
Jet’s classic 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 drum sander is a budget-friendly and more portable alternative to much larger drum sanders on the market. With a 32” pass width, it’s much smaller than its competition, but it has all the essential features of a powerhouse drum sander, like a 1.5HP motor and infinite tool-less conveyor adjustment.
Jet vs. Grizzly: How Do They Compare?
When purchasing a low-to-mid-tier piece of equipment, it’s worth comparing Jet and Grizzly, both of which are trusted brands. For instance, Jet’s popular Deluxe Xacta table saw stands toe to toe with the Grizzly G1023RL Table Saw.
Both saws feature 10-inch blades, cast iron construction, and 3 horsepower motors, but the Jet’s table saw features an upgraded Poly-V belt drive which places it above the Grizzly, while the Grizzly’s 32-inch RIP capacity beat’s out the Jet’s 30 inches.
Overall, a Jet woodworking tool will likely be more expensive than a Grizzly machine, but the Grizzly machine is cheaper and the quality is usually comparable. But when it comes to other considerations like customer service or shipping, Jet will beat out Grizzly every time.
How are Jet’s Prices Compared to the Competition?
Jet’s tools are very affordable and cost-effective compared to the competition. Their band saws, sanders, and dust collectors all come in at the $1,000-$1,500 price range, while their big-ticket items like lathes and table saws will run you closer to $2,000 to $3,000.
While upfront costs are an important factor, Jet’s tools are also an excellent value long-term, since they rarely need extensive maintenance or repairs beyond what’s expected.
How is Jet’s Warranty?
Jet offers a variable warranty, depending on the type of product. Lathes, bandsaws, and mills all have a 3-year warranty period, while woodworking tools and machinery like table saws have a generous 5-year warranty. Any parts and accessories receive a 90-day warranty as well.
Tools can be registered on Jet’s website and any issues or malfunctions should be reported to their Technical Support line.
Jet Tools Pros:
- Their tools are reliable and unlikely to break down.
- They’re an incredible value for their price point
- Excellent customer support
Jet Tools Cons:
- Because of their more cost-effective construction, they are not the longest-lasting tools on the market
- They make tools that will get the job done, but there are no game-changing features or innovative tech
Conclusion
Ideally, woodworking or metalworking equipment should last you a very long time and put up with a lot of wear and tear. So you need products that are dependable, safe, high quality, and offer good value for your money.
Jet tools meet all of these requirements and more, and they’re an excellent choice for anyone with a mid-range budget, who’s willing to pay a bit more for premium quality and features, but isn’t willing to break the bank.