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
