Jet's new b3nch tools

[Hoover]

Jet is rolling out new bench tools. Here's a link: http://www.jettools.com/b3nch/

[drumpriest]

The planer/jointer combos are pretty cool! A 10" planer/jointer would be useful as can be to most hobbiests, I'd think, so long as they work well.

I'm still upset that I have a 13" planer and an 8" jointer. Granted my 8" jointer is huge and industrial in comparison to the bench version, but it'd be nice to have them math, ya know?

[chopnhack]

hmmm, I cant say that I am interested in seeing anymore entry level tools. IMHO, they often let the user down in terms of functionality and durability. I have to wonder at the motivation of Jet to enter this area $$$?

[Hoover]

hmmm, I cant say that I am interested in seeing anymore entry level tools. IMHO, they often let the user down in terms of functionality and durability. I have to wonder at the motivation of Jet to enter this area $$$?

I got this link from Jet. I wanted to share this link with everybody. Why are you so sure that these are entry level tools? Black and Decker got that class to themselves.

Prices aren't mentioned in this link. These tools will be coming to market. We can judge them then for ourselves.

[Tom Slick]

The bracket for setting the fence on the planer joiner is really wimpy. other then that the stuff looks decent.

[backpacker85]

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a new drill press, and had been looking into the Ryobi DP121L. This new Jet benchtop looks promising though; the specs are nearly identical to the 12" Ryobi.

Looking at the prices however (new Jet lists at $390 & sells for $300), I may either wait a bit & see if it comes down after they are released, or get the DP121L recon for $130. Decisions, decisions, decisions......

[cgallery]

The bracket for setting the fence on the planer joiner is really wimpy. other then that the stuff looks decent.

I noticed the same thing.

What I would like to see some manufacturer deliver:

A 10" bandsaw with at least a 6" resaw (7" would be better). A jointer/planer with a fence that doesn't look like it will break sooner rather than later. A contractor's table saw with a larger table, and more rail/fence options.

I'm glad the OP let us know about these, but so far they look very similar (except for the combo jointer/planer) as other manufacturer's offerings.

[chopnhack]

I got this link from Jet. I wanted to share this link with everybody. Why are you so sure that these are entry level tools? Black and Decker got that class to themselves.

Prices aren't mentioned in this link. These tools will be coming to market. We can judge them then for ourselves.

I appreciate the info Hoover, as I am sure we all do as so many people on the forum bring so much to the table for discussion. IMHO they look like Jet entry level tools, as many bench tools tend to be. I am not certain as to the quality, but again, IMHO that is what it looks like Jet is doing, and was thinking out loud that if sales are bad maybe this would entice someone that couldnt afford their more expensive line to still buy Jet. No offense meant.

also, the 10" bandsaw seems a bit underpowered at 1/2hp

[Hoover]

I appreciate the info Hoover, as I am sure we all do as so many people on the forum bring so much to the table for discussion. IMHO they look like Jet entry level tools, as many bench tools tend to be. I am not certain as to the quality, but again, IMHO that is what it looks like Jet is doing, and was thinking out loud that if sales are bad maybe this would entice someone that couldnt afford their more expensive line to still buy Jet. No offense meant.

also, the 10" bandsaw seems a bit underpowered at 1/2hp

Thank you for your response. When I get information from manufacturers, I like to let other people know of what is coming out. I own primarily Jet equipment, and I am a satisfied owner. With the economy the way it is, I would imagine other manufacturers are thinking about their options. Have a great day.

[drumpriest]

Hoover, I also primarily have Jet tools, well, really WMH tools group tools (powermatic and jet mainly), they've been pretty good tools. These do look like a small shop set of tools, which typically means entry level. You are not normally looking at 10" bandsaws when you think pro shop level stuff. Nothing wrong with that, there are some great entry level tools. I would probably classify the Ridgid spindle/belt sander to in the same class, and I wouldn't want to live without it.

I really think an affordable planer/jointer combo is an excellent idea. The table lock does seem a bit on the small side, I wonder how much flex there is on the fence in real use.

I could see some of my friends getting into this machine at the right price point.

[Tom Hintz]

I have to wonder at the motivation of Jet to enter this area $$$?

That is simple, the market wanting cheaper tools. I heard this from a bunch of manufacturers at the Atlanta show. Very little demand for the good stuff, lots of price shopping. Delta/DeWalt did it, lots of others will follow as long as "cheap" is the main buying decision they keep hearing.

Jet isn't replacing any of their current line with the benchtop series. I think they are just putting out another price point in response for demand.

[chopnhack]

That is simple, the market wanting cheaper tools. I heard this from a bunch of manufacturers at the Atlanta show. Very little demand for the good stuff, lots of price shopping. Delta/DeWalt did it, lots of others will follow as long as "cheap" is the main buying decision they keep hearing.

Jet isn't replacing any of their current line with the benchtop series. I think they are just putting out another price point in response for demand.

I hope they dont end up with "the buyers remorse" I have over the years with "cheap" tools. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to good quality tools though.

[Tom Hintz]

I hope they dont end up with "the buyers remorse" I have over the years with "cheap" tools. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to good quality tools though.

There is a whole culture out there - and not just in woodworking - where cheap is the primary factor. I hear from peple all of the time that bought a $400 table saw and are just livid that it doesn't perform like a Powermatic PM2000. That is an extremem to be sure but I get this pretty regular these days. Others assure me that the tool companies are "making too much" because the prices are higher than they personally think they should be. Lots of folks want American Made tools but are only willing to pay China prices. You can see where that got the American Made woodworking tool industry.

The tool companies are going to do what the majority of their customers tell them to. If enough are more concerned with price than quality, then cheap tools will be what we will have to work with.

[leehljp]

While Japanese companies such as Makita and Hitachi, (and a couple of others) make some fine tools for the US market, a lot of the Japanese made for US market tools are not sold in Japan. Five years ago, a Japanese friend wanted me to bring him back a 1/2 inch 3 HP router from the US. They didn't make those in Japan for sale here at the time. A few that size can be found in rare specialty/industrial tool stores on occasion - and most of the time it will be a Triton. Most tools for industry are smaller here. Larger tools are more or less targeted for over seas markets.

That said, there are some quality industrial grade wood working machines and tools over here that would be considered "bench top" in the US. I sure would like to see a bench top line that is higher in quality similar to what is available here. Hopefully that is where Jet is aiming. But listening to you guys, it doesn't seem like it.

[chopnhack]

That said, there are some quality industrial grade wood working machines and tools over here that would be considered "bench top" in the US. I sure would like to see a bench top line that is higher in quality similar to what is available here. Hopefully that is where Jet is aiming. But listening to you guys, it doesn't seem like it.

As Hoover mentioned Lee, lets wait until the products role out and more people get to test them, but imho first look I kinda relegated them to bench top and by specs, more than likely lower quality. Here's to hoping though!