JDS vs Jet

I have the Jet unit and it works great. No experience with the JDS, but I think you'd be happy with the Jet.

Mike

I've had the JDS unit for around 5 years now. It is very well constructed and well designed. It is also US made. The big issue, in my eyes though, is that I have found the company to offer exceptional customer service and make every effort to provide product upgrades at a modest price. My original unit was before the era of variable speed. When the three speed model came around, JDS offered a small board and switch that allowed me to make the change for a very small price. More recently, JDS has upgraded the model again to include a remote and timing features. Again, the upgrade cost was very modest, even though it included the remote, a new board and an entire new side panel. I very much appreciate that customer loyalty and support.

I would also not that I have the JDS mitre guage for my table saw. IMO it is the most rock solid mitre guage on the market. Again, through the years JDS has made minor upgrades (nylon locking fitting washers for the table slot bar, micro adjustable stops, etc.) And once again, JDS has made all the upgrades available for modest prices, such that my old units are identical to the latest models.

The initial design on both of these products was very good. The enhancements were just that,enhancements to a previously sound model.Overall, I couldn't ask for better treatment than JDS has provided.

Lyn

js148 wrote:

I have one of the JDS units, previous to the model you describe I think. I never really use it and since I have moved I have not reinstalled it. If you are interested let me know maybe we can work something out. It is really heavy and I'm in Houston so shipping might be an issue??

A local merchant has a Jet 1236 for sale @ $600. Is that a decent price ? Variable speed, 3/4 HP, with some gouges. Nice looking unit.

A bit off topic (I was asking about the Jet AFS-1000B air filtration unit) but nevertheless ... I recently bought the Jet 1236 from Amazon.com for $399 including free shipping. It took a few weeks to arrive but it got here and I'm very pleased. It is a nice unit, especially for that price.

Hello,

I just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth. Reading the reply of Lyn got me interested in a retrofit for my JDS2000, older model. I called the JDS 800 number and within minutes I had a retrofit kit on its way. They were really nice and very helpful. I didn't know the model number but their technician quickly explained how I could determine if their retrofit was available for my unit. I followed his instructions and quickly found out the good news, the retrofit was compatible. This is great service and nice to know that their equipment is so well designed that not only that retrofits are available, but easy to install. Incidentally, I don't know if the Jet has a remote control with timer as this retrofit provides but with my unit suspended from the rafters, this upgrade will be very useful.

Sorry, that was about 5 cents worth, my apology, no change necessary.

Good luck in whatever you select...Ralph

Hi, Don't know about the JDS but I have had the Jet (not the "B" model) now for a few years in my 18X24 shop/garage/storage area/kitty litter box holder and I have had no complaints at all. Mine came with a spare "electrostatic" filter and I prefilter the whole thing by taping a el-cheapo furnace filter to the outside. Having a remote is wonderful and I do believe that placement is very important to making the most efficient use of it. I have mine hanging from the ceiling near my lathe and this is also where I roll my tablesaw when I use it. That way it is pretty close to the dust producers and it provides good circulation. Before I had it the whole place would have a fine mist of dust, since I have gotten it no problems at all. Also for your health, are you wearing a dust mask of some sort? Pretty much need that too!! Take it easy, Guy

Thanks for all the input. Good stuff on both models.