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Author Topic: What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools  (Read 1319 times)

Dragonfly

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What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools
« on: February 27, 2010, 08:34:48 PM »
Such as their bench top drill presses, band saws, planers and etc..?  Looking to pick some tools up but want quality and not junk that I will have fits with or regret purchasing.  I have been told Wilton is tough to beat by a local cabinet worker. Thanks---Jason
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Offline Bulldogmikey

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Re: What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2010, 08:55:06 PM »
I have had OK luck with Wilton whereas others love them, they do more in the metal working, I do have some HSS knives that are entry level. On the other hand Jet is one of my favorites and I have had others complain. In my opinion Jet is a good tool for the money. And I have used a few.

Mike
« Last Edit: February 27, 2010, 09:21:03 PM by Bulldogmikey »
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Offline trumpetturner

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Re: What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2010, 09:41:27 PM »
Jason,

I have two Jet lathes, a mini and a 1642 and a 13" hoss of a planer.  You can't beat em for the money.  Their service is great as well!!

I've had the Jet mini for over 10 years.  I put a 1 HP motor and an inverter on it to make it variable speed over 8 years ago way before Jet ever thought of variable speed on the mini..never had any problem with bearings or anything else.  It's a good thing it's belt driven.

I think that Wilton now owns Jet.

Danny
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Offline Blackfalcon

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Re: What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2010, 03:13:16 AM »
I am pretty sure Jet bought out Wilton, and parts for Wilton tools are harder to get, I also think Jet's customer service is much better. I have a Delta Midi lathe, it has been a great machine so far, bought it on sale locally and saved enough to get a good chuck and turning tools, no regrets so far other than I can't find an extension which would be nice to get the tailstock parked out of the way sometimes!
For drill presses, the floor models generally have better bearings,usually longer quill travel and less quill runout, something to consider if precision is a major requirement. I had looked into the Jet Benchtop and it seemed to be comparable to a floor model they have.
For table saws, do your homework and get a good one if you will be using it a lot. Some of the cheaper Jets I have heard aren't a very good saw, so don't assume it is good just because of the name, although most of their tools are good ones. This would be one of my picks.  http://www.cpopowermatic.com/products/1791228k.html
My dream shop would be all Powermatic tools, lol, right now they are on sale and still out of my reach! *cry*

Grizzly had a similar saw, but I think they discontinued it, Shop Fox also has one similar to the Grizzly on sale now, it has a similar fence as the powermatic also.  
« Last Edit: February 28, 2010, 04:17:38 AM by Blackfalcon »
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Offline charlieparrish

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Re: What are your thoughts on Jet & Wilton tools
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2010, 07:40:25 PM »
Jason, I have used many different brands of tools ( mostly cheap).. but I have a Jet mini lathe and a Jet 14" band saw both of which have given me exceptional service. Have never had to deal with customer service with Jet, so I can't say  anything about that.      Charlie
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