We have the same saw, probably about the same age. Not bad, a little under powered for my liking, and the start capacitor blew while halving a 3" diameter log. You apparently can make the upgrade the HP with a bolt on motor, but it's a nice saw for what it is. Plus they're white, something weird about white tools to me
Don't feel bad, I blew mine about a year ago. Coarse tooth 3-4 tpi is all I use for most of my cutting. Makes the motor work less. Mine lasted about 20 years with some serious use before the capacitor went. It's a $ 10 dollar fix so I guess I can't complain
. Mine isn't a jet , but from what I've seen , they are just like every other 14" bandsaw on the market. Most are all made from the same components , assembled in different places, and painted different colours. If your lucky, the company will have printed their own manuals , otherwise it's the typical translation from Thai, Chinese etc. Does make for an interesting and amusing read though
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Set up is everything! It should last a life time if not abused.
P.S. Blow out the switch area often with compressed air , as well as the motor. The fine dust gets in and will eventually you won't be able to start your saw. A good cleaning is usually all it needs but better to do it as a maintenance, than repair. I've taken apart switch boxes that were packed full of sawdust
. It's a wonder they didn't start a fire. Could do well to clean it all up when you get it . You never know how it was used before you got it.