I always promised myself that the first thing I would buy when I got a house was a good table Saw. So the first thing I did was head out with my Dad, and Dad-in-Law (who were both in Austin at the same time for the housewarming), to Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes.
Now, let me just say that my father used to sell tools for a living, and my Father-in-Law was a professional refinisher for a time, so both know about table saws. I was hoping to pick up a new, good 10″ model for around $450. Man, was I disappointed. All the models either had a pot metal frame, or no base, or so much plastic you would think they were made by Fisher Price. Strike 1, 2, 3. Game over.
Or so I thought. On a last chance effort I checked out the local Craigslist, and found an old 10″ Jet Contractors saw with a base, cast-Iron top (which was a bit rusty but flat as a pancake), a new 1-HP motor, and even a nice fence and miter. All for $150. When the guy who was selling it saw me coming in my little 2000 Honda Civic, he said, in his deep Texas southern Drawl: ” You ain’t never gonna get that saw in that car”. Well, the base fit in the trunk (with the seats folded flat), and the saw rode shotgun in the passenger seat, thank you very much.
Here’s my Baby – The Jet JTS-10. According to the serial number this was the 65th one ever made. I know it ain’t pretty, and it’s definitely not new, but boy is the blade sharp, and the cut true. Of course there are absolutely zero safety features. No RIP guard, no safety switch. This saw was made back in the day when Table saws weren’t dangerous, Like when it was ok to play with mercury, and Asbestos was used as insulation.
What was your first table saw? Whatever happened to it? Share your response in the comments below.
Table Saw raised blade, and fence
Old but accurate Table Saw Miter Gauge
Jet Table Saw Height Adjustment Wheel, and Power Toggle-switch
Jet JTS-10 Table Saw, contractor's model
Belt drive table Saws
Close up of miter guage
Jet JTS-10
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Hi, Thanks for posting on my blog, and asking about my Bosch saw. I ended up giving it away to a guy, who did go ahead and have it repaired. I replaced it with a DeWalt, and I like the DeWalt way better– although I am sure it is not anywhere near as solid as the puppy you got here! Tim
I recently got the exact same saw (serial # 008379) from my fafther-in-law.
Do you know wher I can find a opertion and parts book manual?
Hi Dave,
You might want to look at this manual:
http://content.wmhtoolgroup.com/manuals/man_708100.pdf
It’s similar to the older saw, but for a newer model. The JET website also has a bunch more info, but it is kind of hard to navigate. Check out this page :
http://www.waltermeier.com/us/manufacturing/en/service_support/manuals.html
Good luck, and come back to let me know if you find one.
HEY HOW ARE YOU DOING ? I BOUGHT A JET JTS-10 ON craigslist ABOUT A MONTH AGO FOR 65.00. IT IS IN GREAT SHAPE BUT IT NEEDS A GUARD IN THE CAST IRON TOP AROUND THE BLADE, DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN BUY PARTS FOR MY SAW ?
Hi Robert,
Congrats on the JTS – you will be very happy, as it is a great saw. If you are missing the guard that goes around the blade on the cast iron top you have two options – to buy a new one, or make a wooden one yourself. These saw inserts can be found all over the internet, just do a search, and I’m sure you will find something.
If you want to build your own, which is commonly done for narrow blades, or zero kerf work, just trace the opening and cut a piece that is the same thickness as the top.
E