As some of you are aware I had some serious problems with my new Excalibur a year ago. After finally obtaining the correct part and setting up the machine my assessment has changed.
My new Jet 22" is of course an awesome machine. I first compared it to my Excalibur and was biased against the former due to difficulty obtaining parts. Since then I have re considered the Excalibur. I write this for those looking to buy a new machine.
My Ex-16 is of course only a 16 inch cut. But I have found it is about as smooth, as well as versatile as the jet
I began a new intricate state fair project on my Jet 22 as the Ex16 would not accommodate the size of the project.
The new Jet is awesome for my now arthritic hands making blade changes much easier and less painful due to their new blade head attachments. It is my go to machine for larger projects.
But the Ex 16 is nearly as good as the jet in terms of intricate cuts, control, linear cuts and is a pleasure to work with.
I give my new jet a biased rate of 9.9 out of ten only due to my arthritic hands. so that is the bias.
But the Excalibur is every bit as capable of those intricate, linear cuts better known as veining. And is also a pleasure to work with. so getting away from bias I give it a 9.5 out of 10. Only because of parts unavailability, but that may not be a problem. it appears both machines will last at least my lifetime and more.
So for those looking to buy a new machine. Where they are made matters not as long as they are made well.
If you have arthritis consider the new Jet. If not then Excalibur is indeed worth it and a nice choice. Not to say some of the other better machines out there are not good. They indeed are. I just chose what I did.
My original machine years ago was Craftsman, then Delta,and even a Dewalt.
Blades:
State fair projects are tricky. You must keep the size down. do as much intricate cuts as possible. Judges like veining for sure. All this said I ended up with two types of blades for very intricate work.
Flying dutchman: 2/0
Sharktooth: which I believe are made by Olson whom I dearly hated at first but also changed my mind. There are other good blades out there, I just found Flying dutchman and Sharktooth work best for me. Especially the Sharktooth regular 3/0 blades.
I only write this to help people be more decisive in their choices. These machines and blades are all personal choices. And since I am stuck here at home I am cutting more than I ever did and have time to get back here and give a final thumbs up to both of these machines. If you do veining much try those sharktooth blades
All be safe and have a nice day. ds