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grizzly bandsaw

4K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  a1Jim 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am in teh market for a new bandsaw. At this stage I dont anticipate needing to do extremely heavy work on it (ie there wont be much resawing etc). I am looking seriously at Grizzly. I am not sure whether to go for the 14" with a riser block (say a GO457) or one of the 17" models like the GO513X2B. What do you suggest (given that there is not much difference in price) and why. Thanks, G
 
#2 ·
I own the G0555X with riser block and have been extremely pleased with Grizzly. I also own their G0490X 8" Jointer. They are a wonderful company to deal with. I had a problem after installing the riser block on my bandsaw and the customer service was unbelievable, staying on the phone with me every step of the way. My problem came at getting the 103" blade to fit after installing the riser block. I was getting ready to get off the phone with him after we deduced the issue and he insisted on staying on the phone with me until it was fired up and cut something correctly. Not only was the service way above what I would ever expect these days, but he was an american and a woodworker as well. Makes a big difference these days let me tell you.

Now I do a lot, and I mean a lot of resawing and my unit powers through the best and hardest of woods. I didn't hesitate at getting a good blade from Highland Woodworking though. Trust me when I say, when you get a good bandsaw you will use it. Once you get the feel for that kind of precision cutting you'll head there every chance you get. I actually use my bandsaw as much if not more than the table saw. As for a 14" vs. 17" get what you can for the space you have, the larger wheels with have more weight and obviously longer, and wider blades. If your not going to resaw much (though I will bet that idea will change) the wider blades aren't going to matter much. I only wish mine had a brake, the saw will run easily about 30 - 45 seconds after kick off the power. I will be flipping mine over to 220 as well, it does make a big difference in startup and circuit requirements. my 2¢
 
#5 ·
G I have the GO513×2 - It got high reviews from a number of posters when I was doing the research last year and still does. Overall, I think it is a great saw. The only minor flaws are that it come with hex headed screws that are used to tighten the guide bearings ( though I swapped them out for thumbwheels later ) and the fence handle on mine was in a awkward location, but looking at the Grizzly website, it looks like they relocated it. I did replace the belt with a link belt, but even with the stock belt it runs pretty smooth. The main argument for 17 over 14, is that you can rip wider lumber than with a 14 inch machine. BTW, the resaw fence is quite nice, and the saw has plenty of power. Get some good blades, the stock blade is garbage.
 
#6 ·
We've had one of the 17" saws for a couple years. It's a better saw than a Laguna we've had for probably about ten years and cost a lot more. The only complaint I have with the saw is that the original blade guide bearings were shielded bearings and I think they should have been sealed bearings. I also sometimes wish the saw had a brake.
 
#7 ·
G,
If you are looking at the 14" and already thinking of modifying it with riser blocks, why not just get what you need from the start. Better to grow into a bigger saw than to outgrow a smaller saw.

I have the GO513X2. It is one of the "Extreme" band saws. I LOVE THIS SAW !! : )
It can be wired for 110V or 220V, it comes prewired for 220V. That is what I have wired it for; it runs like a tiger & purrs like a kitten. LOL

I highly recommend this band saw, and barryvabeach is right, the stock blade is garbage, and the fence handle sits a bit high under your stock when all the way up, just remember to put it half way down and it is out of the way. No biggie.

If you have the cash you won't be sorry investing in the bigger unit.

Lisa
 
#8 ·
Hi everyone. Thanks for your advise. I went and read the reviews in the "review section" on various saws and I think I am set on what I am going to get - G0513X2B. It seems like a solid saw and has had some good reviews. Dustbunny is right, why get something smaller if ultimately you anticipate needing something bigger.

Now that the bandsaw selection is settled, I need to look for a drum sander…
 
#9 ·
Go555x has been great to me ( with riser block) Once in a while the Table it narrow for what I want to do but I find a way. Great company, also have their 2 hp dust collector, great customer service. You will be happy.
 
#11 ·
Just spoke to the chaps at Grizzly (very very helpful and efficient) unfortunately the machines run off 110/220v 60hz motors. I live in South Africa and we use 220v 50hz electricity so apparently the machines wont work here and even if i brought them in and used a convertor it would void the warranty - arghhh

Reason I was looking for machines in the US is because I cannot believe how cheap they are there. for example the Jet 14" bandsaw (we have a distributor here) works out at around $1775. Thats almost double what it costs in the states. Its still cheaper to pay for international shipping etc. Problem is because we have a distributor here shops in the US wont ship to me. May just have to bite the bullet and pay double heer for Jet. I see we also have Hammer n4400 here. Any reviews on this saw?
 
#12 ·
ok…..I'm in the market for a bandsaw too and am leaning toward the 14" grizzly. My question is, do they have a distributor here in Ontario, Canada…..I'm going to the woodshow on the 12th in London and am hoping to buy one there….
 
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