grizley bandsaw ? extention?

I have been looking into getting the 17” bandsaw from Grizzly. 14” that I have seen, have a 6” resaw. If you are goping to add the riser, to resaw up to 12”. I would get a better fence. I recently went to Grizzly. I didnt think about looking at the 14” saws. I had already made up my mind on the 17’s. It would help with some more info, what saw were you looking at?

-- Tim, Missouri ....Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the heck happened

The one they call the ultimate band saw it is 14”

Personal opinion – - I have always thought that a bandsaw built with a 12” capacity would be more rigid than a bandsaw built for a 6” capacity and modified with a riser block. Furthermore, with the riser block in place you will not be able to lower the guide bearings low enough to work on flat stuff well.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

By the extension I take it you are referring to the riser blocK? I have the riser on the G0555 and it is definitely worth it if you plan on resawing large boards or doing other work that requires that capacity. It will require two peope to install safely though. It is extremely sturdy, I have had no issues. The resaw fence I don’t own so I can’t comment on that.

Rich, the riser block for Grizzly comes with a new longer, 12” guide arm for the guide bearings so that you can lower it. It will reach the table with the 6” riser.

-- - Eric Indianapolis, IN

They were just running a killer sale on the GO513P 17” Bandsaw. They have them for under $800.00 shipped.

-- John -- Racine, WI -- Woodworking..."It's not just a Hobby, it's an Adventure"

I didn’t think about that rich good point..

-- Tim, Missouri ....Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the heck happened

my opinion is similar to Richgreer… i was debating the same thing, getting the 14” grizzly and adding the extension. but i decided to go with the 14” Rikon instead, which comes out of the box with a 13.5” resaw capabilities… no extension/riser needed! that eliminates the change of flex and alignment issues. i couldnt be happier with mine! and i think wookcraft has them on sale! and they go on sale every couple months. just my 2cents ;)

-- Justin, Savannah,Ga

Justin is right, WC is selling the 14” Rikon for $699 through June 26th 2010. I just picked mine up from them on the 1st. WC just called and my order for a Timberwolf 111” 3/4” 3TPI blade has arrived so this should make a powerful combination resawing some of the cedar on my property.

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

I realy like the rikon 14” band saw what advantages do a band saw. Have ?
Should I buy one or up grade my tablesaw? It is a small portable underpowered one it frustrates me so much or get a planer I would probably resaw at a later time but would cut curves with the band saw for now
What would you recomend