Are grizzly tools good quality?

There are a number of Grizzly posts on the site. There has been a lot of discussion about thier bandsaws lately. I have a Delta, Unisaw, but looked real hard at the Grizzly. The Jointers appear to get good reviews. (assuming you ment a 8” jointer)

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I have several Grizzly products and I’m very happy with them. Grizzly has some very nice products at really good prices. Here’s what I have and I’m happy with all of them.

14” Band Saw – G0555
6” Jointer – G1182ZHW
12.5” Planer – G0505
Drill Press – G7943

I see these tools being my shop for a long time. Also, their customer service is excellent.

Do you get more if you buy something like Powermatic, Delta, Jet, ect? You might, but what value is to you? I’d say don’t discount Grizzly when you are looking. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples when you do. You might see a cheaper Grizzly product, but make sure it has the same features and specs. If you are looking at a product from any manufacture, post a question out here and I’m sure you will get a lot of opinions on it.

-- http://theinquisitivewoodworker.com/

I have a low end contractors saw – G0444 – it’s all I had the power for in my garage. I bought it last August at their tent sale here in Missouri. I also picked up a Shop Fox 4” belt sander for a song. It needed a $5 part to be good as new.

I don’t think I can be much help as I don’t have much experience with higher-end tools. I will say that I had trouble with a dado blade from them (http://lumberjocks.com/topics/431). The second replacement arrived today. We’ll see.

I will say that the people that work there couldn’t be nicer. I was down there last August and they were working their tails off making sure all the bargan hunters got their stuff. The heat and humidity in Agust were horible and they were running cold water out to the folks waiting to pick up equipment. Nice.

Let us know what you decide to get.

-- Jerry L.

I too have a couple Grizzly tools. I have a 10” cabinet table saw with built in router table, model G1023SLW as well as a 6” jointer, model G1182ZHW. As Mike noted above Grizzly has great customer service. A little plastic handle on the jointer was broken when I received it, probably happened in shipping. I called them up and they sent a replacement right away.

My only complaint about the tools is that the 6” jointer is too small for the type of stuff I’ve been doing. I’m looking to purchase the G0490 8” parralelogram model in about three months. I’ve sent several questions to Grizzly customer service about this jointer as well as the replacement Shelix cutter head for it. I’ve had replies to every question in less than 24 hours each time I sent an e-mail. I give Grizzly two thums up and will buy more products from them.

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

Glad to hear the good customer service stories on the Grizzlies. I’m having fun with my new bandsaw.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

I have had good service from the tools and fantastic customer service from the company. My favorite Grizzly tool is my 8” spiral head jointer. I was able to joint highly figured curly maple with no tear-out. The 24” dual headed drum sander was how I milled the wood since a straight knife planer would produce tear-out. The end result was the big entertainment center I have posted in my projects.

I know a couple of guys that also bought the cordless drills and air nailers. Those items were not spoken of very well. I was advised to stick to the bigger machines from Grizzly.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

I have a grizzly planer,lathe and jointer and have been real happy with them .I use these in my business so they get a lot of abuse and no problems.Like Todd mentioned I did get an air nailer from them and ended up sending it back do to too many malfunctions.

-- Scott NM,http://www.shangrilawoodworks.com

Todd, which jointer did you purchase? As noted above I’ve been considering the parallelogram model G0490 which I would later upgrade to a Shelix cutter head. Do you happen to have the G0593?

Comparing the cost of the G0490 to the G0586 there is only a $100 difference after adding in a mobile base and shipping. This is why I’m considering the G0490 model. Does anyone have experience with a paralleogram jointer? Is it worth the extra $100?

Which model drum sander do you have?

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

My limited take on Grizzly: I own and use a Grizzly1023S Cabinet Saw. My prior saw was a piece of junk benchtop saw. I have nothing negative to say about the saw from Grizzly, but would have to admit that I have not used the more expensive saws that Grizzly is more or less cloning. I get straight cuts at any angle. I had to do a lot of initial tuning as it wasn’t perfect out of the box. It took a few tedious hours, but I haven’t had to go back and retune in almost 2 years. I’ve used a 0555 bandsaw and a floor model drill press. I was suprised how well the 0555 bandsaw did while resawing as it only has 1HP. One great thing about Grizzly is that they stand by their products, no questions asked. If somethings wrong, they take care of it fast! This is based on other people as I have had no problems. They say that if the Grizzly tools aren’t performing to the user’s desired tolerances, they will take it back.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

Iowa-

I don’t see the model that I have on the website for Grizzly. The unit cost me about $1200 total with shipping. The G0593 has a different colored base and the switch is in a different location, a better one I might add, but those may be the only differences. Mine also has the 2hp motor. You will never lack for power, even for face jointing.

You can scan my workshop images to see if that helps. I also have some shop photos in flickr that I have not been able to get into LJ (technical illiteracy) and there might be something over there. I did a few different angles than in the workshop posting here.

The benefit of the parallelogram table is that the opening remains smaller or tighter to the cutter head as the depth is changed. I talked to a guy that had one in a 12” model, but that was because that is just the way it was offered, not because that is what he was trying to buy. He admitted it was nicer but was fairly indifferent about it. You might research it more.

I wouldn’t buy a jointer and then upgrade it. Buy it the way you want it.

The sander is the variable speed 24” dual head drum sander. I just went to the website and cannot find the exact model on that either. I love the machine. The rub collars wear out about once year at my rate of usage, and cost maybe $4 to replace and 45 minutes of my day. Not too bad.

The drums are wrapped in velcro to help hold the sanding strips and they have an added benefit, I can sand veneered panels without burning through. The adjustments have held on the drums and they are very accurate, they still are set from the factory. So it sands parallel from side to side.

My brother has the Grizzly model here in Ohio in his shop where I am currently working. I bought the ShopFox model for my shop back in Montana. It is the same machine, some of the parts are even green under the hood. The dust collection does not work as efficiently on it, and the worst part is the customer service. Grizzly will send out a part immediately when I call. ShopFox only sells through a distributor and it took two weeks to get a new velcro drum wrap after a friend of mine crammed a piece of wood into it too thick and it melted the velcro. As a business I can’t afford that type of customer support and will never buy another ShopFox tool. I bought the sander because the drums are slightly longer and I can get a true 24” wide sanded.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

My experience with grizzly (power tools, hand tools, accessories) is that they are a great value. The price to performance is great. Good performance at a great price. BUT, my experience is that 100% of anything I have ever bought from grizzly has required some tweaking, from the small, cleaning up flashing and machining marks, to major, needing to grind out castings and drilling or redrilling holes.

Back when money was worth more than my time I bought grizzly. Good price and I was willing to spend the time to make the tools right. Once the tools were tuned / fixed I’ve been pretty happy. Never had to go back and mess with them much and they worked well.

Nowdays my time is too valuable to me, and I my finances are not as tight, I pretty much don’t buy grizzly anymore. I’ve picked up a few small things recently and my opinion still holds, great price, marginal product.

Personally I just dont get the same feeling of quality and attention to detail from grizzly that I get with other higher end tools.

I do have to echo what others have said about grizzly tech support, fast, courteous, helpful, willing to send small parts and replacements. If you’re the type who is either willing to or wants to mess with tools to get them right grizzly seems to support that model.

WOW!!!!! Is this site great or what? A big thank you to all that replied. Now I know where to go if I have anything I need to know. At the ripe old age of 40 I know that you get what you pay for. As I said most of my tools are craftsman and other then some of the slides on a few of there tools being loose I can’t say I have had much trouble with them. The guy I work with finds it hard to buy mid range tools. Most of what he buys is from the local Rural King. I have to admit I fell for one of there cheep tools. I bought an angle grinder for I think it was $12.00 and the thing gets so hot you can’t hold it and the noise it makes you would think it is going to fall apart in your hands. I will keep Grizzly in mind when it comes to buying large shop tools. Many of you have said the customer service is great and that is a big deal now days were most time when you call for help you have to talk to a computer for a half hour before you get to talk to a real person and when you get the real person you end up playing phone tag trying to get the right department. Again I thank you all. You have given me more things to think about before spending this kind of money.

-- Jesus was a Carpenter too!!!

I haven’t had to tweak any of my Grizzly tools as ColoradoClimber has. They have come shipped with very accurate factory settings in my case.

I would not consider the tools that I have (Jet or Grizzly) to be commercial quality tools. I have been looking at higher end tools like SCM, Format, and MiniMax. They are ultra smooth and reliable. There is no question of straight and square with these machines, or the reliability year after year.

I started out with the tools that I have because my shop facilitated my remodeling business which needed custom this or modified that and I did it all myself. As I start using my shop on a daily basis I see the need for higher quality tools.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

The only Grizzly tool that I own is the G0555 The Ultimate 14” Bandsaw. I’ve had it for about 4 years and have not had any trouble with it. It was set up perfectly out of the box. The built-in 4” dust port in the rear keeps the interior and belt clean. It cuts very well and came with a fence and miter guage – would not hesitate to buy another Grizzly product.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

I have a Grizzly lathe and belt sander. No problem with either. I’ll certainly consider them with my next tool purchase.

-- Bruce from Central New York

That’s funny about the angle grinder, Sparky. I bought a $20 trim router not too long ago. My plan was to keep a flush trim bit in it all the time. I use it a lot and the time it takes to switch bits on my “real” router adds up. So I thought, ”$20, worth a shot”. I’ve had the bit come out during operation twice now. The whole tool jerks your hands around as it contacts wood. It has resulted in burning and the ever so good looking zip zag dado! I’ll have to save up for the little Bosch.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

That Colt Router is on my wish list too…

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I just received another order of small tools and parts from grizzly today, should’ve thought twice, but anyhow, here's what I got

I have the following equipment from Grizzly:

• 14” Ultimate Bandsaw
• 6” Jointer
• G0538 1/3 HP Oscillating Spindle Sander
• G8994Z VS Jigsaw

I am satisfied with all of them. If I had more money, I would buy better, more expensive tools, but for my level of expertise and for my budget, Grizzly equipment is pretty good.

-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28

I have a few Grizzly tools, and my overall satisfaction has been high.

I think you kinda get what you pay for.. in other words, if you buy their top of the line, they are pretty good. The low end tools are just that.

I would rely on reviews etc because even though most of their tools are built in the same place as other major manufacturers, there are design differences that make a lot of difference.

Here are some of my good and bad experiences.
I bought an 18” bandsaw for cheap, it has a strong motor, and a big throat, but you cant keep the table square to the blade. I twisted off one of the cheap plastic knobs the very first day. I have learned to live with it. The magnetic switch tends to fall apart too.

I bought a compressor, pretty cheap and very satisfied with it. It puts out a lot of air for the cost. They have since stopped making it. The only problem I had was that it was layed over on it’s side on the pallet when it arrived, and the fan blower and cover was broke and it was covered with oil. They were nice, but it still took about a month to get a replacement.

I have a 10” buffer – never had a problem and it is heavy, balanced, and strong as an ox.

My brother has a high end table saw that is fantastic, same for his 8” jointer. Very good cost/value relationship on those two tools.

One thing I will say, you get lots of mass usually, they use a lot of cast iron in their tools and the fit and finish is pretty good.

Overall I think they are a good equipment manufacturer and I will definitely consider them for future purchases

-- Jeff - Pflugerville, TX

I have a small cabinet shop in Mississippi and the best sander for the money in my opinion is the dewalt dw421 some we have had for 4 years And getting parts are easy.and none of them have had any trouble with there motors….also the most important tool is the table saw and after 2 powermatics we went with the sawstop and have not regreated it for a second…its a very good saw and i hope we never test its safety features Oh and i dont have any grizzly tools but i am looking at a band saw.

I also have some Griz machinery—17” bandsaw, 8” (non-parallelogram) jointer, 2hp DC, and most recently a $20 pin nailer. I think they’re all great. Even the pin nailer (for which my expectations were obviously pretty low). I’ve visited their Bellingham showroom twice and spent quite a bit of time looking over the equipment and talking to the sales staff. I know some people have had shipping problems but I picked everything up (except the pin nailer) myself. The two mobile bases I got initially had defective casters making them almost impossible to roll, but Griz shipped out replacements right away and they solved the problem. The fit and finish is excellent—the cast iron table on the jointer is a thing of beauty. I also have a PM 66 tablesaw, and although that’s an amazing saw I can’t say that the workmanship is necessarily better than Griz. The DO have some super-low-end tools for the extremely budget minded, and some of those (their lunchbox planer, for example) don’t look all that well built. But I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more of their machinery, and happily pour over the catalog like a kid with the Sears wishbook!

I have there 8” jointer,&14”extreme bandsaw,and 12”planer. I have had the equipment for about 2months, I have been a machinist in my previous life and this is great equipment.

-- Billp

Sparky I have the grizzly G0593 8” jointer and I also bought the 20” spiral planer. I love them both and as Todd says you can plane curly maple with no chipout. That was what I was looking for. I bought the jointer to check it out before I bought the planer. When I saw the cut quality I went for the planer also.

One thing that I’ve noticed (As shipped to me no modifications) that when I joint a board, it actually sticks to the outfeed table. The surface is so flat that there is no air under the board. When you pick it up you can feel the suction as the board is lifted up. A strange feeling. But a great feeling.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

I just tuned up my jointer and love that super flat suction effect on the outfeed! It’s like lapping waterstones…when they get to flat they develop that “suction.”

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

I am in the process of upgrading my shop. Dumping my Craftsman 1/2 hp 6” jointer and 12” bandsaw. I am ready to pull the trigger on a Grizzly G0586 8” jointer and a G0457 Re-saw Bandsaw. They seem like the most bang per buck. But my shop is in the basement. The bandsaw is 250 pounds. I would think that I could take off the table and maybe the motor and remove the base and then carry it all down the steps. (?)

The jointer is a real problem. It is 480 pounds. Yikes. I guess it comes completely assembled. Do any of you have any idea how I might (with help) wrestle it down a flight of stairs? I don’t. I really wanted to step up to 8” but it looks like I will have to go with a 6” just because of the weight. Could I take the tables apart?

Thanks,
Steve

-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon

Hire a moving company for an hour’s worth of work. And when they’re done after 20 minutes, you could have them move things around your shop so you can clean behind the stuff.

I have several Grizzly tools. 14” bandsaw with the riser block, an OSS, and a palm sander. I have also bought luthier supplies from them. They ship quick, and talk nice on the phone.

Grizzly, just like Delta, has a wide range of quality standards that they make their tools to. Both brands offer bottom-of-the-barrel bargains which are very poor as well as top-dollar professional lines.

You pretty much get what you pay for.

I have a low-middle of the road 6” jointer from grizzly and it has been a fine tool. I had a hell of a time trying to figure out how to assemble the thing but when I called them for help I learned that they do have excellent customer service.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

SPalm,

Most Grizzly jointers are shipped in several boxes. The jointer bed is normally shipped separate from the base. Also, the fence is not attached or is easily detached. Call or write Grizzly to see how the parts or broked down. Or, you can review the manual online by clicking one of the buttons next to the product picture. The button should say something like “Manual PDF”. The manual has assembly instructions, from this you should be able to tell how the parts are broke down for shipping.

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

Hey IowaWC, Thank you! That was perfect. It never dawned on me that the user’s manual would have the assembly instructions. I have their belt/disc sander that came very disassembled but I just kept reading that most Grizzly tools worked fine right out of the box, so I assumed that these larger ones came assembled. Yea! Yippee! These will arrive disassembled just enough to carry them. This has been driving me crazy for weeks. (They do mention that the 17” bandsaw requires a forklift, so I guess I am glad that I decided on going with the 14”)

This place is the best.
Steve

-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon

Sparky,
I have only a few Grizzly tools, a brad/stapler gun and a dado set. Their customer service is GREAT! My dado blade lost a carbide tooth, and as it was under 1 year old, they paid for the shipping back there and rfeplaced hte set with a new set! Their air nailer works like a champ, too! I only wish i had bought their bandsaw last Christmas! I have only heard good things about them.

God Bless,
Hawg

-- Saving barnwood from the scrapyards

I too am in the market for a table saw and was hoping to read some comments in this thread. I find it interesting that although many here own many of the Grizzly tool line, very few have mentioned owning a Grizzly table saw. Now, I want to spend in the $1000 neighborhood. What do you all recommend?

-- Geoff, Lillington, NC

What i’ve found about tools is not to depend on one manufacture for all your tools. Over many years i’ve learned to do alot of research on tools and manufacturers. I’m lucky that there is a guy near me who sells several different lines of tools and will be perfectly honest about his likes and dislikes of everything he sells. i do own the grizzly GO555 14” bandsaw. I love it, I’ve had only one problem with it, one of the guide bearings locked up. I couldn’t find the replacemant part on their website, so i sent an email, on the sunday afternoon before christmas. I had a reply from them the next morning telling me the new part number, the price, and the number and person to talk to. I love their customer service, it is the best of all the tool manufacturers i’ve dealt with for parts. the only drawback on the grizzlys, is the added cost for shipping. Alot of that is offset with their lower prices, and they do run sales alot.
I think one of the was that they do keep their prices down is that they are selling factory direct. The do not sale to resalers or other marketers. I know that most of their bigger machinery is made in china, but most are today. And they clain to have high quality control standards their. My suggestion is to try the websites of the bigger manufactures like delta, jet, powermatic, steel city. They will tell you how to get in touch with a local dealer. Keep something else in mind Delta, porter-cable, and dewalt are all owned by the same company. Jet and powermatic are owned by the same company. I’m not sure about steel city, i’ve heard they are good tools though.

-- Joey, Magee, Ms http://woodnwaresms.com

I own both a Griz table saw and a jointer. I have had them for years and love them. Got both at their tent sale and saved a fortune. My table saw is a left tilt 10” model with the extended table and my jointer is an 8”model. I have had great luck and always look to griz for my new machines. I plan to get a cyclone dust collector from them this year as well as maybe an osc. spindle sander.

-- making sawdust....

I have their 8” jointer and LOVE it. I got the Shop Fox mobile base and it is junk. The wheels do not roll smoothly and hardly ever swivel. Just after I ordered my jointer, Grizzly upgraded it with a build in mobile base.
Again I love the jointer and will be purchasing a shaper from them this year.

To all a Happy And Safe New Year. Keep the chips flying!!!

-- Neal Meyers Jr

Thanks to all for your imput. I am looking at the Grizzly G0462 Wood Lathe.
Does anyone have specific comments and advice about the Griz lathes?

Thank you.

Peter
Allen, TX

-- TexasOpa, Allen

I was asking this same question to myself… Thanks for posting it…. Lotta good information here…
by the way HAPPY NEW YEAR…. Patrick. woodnut

-- PJM.`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((º> ""BY HAMMER AND HAND ALL ARTS DO STAND""1785-1974 nyc Semper Fi, Patrick M

I have a Grizzly G0555 bandsaw (14”) with a resaw riser on it to allow resaw of ~12” boards. It works great. Resaws birdseye maple without difficulty.

Their tables saws are also good. I don’t have experience with the saws, but I’ve only heard good things.

Regards,

Brodie

I have the Grizzly 1023 SL 10” Left tilt table saw with the optional Shop Fox base and a Grizzly 1HP dust collector that I use in my garage/wood shop. I have only great things to say about the saw. I am using Forrest blades and recently picked up a magswitch 30 mm feather board, as a result, I’m looking forward to the next project.

-- Brian, Virginia Beach

Peter,

I have the G0462 lathe. I have used extensively for about 1 year (I like to make natural edge bowls). The only other lathe I used is a small Jet. Here is what I think about this lathe:

The good

1. For a 16” lathe, it is very cheap. Even if you want to make 12” bowls, a 16” lathe is very convenient.
2. The head and the motor are decent
3. It comes with legs which are good
4. 42” between centers (can turn almost anything)

The bad
1. Basically all the accessories it comes with are junk: faceplate, live center, toolrest
2. When running has a little vibration even with the special link belt (probably the bearing)
3. The tailstock does not align perfectly with the head (1mm higher)
4. The slowest speed is 600rpm
5. The speed indicator died within few months (I did not bother to contact Grizzly since I run the lathe at the slowest speed most of the time).

Now, this being said, I think if you get better accessories you are still well below a 16” Jet. I do not think that the alignment of the tail and head or the slight vibration is what will prevent you from doing good work (it does not prevent me, anyway). Somehow, I like the fact that, when other woodworkers see my work and ask me what lathe I have, they are usually shocked when I say Grizzly. The only things I would really like to have is lower speeds and reversing rotation direction. All in all, if you have a low budget but you want to turn big things, this lathe is a good bargain.

Alin

-- -- Alin Dobra, Gainesville, Florida

My Grizzly really has been top of the game for me. Both from a support perspective, and from a quality tool perspective. I have a G1023SL, and I really love it. Of course, it is my first cabinet saw, so I’m comparing to a contractor’s, but still!

Their high end bandsaws, the whole 1023 line, planers, and the jointers generally get great reviews. They are not always tops with some of the other areas, like Lathes.

Alin,

I really appreciate you taking the time to give me a DETAILED response about the G0462 lathe. I also am interested in bowl making.

Thank you.

Peter

-- TexasOpa, Allen

Hi I’m looking at buying the Grizzly 12 1/2” planer G0505 but have a chance at the Craftsman 13” planer 21743 for the same price. Slightly used. I’ve done a lot of reading but nothing comparing the two. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help

The biggest problem I have with grizzly is the catalog weighs 14 pounds.

-- If knowledge is not shared, it is forgotten.

I did a quick search and found some discussion on LJ’s forum on the grizzly thickness planer also saw a review of a number of planers on FWW. Just do a “thickness planer review” or “grizzly thickness planer review” goggle search or a search in LJ.

Dalec

Edit (for another 60 minutes)

I have several Grizzly products and I’m very happy with them. . Here’s what I have and I’m happy with all of them.

19” Band Saw – G0514X2
6” Jointer – G1182ZHW
3 Hp dust collector – G0562
Drill Press – G7943
Downdraft 1 HP-G0535
24” 5 Hp Drum Sander with VS-G1066Z
Combo sander-G1014ZX
Oscillating Spindle sander 1 HP-G1071
router table-g0528

I see these tools being my shop for a long time. Also, their customer service is excellent.
I also Have a sawstop cabinet saw and that is by far the BEST table saw.

They are better than what they use to be, but I wouldn’t own a shop full of Grizzly stuff.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

I have a Grizzly lathe and bandsaw. Compared to other manufacturers they are second rate in my opinion.

-- Denny, Upper Michigan

I’m looking at the grizzly 6” jointer G0452. The bed is 46” long. How does this work for 6’ boards?
Would I be better off looking at a long bed jointer? Say 60-75”?

Well I just happened across this and by now I am sure you have made your purchases, but I have been in the market for a new Bandsaw, and after reading this post I do believe I will get a Grizzly G0555. I have a Grizzly Drill Press that Sware by I sure am glad I ran into this thread. PEACE!!!

-- Allison, Northeastern Ca. Remember, Amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!

Just now ran across this so I guess your purchase has already been made. However, just to add my two cents worth, I have a GO555X bandsaw which is an upgrade to the 555. It’s the first bandsaw I’ve used other than a Craftsman 10” table top model. I love this thing. Have had no problems. It resaws very well with the resaw fence that comes with it. I didn’t get the riser as I don’t think I’ll want to resaw anything wider than 6”. If, at some point I do then I’ll buy the riser later. Great saw. Haven’t had to deal with Customer Service so can’t comment on that.

-- Darell, Norman, Ok.

I have the Grizzly 12 1/2 planer and it works great.

Before I bought it I looked into it and read some discouraging reports on it. For example, it would keep tripping the reset and snipe was supposedly a problem. So I went ahead and bought it anyway.

When I set it up. I dedicated it to its own circuit and use no extension cords. Fed the Planer with no.10 just to ensure as little voltage drop as possible. In a year and a half I have planed many many boards without a lick of problems. The reset is fine and snipe is of little consequence if at all. I have planed, Hemlock to Maple with no problem at all. The harder the wood the less you can take off with one pass but still does the job very nicely.

I have purchased a Grizzly dust collector, an 8” jointer and other smaller tools. The quality has always been OK although I had an incredible problem trying to assemble the drive belts on the jointer.

My problem with Grizzly started when I bought a sanding table – which is supposed to pull in the dust generated when I use my orbital sander. It was so weak that it wouldn’t pull the dust off the top of the table much less off of the work piece or the air.

PLEASE BE AWARE: Grizzly does NOT guarantee “customer satisfaction” they guarantee quick/quality “customer service” – read for yourself. There was an immediate return of my emails and phone calls by their customer service people. Their response was quick but they wouldn’t do anything about the problem because the sanding table was now “used” (three times – that’s how I found out that the machine was worthless – DERRRRR). They also said that they could NOT take the sanding table back because it was not “defective” that is – it was not broken i.e. motor burned out.

After several weeks of interaction with the customer service people I finally negotiated with a CS supervisor and got a credit voucher (80%) toward another purchase if I paid for the return of the sanding table. After all was said and done, I got about 50% of my money back toward the purchase of something else at Grizzly.

That compares to people like Woodcraft and Woodworker’s Supply who have been willing to replace or refund (my choice) on defective products. Woodcraft even offered to refund my money on a mobile base that I had cut down to fit the Grizzly jointer. That’s the kind of CUSTOMER SATISFACTION that builds my loyalty.

There are too many other manufacturers. Nothing is made in America anymore so the only difference is the company’s price and customer satisfaction about Oriental or European tools.

Grizzly has taught me that there is a galaxy separating “customer service” and “customer satisfaction”. Except for using the voucher I have not bought from Grizzly again. Grizzly? I say: Buyer Beware.

-- F56

I have the Grizzly G0478 hybrid saw and am very happy with it. The saw has plenty of power (2 HP). I routinely work with 12/4 oak and the saw has never stalled. The fence is good (Shop Fox aluma classic) and the table was spot on flat. I checked the entire surface and the worst deflection was 0,002”. There was a lot a talk about the electronic starter switch. You need to turn a knob and then hit the start button. Once you are used to it, there are no issue. There are a few downsides. The motor needs a 30 amp circuit for 115 volts or you need to rewire for 220 V. If you rewire, then you need a new electonic switch. I wired my saw circuit with 10/3 wire in case I change to 220 volts. The blade guards and splitter are not good. I use a microsplitter and am in the process of adding an overarm dusthood. The insert plate that comes with the saw has too much flex. I usually use a ZCI which is plenty stiff. I made some other throat plates for use with dado blase and angled cutting. Overall, I am very happy with the saw. Customer service was great and delivery with a lift truck posed no problem.

I have the G1035 shaper and it serves me well. I had a problem that was fixed over the phone with one of their reps. Very satisfied with that. I have a handful of sanders and drills that came from Grizzly. Only the drill gave me problems but then again, it was the cheapest they had.

My caution would be at the lower ends of their offerings. I went to their facility in Washington State to pick up my shaper and I’m glad I did because I had first selected one at the lower end only to discover it was too lightweight and had non-standard mitre slots.

I’ve been in lots of shops full of Grizzly products and I don’t hear a lot of complaints.

I took a break and googled hardwoods NY state and once you separate what you are looking for from the hardwood floor listings, there are places you can go to.l

-- If she asks please tell my wife that I can sell my tools for what I paid, okay?

Hi All,

I had my first shop in 1991 and outfitted it all with mainly Grizzly tools. I was attracted to them mainly by my smaller budget, but I came to love everything about them very quickly, including the design and construction, as well as great customer support. I had a 16 speed benchtop Drill Press with a Morse taper spindle which had a full-sized head on a shortened column. It came with a gravity-feed oiler bottle. I loved it a lot. I then got a 6 Inch Rabbetting Jointer, a 12 1/2 inch Planer, a 14 Inch Bandsaw, and a 6 X 48 Inch Belt Sander/9 Inch Disc Sander Combo. All were Grizzly products. My 2 Table Saws were smaller old Craftsman and American Tool “belt drive” saws and I had an old Craftsman scrollsaw that I pulled out of a trash heap and repaired the lower cam by affixing it to the shaft with a simple stainless steel dowel pin to captivate it to the shaft again where the cam for the lower blade chuck used to be swaged onto the shaft. I had revived my 2 table-saws from a flea market purchase too. All of these tools were used to do small scale mass-production woodcrafts, novelties, small shelves, foot-stools, bird feeders, and folk-art pieces as inspiration led. I ran my shop for 4 years and really was amazed with what I got for the money. While it is true that I did no high-end classic furniture pieces as a fine woodworker/cabinet-maker would, I was completely happy and totally satisfied with my Grizzly basement workshop. I would definitely buy Grizzly again and again and encourage others to use these great machines wherever they can and save a lot of cash for other necessities. I did have to assemble my machines a bit and I had to tinker a bit with the jointer as I knew nothing about jointers before purchasing it. I was a C.N.C. Machine Tool Operator and an A.S.Q. Certified Mechanical Inspector and I know from experience that to expect any machine to be perfect right out of the box is an unrealistic expectation because even when adjusted at the factory could settle and shift in transit. It is always best to take a trial cut and assess any new machine and to adjust it where needed. With the Jointer I had to adjust the table gibs to take out any loose play and make the infeed and outfeed tables function smoothly. I also had to adjust for “end snipe” as the stock being jointed came down off of the infeed table and left a mark at the tail-end of the workpiece. I quickly learned to adjust that flaw out of the process and I got very good, clean, square cuts with no defects. All of the instructions were clear to me, but I have always been used to reading such technical jargon and making the required changes. Let’s be realistic here folks, even our cars need fiddling and diddling with to keep them running smoothly and performing well. Why should we expect not to have to tinker with our other machines? God bless all. Happy Easter! Carl

Greetings to the forum. I’m looking at picking up a G1023SLWX in the next few weeks. I have several projects I’ve been looking at tackling and I need to rid myself of my ancient contractor’s saw if I want the product of my work to be decent. Is the G1023SLWX far enough up into the Grizzly product line to avoid the low-end quality issues people in these forums have been reporting with the lower-end offerings? I picked that saw because it’s a left-tilt, 5HP, single-phase unit. I would love to have the extension deck but unfortunately I don’t have the space for it. I’m literally putting the shop on wheels in my garage so I can push it up against the walls when not in use. I’m going to put the collapsible roller outfeed table on saw though to help make up for the smaller deck and loss of the solid outfeed table. The router table add-on on the G1023SLWX will be handy too since I only have an old homemade wooden router table. I’m planning on getting the Freud SD508 8” dado set and either some quality Freud or Forrest blades. Do it right from the get go.

One thing that I don’t have experience with is fine tuning a quality table saw. My ancient Craftsman benchtop saw (the thing is nearly twice my age) is not adjustable (except the fence of course). So how does one go about tuning and tweaking a quality table saw which this Grizzly hopefully will be? Does anyone have any book recommendations? Any online guides? Will the saw come with instructions for accomplishing that task?

I’m here in central Kansas and am considering a drive to Grizzly’s Springfield showroom to pick up the saw. Free shipping is also available though too. Would the saw be more likely to stay factory-tuned if I haul it myself or with a freight company? I’m assuming of course that the saw is fine-tuned at the factory too.

Is Grizzly’s mobile base decent? It looks identical to the Shop Fox mobile base, at least in the pictures. The reviews of the Shop Fox base on Amazon are less than favorable. Is there a better one out there? One of the big gripes was that the threaded leveling adjustments took a bit of time to set up for each use and again to release it for storage. A foot lever would be helpful. Another common gripe was that the casters were frequently bad. Any suggestions for a decent mobile base? Jet, HTC, Rockler?

And finally, I’m looking at getting either the Grizzly 2HP G1029Z dust collector or the 3HP G1030, plus a large chunk separator. It’s a little overkill for my current needs but I’d rather not have a 1HP that will be of little use to me later. Any problems or concerns with either of those models?

Hopefully these will be good purchases. I’m open to alternate suggestions though. My immediate projects are several cabinets and bookcases with a built-in hutch. I think the Grizzly will do well.

Thanks Justin

Macdaddy

You didn’t say what type of woodworking projects you’re planning to do.

Macdaddy

oops didn’t read far enough down.

If you plan on cutting sheet goods part of the time then I would suggest a larger table to the right of the saw with a capacity of at least 48”. I like the left tilt. I have a number of tool cabinets on wheels that I place around my saw for additional material support (in-feed, out-feed and side-support). These are a must if you plan on cutting large stock yourself. A good quality sharp saw blade with an optional blade stiffener will make cutting easier and safer. I have a 3hp saw and I am able to cut 8/4 solid maple with no problem, 5hp may a bit over kill. I am not a big fan of out feed rollers ( has only one purpose and takes up space that could be used for a potable work surface, router table, and or material support table). I also have a grizzly 2hp dust collector with a separator it handles my saw, joiner and 15” planner all at the same time with no problem, 3hp may be a bit over kill also takes up more space. get a mobile base that fits your saw, you can always upgrade the casters later or make one yourself. I use a couple of large shims to stabilize and level my saw, it’s not that big of a deal as long as you get the saw solid. I love my Freud SD508 8” dado set, you may want to look at the tenruy saw blades, they are very quiet.

I hope this helps

I went up to Bellingham, Wa to the Grizzly showroom to pick up a shaper. I had one minor problem and I can say the customer service is as good as one would hope for. The shaper was a good investment. One observation I had at the showroom was that their tools on the low end should be carefully evaluated. For example the shaper I went up there to buy was not the one I left with. The one I left without was underpowered and the miter slots were smaller than the professional machines have.

-- If she asks please tell my wife that I can sell my tools for what I paid, okay?

Do any of you run your your Grizzly Tools 8 hours a day…5 days a week?

In other words, are they used in an industrial setting?

Dave

-- http://www.federalsaw.com

First off, I don’t YET own any woodworking equipment (Grizzly or otherwise), so I don’t exactly speak from experience on your specific question. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to doing so soon. I’m retired, and looking for an enjoyable hobby, and I’ve been wanting to get into woodworking for a long time.

My experience on other types of projects agrees with the general ideas posted on this site.

Don’t buy equipment too small to handle the job and then get disappointed when it doesn’t have enough horsepower, won’t maintain a straight line, the belt keeps slipping, or it shows some other signs of being overloaded. Invest a little more and get the next larger size, or heavier duty, or whatever upgrade your budget will accomodate.

Get all the attachments you expect to need when you buy the tool (try going back to Big-Lots, or Wally-World, and get another thingamajig to match the one-shy set you bought last month).

Regardless of whether you choose Grizzly, Jet, Delta, Craftsman, or some other brand, keep the equipment aligned, the cutters sharp, and respect its design – whether it has all the bells and whistles or you have to “make do” via some work-around because you don’t have the necessary clamp. Take your time and think through what you’re doing, After all, this is supposed to be fun, isn’t it?

I like markrules’ suggestion of getting a moving company to move the 500 lb gorilla downstairs. They have the equipment and strong backs to make such a piece of cake. Don’t pull a muscle attempting the impossible.

Best wishes.

great tools

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I have several key Grizzly pieces. Their spiral head in joiners and planners is top shelf, a must have!

-- There's many a slip betwixt a cup and a lip.--Scott

I have the 20 inch Grizzly planer with spiral head cutter which I like other than the dust collection outlet was an odd size 5 1/4 inch diameter which Grizzly Customer Service said was correct but they had no idea how to hook it up. I have the 12 inch jointer with spiral head cutter which works fine other than the dust collector connection was 4 3/4 inch diameter so I had the same problem. My dust collector also a Grizzly works well but the dust constantly swirls in the catch bag which I think is a little odd. My biggest hardach is the 19 inch bandsaw on the Shop Fox mobile base. The recommended mobile base is too small for the bandsaw base. The recommended base collapsed in the center and when I asked Customer Service they said I must have the wrong bars. They sent new bars but were the same as orignial. I ended up welding the base together. But once the base would hold the saw up, the saw rocks back and forth very unstable. I think I could easily tip the bandsaw over on this base. The saw is quite top and front heavy on the mobile base. MY recommendation is don’t buy ShopFox mobile base for the 19 inch bandsaw. The saw works great after all the adjustment. The other point I have is the planner and jointer came very heavily coated with grease. Takes a lot of cleanup. Delivery after placing an order is incredibly fast. Customer service is well just OK.

I would not buy any thing else, I have 12 of them and 2 delta One delta is great the other is nothing but junk, it has spent more time in the UPS truck going to get fixed and returned than it has worked. the next time it will go to the land fill because it is ouy of wartinty, It is a jointer. good luck in what ever you get. Chuck

-- Chuck, wiswood2 www.wisconsinwoodchuck.com

BuilderBob59 – I’ve never seen a dust collector where the dust doesn’t swirl in the catch back…it’s from air flow going in.

Between my son and I we have 4 Grizzly power tools and are happy with all of them and would not hesitate to buy more.

G0580 14” Bandsaw 3/4 HP
2 – G7944 12 Speed Heavy-Duty 14” Floor Drill Press’
G0452 6” Jointer

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

Knotscott

Thanks for the reply. First dust collector I’ve purchased. I’ll assume it is operating corectly. It is by far the loudest piece of equipment in my shop. Well maybe the router is louder.

Anyone have any ideas on what to do about the nonstandard dust outlet connections on the planer and jointer or the ShopFox mobile base that doesn’t fit the bandsaw?

The machines seem to work as one would expect.

”...It is by far the loudest piece of equipment in my shop….”

Bet you don’t have a thickness planer yet! LOL…

Knotscott

I have the Grizzly 20 inch thickness planer with Sprial cutter head. The sprial head makes it quiet, I’m told.

You’re lucky…everyone in my neighborhood knows I have a portable planer.

I would like to offer a few comments on the quality of Grizzly tools. I own these Grizzly tools:

G1023sl table saw; G9859 Ultimate Jointer w/spiral cutterhead; G1021Z planer (converted to spiral cutterhead by Grizzly shop); G1026 shaper w/G4176 power feeder; G0514X bandsaw, G7944 Drill Press; G1140 edge sander; G1066Z drum sander; & G0671 4hp dust collector.

Some of the very early tools from Grizzly may have been of the “harbor freight” variety and quality, but all of the tools I own were purchased since 2004 and the quality has been exceptional. Their advertising makes a point of the fact that many (or most) of the tools come from an “ISO 9001” factory. The ISO certification requires that the factory have in place a feedback system for continual process improvement. This shows in the fit and finish of the tools as well as overall functional quality.

On line and telephone customer support are very responsive. I live within a 30 minute drive of the Springfield, Missouri outlet, and found their shop staff to be exceptional when I wanted to upgrade my planer.

While their machines are of excellent quality, the manuals that come with them are not, although I do have to say some are better than others. Some were written by a people for whom English is not their native language, and after reading the manual it appears their only exposure to English came from watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island. The manual for my power feeder had me mount it on the wrong side of the shaper. Later manuals seem to be getting better, but they’re not a strong point for Grizzly.

The comments on this blog site about the mobile base not fitting the bandsaw represent a problem I’ve had as well. When I purchased my edge sander and mobile base, I discovered the mobile base didn’t fit, and had to take it back and exchange it for the next larger size. When I purchased the bandsaw, I said to the salesman, “sell me the correct size base, I don’t want to have to drive back to exchange it”. He looked it up in his magic book and said “this is the right one”. Well, he was wrong…and even after making a point of asking him to be sure, I had to make the return trip. While Grizzly requires its factory partners to have ISO certification, Grizzly management has not yet seen an advantage in a riterative quality improvement process within their own organization. As a result, customers continue to have a problem with mobile bases not fitting the equipment and no corrective action is taken.

I will continue to purchase Grizzly products because I like the quality and value. But, I do so knowing there are some soft spots in the management of the organization.

Most here know that I am now a Grizzly fan, I have four Grizzly tools….a new table saw, 8” jointer, 17’ bandsaw, and 15” planer, ALL work great and I have nothing but good things to say about their customer service. While I have not had my tools for a great period of time….they are used almost daily and have been trouble free.

BUT...like MikeandBart said, the mobile base’s they sale are a big waste of money. I bought the one the recommend for my new G0690 table saw, with-in three days the wheels bowed out so far the saw was sitting on the ground. Since then I built my own for the saw as I have for all my tools (Which I should have done the first time

Ratings
Grizzly tools ….................A+ Five stars
Grizzly customer service….A+ Five stars
Shop Fox Mobile base’s….F- NO stars

-- Don S.E. OK

Forgot to add….I can not speak about how Grizzly dust ports use to fit, from what I hear and have read on this topic, they did not fit the 4” dust collection hose’s at all…..but the new ones at least fit great. All four of my Grizzly tools fit my four inch hose just fine.

-- Don S.E. OK

Hey sparky…
Just joined the club recently, just had to post a quick message to reinsure your confidence in grizzly tools. I my self own several grizzly tools, 3 of which are massive! A 800lb 17” 5hp bandsaw, 1000lb 5hp planer, and a 1200lb 12” 3hp jointer. All 3 are the extreme series machines iso 9001 certified. I own other grizzly tools with iso 9001 certification also, but when it comes right down to it grizzly offers the cheap end the mid range and the goodstuff so ta say. They cover all ends, it’s basically what do u have to spend? Now I’m not saying thier isn’t somthing out thier that probally has a couple more features than a grizz, which believe me is hard to find. My father who has been a tool maker for 30 years has checked out every single one of my grizzly tools and loves these machines. But short sweet and simple grizzly offers good quality tools! Every machine we have purchased from grizzly, money was not an object, I looked at powermatic, delta, jet, craftsman. All of which are great tools! I own several other brands myself. But when it came to buying my industrial heavy equiptment me and my father prefer GRIZZ!!

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

Alin Dobra
I know that this is a little late, but why don’t you see if you can find yourself an electronic speed reducer of some sort. I know that they make them for router speed controls. Dont get any that are just a variable resistor, but one dedicated to controllingthe speed of a motor.

Hope this helps (if not too late)

Brian in Thornton (Denver area)
(720) 480-1290
brian75137@yahoo.com

-- Brian in Denver

SPalm.
I no this post is late, but just had to tell you about our basement shop and the same senario with getting our equiptment down thier as well. I will quick tell you about our most recent machine we brought down, which was our 12” 1200lb grizzly jointer. Me and my father made up a skid for the stairs, this gave us a flat surface to slide her down the 45 degree slope. To slowly lower the massive jointer down the stairs we used our big case farm tractor hooked up with heavy duty cloth straps secured around it’s solid cast iron base. We also relize this could be done with a truck, but we spent a good buck on this baby and wasn’t taking any chances. Steady and easy we lowered her down to her knew home. We had done this same thing with our industrial bandsaw and planer. The real kinker is when we got the machine set up ready for operation, my father being a tool maker for thirty years spent countless hours with his micrometers, and was not happy with the error in the tables. Understanding alot about machines period we knew this wasn’t a simple adjustment. Long story short the jointer came back out and was sent back to grizzly and we requested a knew one. Phewww !! What a job that was tho. Grizzly understood the problem when the machine arrived to them and was terribly sorry for the incovience, they sent our knew one out the same day! We were pleased. We had learned our lesson of making sure we check and test ran the knew one before we take her down in the shop. It was superb! We then sat and thought to our selves how easy the machine because of just the shear weight of the beast could have easly wrenched one of the tables during shipping. A good jointer is a very very fussy machine! But just had to tell ya it can be done yourself even the big stuff so ta say. Just some thinking levers and pullys always helps. Oh and for the longest time we wanted to get the 10” jointer, well we ended up getting the 12 due to it’s size, mass and idustrial dependiblity. What ever jointer u purchased I’m sure (actually positive) it’s good cause it’s a grizz. The point is when it comes time buying your equiptment get the one you want! Based on if you can get it through the door, not it’s weight. Weight is your friend with woodworking equiptment.

Peace.

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

5 Stars out of what? 30 ?

Compared to what tools?

-- http://www.federalsaw.com

I’d say compared to any tools based on value. Nobody can argue that saws costing 2-3 times as much are better in some ways. But, having used PM, Jet, and Sawstop saws in the past, I can say that without a doubt they’re not 2-3 times better. And in their core function, i.e. cutting wood, they’re not any better. My Grizzly saw, as it came from the factory, had 90% of the quality of my friend’s PM2000 at 40% of the cost. After adding the Incra fence with 80” rails, I’d say my machine is now a better saw than his PM and I’m still $500 under what he paid.

-- The Wood Nerd -- http://www.thewoodnerd.com

Once again I’m back
To all who had bad experiences with grizzly tools that’s just terrible. But honestly, where is the line drawn. You say grizzly is a ok product when you have boughten their not so high end tools or you wouldn’t own one at all. By all means go ahead and spend 4 or 5 grand on a European bandsaw or a powermatic whatever, or spend half on somthing that what may not be the color you want and doesn’t have U.S.A stamped on it, but would compete with any European saw. I own a monster grizzly bandsaw myself, ain’t saying it’s the best out thier but I’ll promise it would compete well with any other saw on the market. Resaw 12-15” diameter logs of hardwood into boards with ease, let me tell ya that’s takes some ponys. Or take a 10” wide board 8’ long and take the twist out of it with a jointer, that’s a real ringer on the accuracy of a jointer. Grizzlys extreme series line says it all! Extreme!!!!! I’ve operated owned and disowned many pieces of equiptment, but grizzly seems to stick around my shop. I remember when my last year in high school I took internship in shop. The schools shop was a nice shop, mostly powermatic, and a delta tablesaw. All of which were decent tools don’t get me wrong, but powermatic planers I’ve never been so disappinted! They also had a big powermatic bandsaw, it was allright but once u started to fill that 10” of resaw height up with hard cherry for example she started to struggle, clearly the saw was just under powered with very little mass. Now I do understand that this is only my opinion, but look at the facts, Industrial users such as my self who will run one of our machines for 3-4 hours straight or just the jobs we throw at a grizz. Grizzlys extreme series machines are unbelieveable! And would compete with any other machine in it’s class on the market!!!

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

I don’t think ol “Sparky” is around any more, but…......... G.M., you are not alone. I own lots of Grizzly tools and would recommend any of them to any woodwork (beginner or the guys who have been around for a while). That green kind of grows on you after a while.

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

I would say , if your not looking to produce alot of volume , Grizzly stuff is OK, but if you want to mill some serious lumber, Grizzly will not stand the test of time. I think Grizzly tools are for a hobby type woodworker, not so great in a professional woodshop. I would look into the Delta Unisaws, Laguna tools for a lighter duty, more affordable shop of tools. I have not been all that happy with any of Grizzlys stuff, especially the planers. Good luck….

There is a list of some of the companies who purchase Grizzly products on page 3 of their big book. I’m sure it’s not a complete list and the list is long. Just a few… Fender Musical Instruments, Fleetwood Motor Homes, Gibson Musical Instruments, La-Z-Boy, Lowes, NASA, Sea Ray Boats, a lot of US Federal Government Agencies…... and the list goes on. I’m not saying that all of these companies purchase table saws or planers, but Grizzly is providing for a wide range of organizations. There is a long list of companies who make musical instruments. I’m sure these companies are very demanding and will not use anything but the best. Just my thoughts.

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

I’m on the other end of the spectrum: I’ve owned 2 Grizzly machines, and both were a piece of crap. The worst was a 14” bandsaw. I had it about 3 weeks, and the tapered drive shaft for the bottom wheel exploded while I was sawing a piece of hardwood. It broke in three pieces, knocked a huge dent in the bottom door, and the blade broke in two pieces. Scared the crap out of me. Thought I’d been shot!!
Grizzly was in Memphis at the time. I called them to get another part. No part in the warehouse. It was a tapered shaft. Couldn’t even get one from overseas—nowhere!! Boy was I p.o. A friend of mine came over, took measurments, and turned me a good tapered shaft out of cold-rolled STEEL- not potmetal crap Grizzly uses. Soon as i found a sucker—errrr—- buyer, I unloaded that junk on him. Never again, Grizzly. I been a Delta fan ever since. Every tool I own is Delta. The only complaint I have is that my 6” jointer throws chips and dust on me and the floor. But—— that’s another story!!!!!!!!!!

-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!

Yeah Gibson Guitars, thats great, but the the biggest piece of stock, wich is probably Maple, is only so big on a guitar, like the neck per say, there is only so much material on this kind of product, thats where I say lite duty work is probably all Grizz can handle. If you are planing 8/4 stock all week every week, the Grizz will fall short. I wouldnt say Grizzly is a total loss, but then again its not scmi. or weinig. Look deeper into the tools that will best suite yer needs, get the best that you can afford, it will pay off in the long run!!

wavespy, do you own any Grizzly tools?

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

Yes, quality

Let me be the Killjoy of the group. To me, Grizzly equals junk. Many important components in their equipment (bolts, etc.) are made of POT METAL! Crank a liitle too hard on, say, a trunion bolt, and the head will snap off. Similarly, all of the castings on the bandsaw blade guide are made of pot metal. Mine lasted 2 days, and I had to replace it with an expensive aftermarket blade-guide system. The only Grizzly tool that has lasted in my shop is the jointer, probably because it is cast iron.

Autumn, what Grizzly tools do you own besides the bandsaw?

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

Let me be the Killjoy of the group. To me, Grizzly equals junk. Many important components in their equipment (bolts, etc.) are made of POT METAL! Crank a little to hard on, say, a trunion bolt, and the head will snap off. Similarly, all of the castings on the bandsaw blade guide are made of pot metal. Mine lasted 2 days, and I had to replace it with an expensive aftermarket blade-guide system.

The only Grizzly tool that has lasted in my shop is the jointer, probably because it is cast iron and has few moving parts. But again, the bolts that hold the blades in place are made of pot metal, and careful as I am, I now have three that I cannot back out because the heads sheared off during tightening. I will have to replace the entire cutterhead soon.

So….... how many Grizzly tools do you own, Autumn?

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

Wavespy

what grizzly machines do u own? Milling 8/4 stock in my shop basically just about every week which is suited with grizzly tools is a breeze for my grizzy machines. I own A 5hp 1000lb grizzly planer spiral cutterhead, a 1200lb 3hp jointer also spiral cutterhead and a 800lb 17” 5hp bandsaw and the beasts have always asked for more! PERIOD! Grizzly makes a variety of machines yes some cheap but right on up to a industrial grade wood eating monster! My father who has been a machinest for 35 years just loves my grizzly tools. He personally adjusted my jointers tables coplaner and parallelism to within a .001” and have stayed ever since. Oh and Autumn? What grizzly tools have u owned? Pot metal? That was used in the civil war. Lol. Yeah maybe on their contractor style table saw or 300$ bandsaw and I still don’t believe they do. And how tight are you tightening ur bolts?? Sounds pretty rough if ur just shearing them off so frequant.

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

I’m completely satisfied with my Grizzly machines: G0555 and G055X Bandsaws, G0604X Jointer and G7947 Drill Press. They are a great value for the money and perform to my complete satisfaction. Grizzly CS is second to none. God willing, more of their machines are in my future.

-- Build for the joy of it!

They are a great value,however for EVERY single day all day use they can run a little ragged.My buddy cabinet shop has a 16” jointer and use it to mill 8/4 and bigger every day all day and it just cant keep up anymore.Have to agree with wavespy ,buy for what your doing.Now I’m about to buy their 12” jointer seeing that I would be milling 8/4 lumber 4-8 hours a week ,perfect for what I’m doing.

-- eric post, tallahassee FL

Sidestepmcgee,

what model 16” jointer did your friend have?

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

Yes—pot metal. And it is still used in countries like Taiwan where these tools are made. I asked the guy in customer service if they had any blade guide supports made of a higher grade of metal, besides pot metal, and he said no. Just type ‘Grizzly pot metal’ into a Google search, and you’ll note that I’m not the only person who has had these problems. I own an 18” Grizzly bandsaw, am 8” Grizzly jointer and, at one time, before I threw it out the backdoor and into the garbage heap, I owned a Grizzly tablesaw. I am not a weightlifter, and I do not rank down too hard on the bolts. I would never own another Grizzly product. I consider them a safety hazard and a poor investment.

Tony Smith, who replied to the Grizzly question in ToolSober, expressed, almost perfectly, the problems I’ve had with my bandsaw: “I bought a grizzly 16″ bandsaw which I use almost everyday. The lower saw guide cracked and had to be replaced [on mine, the upper bracket cracked]. The pot metal upper wheel tilt bracket cracked but the company said that part was no longer available so I made one out of 1/2″ aluminum [I shimmed mine].The nut holding the lower wheel on is neither metric or fractional and is in a well so it can only be turned with a socket.I was able to get it off with a cold chisel then ground all six sides just enough so a 1″ socket would fit after i ground the outside of the socket to make it thinwall enough to fit inside the snout. Each time I thought I should have bought a new bandsaw after fixing it. When talking to their people I told them I would NEVER buy one of their tools again and I havent.”

Some people seem to be quite defensive toward negative comment for Grizzly tools. I see a lot of LJ loves Grizzly, and their reputation for customer service is good. And I’ve come to believe that Grizzley tools are good value, but not always the best. I don’t find it that hard to accept that sometimes people get the lemons, and for the large # of product Grizzly carries, some products might not be that great of a design, or sometimes things slip through quality control.

But then in my opinion standing the test of time means those 40 or 60 year old machinery that I see in shops that stills runs great every day of the week with little maintenance, not a 5 year old machine. Those “list of customers” are always written by the marketing department anyway, and does not equate whatever they bought are used for precision or as the bread and butter production machine. Perhaps it included some company who has a purchasing account with Grizzly, and buys their table saw for their custom department to make the oddballs?

-- Ed

I think this is one of those threads where there is no right or wrong. If everyone liked the same tool company, there would only be one place to buy tools. Like the saying goes – “different strokes for different folks”. I have a few Grizzly machines, but I also have some Delta, PC, and others. I’m sure that there is at least one brand of tools that every individual has said they hated them and would never purchase anything else made by that company. The bottom line is that if you’ve had major trouble with a piece of equipment, you’re not likely to buy from the company again. We live and learn. And if it is a safety issue, and you don’t feel comfortable using a machine, you have every right to lean toward another brand.

-- JJ...... I guess you could say I'm a 54 year old "juniorjock". — Make things with wood.

Autumn,

That deff sux that your experience with grizzly was so poor. The whole “Pot metal” used in civil war was a joke, did not mean for that to sound mean. I happened to have a father who has been a tool maker for 35 years and he knows what type of metal your talking about. Just have to tell you tho my band saw has a total of 10 bearing guides. 5 upper 5 lower and the upper portion is supported by a 1”x1” solid piece of steel. Not pot metal, no offense. I’ve used my bandsaw as a bandmill because of it’s features, with a 16” resaw height I take 12” + hardwood lumber oak, cherry, Osage orange, hickory and resaw with ease. I’ve done alot!!! Of resawing on that bad boy and just have had great results. I agree with you tho if you personally don’t feel comfortable or feel the tool is a hazerdous machine by all means give it the college toss & do some shoping. :)

Happy woodworking.

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.

JuniorJock, I suspect you are correct, those that have had good experiences with “insert favorite brand here” will defend it, buy another, and recommend it to their friends. Those with bad experiences will take the other side.

I doubt most people, most lumberjocks included, really have the background or the interest to fully know what quality, reliability, and longevity to expect from a machine, particularly under diverse workloads. I expect most people just have their own experience, and maybe the experience of a friend who recommended the same brand. Those with good experiences love it, those with bad hate it. And I’m not sure relying on marketing literature from a manufacturers website really counts.

Myself, I’ve had pretty much uniformly bad experience with Grizzly tools, I’m in the not so lovin them camp. But I see plenty of LJ’s who really like their Grizzly tools so I’m willing to believe Grizzly can make a good tool. I’ve not had the pleasure of owning one. I have owned one of their table saws, a 1023, and a few of their smaller tools. Pretty poor luck on all of them. Here’s one of my posts soon after receiving another mixed bag from Grizzly. I eventually reworked the table saw and sold it on Craigslist. Personally I was happy to see it out of my shop and the guy who bought it seemed happy to be moving it into his shop. To each his own.

Over the years I have seen or had lemons from almost every manufacturer. Since all of these items are designed and QC’d by humans it is to be expected…especially if a company uses unskilled and low paid workers. I have several Grizzly tools in my shop…they work fine but did require proper set up and adjustments.

Some of the assembly and machining I see on the Grizzly tools is low quality…some of it is quite good….it probably depends on where the items were manufactured (parts come from almost anywhere now…and are assembled in China typically)....I also have some delta/jet and some powermatic machines in my shop…and I have noticed they have some of the same flaws and also some of the high quality work….

I use my tools quite hard…but I take good care of them….I clean them and lubricate them frequently. I also have a schedule for each machine to see how many hours they have been running…I follow the mfg recommendations for any maintenance and have my own schedule to check all fasteners for tightness and for any signs of wear or failure – I inheirited this from my father who was a flight trainer in the air force – he would never fly any jet, plane or helicopter without inspecting it himself…or until all preflight and safety checks were completed.

So far this seems to work ok for me….but the machines still will break now and then….and need repair. I always try to replace or repair a part with a quality replacement….

Unfortunately, in the days of consumer demand for cheaper products, there are not as many quality manufacturers left that can survive the low priced competition…we as consumers, either need to demand higher quality (and be willing to pay for it) or deal with the flaws – Grizzly does cut some corners….and there are occassional lemons….so far though they have stepped up and made good for me…and I will continue to consider their equipment as long as they do so..

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

I have a GO691 cabinet saw and I love it. I have a shop fox mobile base and extention. It’s the heavy duty model (1300 lbs.) The one that Grizzly recommends was to close for the weight of the saw. I had very little adjusting to do out of the box. I also have their Chipper/Schredder that I have had for a couple of years and it works great, even the 3” diameter branches. I’am very satified with their products and their customer service is top of the line.

It’s kind of like some people like Fords and some like Chevy’s.

Good luck with your purchase.

You guys are all so wonderfully diplomatic. I do live in terror, though, waiting for the day my Grizzly bandsaw explodes like Rick Dennington’s …”the tapered drive shaft for the bottom wheel exploded…It broke in three pieces, knocked a huge dent in the bottom door, and the blade broke in two pieces.” Thanks, Rick, for that nightmare!

I envy you two things, Xtreme90: your wonderful dad and your hardwood munching bandsaw.

Autumn

The wise thing to do is to get rid of your bandsaw before anything serious happens.

You’re correct in your assessment, mgb. I’m looking at Laguna bandsaws right now, but I guess that would be the subject of another blog. Problem is, I couldn’t turn around and sell the Grizzly in good faith. Right now I treat it like a caged beast waiting to strike. I don’t want to pass along bad karma.

Autumn

I totally agree with you. I would not sell something I know could cause a serious injury.

I don’t know how long you have had your saw, but try calling Grizzly and see if they can help. I’am sure if you mention the potential hazard, they may try to work out something. You have nothing to lose for trying.
Just throwing in my two cents.

Xtreme90, We have a 24 inch heavy duty (heavy duty ???) Grizz planer thats sits next to a 24 inch scmi planer,,, so in all reality,, its a drag race between the two. That Grizz is the biggest pile of junk!!!!! That thing can hardly choke down the lumber we feed it, not to mention all the crap it leaves in the wood,,, ( and yes I do adjust the rollers, and all the other bogus parts on it all the time),,, the scmi, we feed all week long and the thing asks us to work on the weekend, where the grizz calls in sick every other day. We produce 60 to 80 passage doors a week , plus millwork, cabinet work, and just about anything else to do with wood, and Grizzly tools just dont have what it takes to make the money!! We should all move on now,, and find a new subject ,this has been fun, but no way you can convince me Grizz is worthy!!! Yuck!!!

Wavespy

Hey by no means am I trying to convince u in grizzly tools, I simply said my personal experience with grizzly has been awesome! Yours obvisouly not! Yea I guess they are junk when so many people own em. I’m not sure what else to say besides my grizzly machines work superb for my industrial and precision needs. One example is my brother in law has a post and beam home with room to spare and I’ve lost track of the amount of planeing jointing and resawing I have done for him. And that’s besides all the other houses and custom work I do during the week and weekend. Yes and the weekend. I take 30”x6”x14”of oak, hemlock maple and more and resaw it to get two 30”x3”x14” pieces. I plane em joint em and cut em to be massive corner supports for local post and beam homes. I’ve had to make dozens and dozens and dozens of em already, by no means not light work on a woodworking tool. Not that my machines can’t do production but I’m into precise woodworking. Hey maybe you like to go a million MPH doing production industrial grade work which scmi works fine, but I’m into precision grade work, milling wood to high standards for those who pay for it. So yes let’s move on maybe start a blog on scmi?????

-- "I don't cut wood. I machine it!" G.M.