New Grizzly G0444Z TS

Tom,
Thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to getting one soon. I have
never had a tool that ran on 220 before. I have 3 questions to ask: What
size breakers and wire do you use to the outlet, and how long is the saw
cord? Is there a heavy extension cord I can buy for this saw?

"Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it
yet
> > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> >
> > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
haven't
> > made a cut with it yet.
> >
> > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> >
> > Tom
>
> I am new to this type of forum, but am a woodworking enthusiast. I
> have have had my new GO444Z for about a week now and I am totally
> thrilled. Have been a carpenter for 25 years and I have seen a lot of
> different TS's, but for the money this one is a hit. Everthing is
> heavy duty. The CI tables are flat and true and polished like a
> mirror.I even screwed up a little when I was cleaning off the gunk, by
> using a scour pad on a little spot.I do not have a dial indicator, but
> checking the runout and slot alignment the neaderthal way, every thing
> was right on out of the box.My biggest concern about buying this new
> model was the new ShopFox Alumaclassic fence. Grizzly called it "rock
> solid" in their ad, and I'm here to tell you that it is. Biesmeyer
> clone, and of very good quality.The only thing that was not of good
> quality was the guard over the belt, so I just took it off, not a big
> deal.The 2HP motor pulls 12 amps at 220V and didn't even think about
> slowing down ripping 2" oak.Overall I would buy this saw again in a
> minute. Hope this helps answer a few questions. I hope I am posting
> this right as I have never posted to a newsgroup before.
>
> "Trust in the Lord"

"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

<snip to avoid reapeating my own drivel>

Regarding my long post about this saw, there was INDEED a large amount of
slop in the mechanism that turns the worm gear which raises the blade. By
grabbing the arbor (blade is off now) I could move it at least 1/8 inch
along its travel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is BAD, right? The slop
was in the end of the shaft away from the worm gear, and the gears were
definitely NOT moving relative to each other. However...

I followed the instructions to adjust the play in the worm, AND added a
washer to the other end of the shaft near the hand wheel and the slack is
gone. The washer was one of those scary left over parts that was clearly not
addressed in the manual, but its' the same style (fiber) that is similarly
applied on the blade angle shaft, which is perfect right from the factory.
The slop is gone and the raising action and travel is silky smooth now.

Now I am truly happy without reservations! I'll be making sawdust this
evening!

Tom

I'm interested in hearing your impressions of the saw. It looks like a good
one and had they been available when I ordered a few months ago, I may very
well have gotten one. Looks like they made some great improvements from the
1022 series which was my first contractor saw and other then the
shortcomings of the fence, it worked great. Sold it to a friend who built a
house and two garages and it's still humming along.

Don

Tom <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all,
>
> Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it yet
> because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
>
> During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I haven't
> made a cut with it yet.
>
> I'll post details if anyone is interested.
>
> Tom
>
>

Dennis,

I saw the aluma-classic in the catalog. Is it just the same as the
traditional biesmeyer clone with aluminum faces instead of HDPE?

Montyhp
"Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it
yet
> > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> >
> > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
haven't
> > made a cut with it yet.
> >
> > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> >
> > Tom
>
> I am new to this type of forum, but am a woodworking enthusiast. I
> have have had my new GO444Z for about a week now and I am totally
> thrilled. Have been a carpenter for 25 years and I have seen a lot of
> different TS's, but for the money this one is a hit. Everthing is
> heavy duty. The CI tables are flat and true and polished like a
> mirror.I even screwed up a little when I was cleaning off the gunk, by
> using a scour pad on a little spot.I do not have a dial indicator, but
> checking the runout and slot alignment the neaderthal way, every thing
> was right on out of the box.My biggest concern about buying this new
> model was the new ShopFox Alumaclassic fence. Grizzly called it "rock
> solid" in their ad, and I'm here to tell you that it is. Biesmeyer
> clone, and of very good quality.The only thing that was not of good
> quality was the guard over the belt, so I just took it off, not a big
> deal.The 2HP motor pulls 12 amps at 220V and didn't even think about
> slowing down ripping 2" oak.Overall I would buy this saw again in a
> minute. Hope this helps answer a few questions. I hope I am posting
> this right as I have never posted to a newsgroup before.
>
> "Trust in the Lord"

I needed to do the same with my G1022 when I had it - as soon as it was
done, it worked perfectly as long as I owned it.

Don

Tom <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> <snip to avoid reapeating my own drivel>
>
> Regarding my long post about this saw, there was INDEED a large amount of
> slop in the mechanism that turns the worm gear which raises the blade. By
> grabbing the arbor (blade is off now) I could move it at least 1/8 inch
> along its travel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is BAD, right? The
slop
> was in the end of the shaft away from the worm gear, and the gears were
> definitely NOT moving relative to each other. However...
>
> I followed the instructions to adjust the play in the worm, AND added a
> washer to the other end of the shaft near the hand wheel and the slack is
> gone. The washer was one of those scary left over parts that was clearly
not
> addressed in the manual, but its' the same style (fiber) that is similarly
> applied on the blade angle shaft, which is perfect right from the factory.
> The slop is gone and the raising action and travel is silky smooth now.
>
> Now I am truly happy without reservations! I'll be making sawdust this
> evening!
>
> Tom
>
>

Dennis,

I'll post a picture of my outfeed table on ABPW.

Montyhp
"Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Montyhp" <montyhp at yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> > Dennis,
> >
> > I saw the aluma-classic in the catalog. Is it just the same as the
> > traditional biesmeyer clone with aluminum faces instead of HDPE?
> >
> > Montyhp
> > "Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:<[email protected]>...
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run
it
> > yet
> > > > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> > > >
> > > > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > > > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
> > haven't
> > > > made a cut with it yet.
> > > >
> > > > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> > > >
> > > > Tom
> > >
> Yes Monty, typical Biesmeyer clone with aluminum faces. The nice
> thing is they can be removed to add different type of face. Also, the
> aluminum faces have T-slots for accessories, i.e. featherboards, etc.
> The rear of the fence rides on an angle via a pin with a nylon foot
> that is adjustable. I will probably remove this pin and add a piece of
> HDPE to bottom of fence so that I can add a folding outfeed table to
> the rear of the saw. Hopefully the fence will ride on the table ok.
> > >
> > > "Trust in the Lord"

How do you intend to tilt the blade with a back on the saw? The reason that
it is open is so that the external motor and belts can swing to the side
when the blade tilts.

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving


"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:wcoMb.29509$8H.69963@attbi_s03...
> > Tom.
> > How is the dust port on the 444z working for you. Does your dust
collector
> > or shop vac get it all or is there still some left to clean up?
> >
> <snip>
>
> Well, darn it, I just don't know yet. As mentioned in my earlier post, I
had
> a 220V outlet installed in the garage when the house was built about a
year
> ago. After returning from the hardware store yesterday afternoon with a
220V
> plug and stars in my eyes, I promptly discovered that I had positioned a
> large set of industrial shelves just perfectly to block the outlet.
Between
> work today and evening obligations, I won't get to unload the shelves and
> move them until tomorrow. D'OH!!!!
>
> I have my doubts about that dust port because the entire back of the saw
is
> wide open, so we're relying on gravity rather than suction to get the dust
> down to the intake of the port. It still might be enough though because
the
> air will be moving into the port. I'll be using a shop vac. I'll let you
> know when I finally get to make some cuts (growl).
>
> A question for everyone: Is there any problem with making a panel that
> closes up the back of a contractor saw? Even with the leakage required by
> leaving clearances for the belt and motor support movement, you'd get a
good
> negative pressure around the blade and through any gaps.
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>

"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Hi all,
>
> Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it yet
> because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
>
> During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I haven't
> made a cut with it yet.
>
> I'll post details if anyone is interested.
>
> Tom

I am new to this type of forum, but am a woodworking enthusiast. I
have have had my new GO444Z for about a week now and I am totally
thrilled. Have been a carpenter for 25 years and I have seen a lot of
different TS's, but for the money this one is a hit. Everthing is
heavy duty. The CI tables are flat and true and polished like a
mirror.I even screwed up a little when I was cleaning off the gunk, by
using a scour pad on a little spot.I do not have a dial indicator, but
checking the runout and slot alignment the neaderthal way, every thing
was right on out of the box.My biggest concern about buying this new
model was the new ShopFox Alumaclassic fence. Grizzly called it "rock
solid" in their ad, and I'm here to tell you that it is. Biesmeyer
clone, and of very good quality.The only thing that was not of good
quality was the guard over the belt, so I just took it off, not a big
deal.The 2HP motor pulls 12 amps at 220V and didn't even think about
slowing down ripping 2" oak.Overall I would buy this saw again in a
minute. Hope this helps answer a few questions. I hope I am posting
this right as I have never posted to a newsgroup before.

"Trust in the Lord"

"Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<%b5Mb.21304$xy6.59747@attbi_s02>...
> Tom,
> Thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to getting one soon. I have
> never had a tool that ran on 220 before. I have 3 questions to ask: What
> size breakers and wire do you use to the outlet, and how long is the saw
> cord? Is there a heavy extension cord I can buy for this saw?
>
> "Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:<[email protected]>...
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it
> yet
> > > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> > >
> > > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
> haven't
> > > made a cut with it yet.
> > >
> > > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
The important thing to remember when wiring is the amp draw. A 20 amp
double pole breaker wired with 12/3 w/ground, should be plenty. The
saw comes with a 10' cord, but does not have a plug on the end of it.
You should match that up with the receptacle that you use. If you are
unsure which one, the saw's owner's manual spells out what to use. I
would try to not use an extension cord as you will start to experience
voltage drop which will not help your motor torque.If you do need to
use an extension cord, keep it as short as possible and try to make it
a 12 wire cord, as this will lessen your voltage drop. Hope this
helps.
> >
> > "Trust in the Lord"

"Montyhp" <montyhp at yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Dennis,
>
> I saw the aluma-classic in the catalog. Is it just the same as the
> traditional biesmeyer clone with aluminum faces instead of HDPE?
>
> Montyhp
> "Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:<[email protected]>...
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it
> yet
> > > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> > >
> > > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
> haven't
> > > made a cut with it yet.
> > >
> > > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
Yes Monty, typical Biesmeyer clone with aluminum faces. The nice
thing is they can be removed to add different type of face. Also, the
aluminum faces have T-slots for accessories, i.e. featherboards, etc.
The rear of the fence rides on an angle via a pin with a nylon foot
that is adjustable. I will probably remove this pin and add a piece of
HDPE to bottom of fence so that I can add a folding outfeed table to
the rear of the saw. Hopefully the fence will ride on the table ok.
> >
> > "Trust in the Lord"

"Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:wcoMb.29509$8H.69963@attbi_s03...
> Tom.
> How is the dust port on the 444z working for you. Does your dust collector
> or shop vac get it all or is there still some left to clean up?
>
<snip>

Well, darn it, I just don't know yet. As mentioned in my earlier post, I had
a 220V outlet installed in the garage when the house was built about a year
ago. After returning from the hardware store yesterday afternoon with a 220V
plug and stars in my eyes, I promptly discovered that I had positioned a
large set of industrial shelves just perfectly to block the outlet. Between
work today and evening obligations, I won't get to unload the shelves and
move them until tomorrow. D'OH!!!!

I have my doubts about that dust port because the entire back of the saw is
wide open, so we're relying on gravity rather than suction to get the dust
down to the intake of the port. It still might be enough though because the
air will be moving into the port. I'll be using a shop vac. I'll let you
know when I finally get to make some cuts (growl).

A question for everyone: Is there any problem with making a panel that
closes up the back of a contractor saw? Even with the leakage required by
leaving clearances for the belt and motor support movement, you'd get a good
negative pressure around the blade and through any gaps.

Tom

On 1/9/04 23:28, in article [email protected], "Tom"
<[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it yet
> because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
>
> During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I haven't
> made a cut with it yet.
>
> I'll post details if anyone is interested.
>
> Tom
>
>
PLEASE do post. I am sure that a lot of people are wondering about this saw.
I know that I am. I was able to go to the Grizz store in Springfield in
December, but the people working there hadn't even seen the saw (actually, I
wasn't too impressed by the level of knowledge of the three different people
that I spoke with about their equipment.) But I feel pretty good about
getting one of these and their 6" jointer.

One of the guys I spoke with there about their jointers said that really all
of their 6" jointers are the same except for cabinet and whether you want
levers or hand wheels. He told be that other than those two things, all 1
hp jointers are the same. That being said, why spend $500, when the $325 on
is the same, just not as "snazzy",

Dave

"B a r r y B u r k e J r ." <[email protected]> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:40:39 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >A question for everyone: Is there any problem with making a panel that
> >closes up the back of a contractor saw?
>
> Nope. I had cardboard on the back of mine for 4 years. <G> It
> helped dust collection a great deal.
>
> Barry

Well, cardboard is what I had in mind, but I didn't want to admit it <G>.

Tom

"Jim Weisgram" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [...snip...]
>
> >
> >1. Is the straightedge measurement for flatness adequate, or should I do
> >something different before "accepting" the saw?
>
> Do you have a precise straightedge? If so, and you put a light on the
> other side and can't see any light peeking through, then it is flat
> enough. Most cheapo straightedges probably aren't precise enough to
> give you the real scoop.
>
> Even if you can see light peeking through, you can check the gap with
> a feeler gauge. As for what is acceptable, I have never heard of a
> definitive spec, and each manufacturer probably has their own
> tolerance.
<snip>

The straightedge I used is a Johnson metal yardstick. It might not be the
best reference for this type of measurement. Any suggestions on a good
straightedge that won't cost a fortune? Boy, my "newbie-ness" is really
showing now...

Thanks,
Tom

"B a r r y B u r k e J r ." <[email protected]> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 18:17:49 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >Well, cardboard is what I had in mind, but I didn't want to admit it <G>.
> >
> >Tom
>
>
> Why not? It's a tool! I know guys that spend all their time making
> jigs, shop cabinets, and things like fitted contractor saw backs.
> While it makes them happy, which is great, I prefer to make items that
> non-wooddorkers can appreciate!
>
> Barry
>

Me too, especially the main non-wooddorker in my life, SWMBO, who
incidentally kicked in the extra bucks and insisted that I quit looking for
a used saw and get the new Griz. I aspire to cabinetry in the house, a
built-in computer desk, shelves and cabinets for her home office, and
plantation shutters for the whole house. Now if I can just learn to make a
square crosscut, the rest should be easy...

Tom
Do post your thoughts on the saw. I am very interested in getting one.

"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all,
>
> Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it yet
> because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
>
> During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I haven't
> made a cut with it yet.
>
> I'll post details if anyone is interested.
>
> Tom
>
>

"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all,
>
> Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it yet
> because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
>
> During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I haven't
> made a cut with it yet.
>
> I'll post details if anyone is interested.
>

Please do post your thoughts on it.

"Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:wcoMb.29509$8H.69963@attbi_s03...
> Tom.
> How is the dust port on the 444z working for you. Does your dust collector
> or shop vac get it all or is there still some left to clean up?
>
<snip>

I've only made a few cuts so far, but I was surprised at how well the dust
port worked. I am using a large shop vac hooked up directly BTW.
You still get a small amount of sawdust escaping from the back, and some
comes off the "top" of the blade where the teeth enter the wood, but it's
fairly minor. I even made a long cut on some MDF and did not see much fine
dust go into the air (it probably went right through the cartridge on the
shop-vac, though).

Still, the direct anser to your question is: Yes, there's a small amount to
clean up afterwards.

Tom

Okay, here's the rundown on this saw from my perspective. I'm not at all
skilled with precision woodworking, but as an engineer I have a pretty good
sense about how things should be built.

I had initially ordered the G0444 with 1/2 HP motor and stamped wings, which
was on backorder and expected to ship early February. During the wait, I
decided to cough up the extra $90 for the upgrade. The G0444Z has a 2HP
motor and cast iron wings. I called Grizzly to change the order to the "Z",
and lo and behold, they had one in stock. WOOHOO!! I had the boxes in my
garage in less than 48 hours from that call! Amazing! I was prepared to go
fetch the saw from the freight terminal because I live on a Cul de Sac and a
semi couldn't turn around, but when I called the trucking company they
volunteered to send it out on a bobtail with a tailgate lift. The driver was
very nice and dollied everything into the garage for me. He says he delivers
a lot of Grizzy gear to homes.

The saw went together pretty easily, and the instructions are very good,
with one or two small exceptions. Anyone who has assembled any kind of
equipment before will catch the errors, like where to put the lock washers
etc. The finish and paint on the internal parts could be better. The edges
of the casting still had burrs and sharp edges and the flat black paint was
not evenly applied. The outside finish was much better, but there are some
minor imperfections that you wouldn't notice unless you're really looking,
and those will soon be covered with sawdust <G>.

My saw arrived with one of the strain relief grommets (where the wire feeds
through the case) broken. A replacement is already on the way and it will be
easy to install.

The top of the saw and wings fit together perfectly without any shiimming
and the flatness seems perfect, but I did not use any sophisticated method
to measure it. I laid a straight edge on it and didn't see any gaps. The
finish of the top is excellent, but the wings are a mess. On one, it seems
that the "earwax" somehow stained the metal and no amount of scrubbing will
clean it up. Both wings have a bunch of overspray on the work surface from
when the edges were painted. I'm going to ask Grizzly what I should use to
remove that so if it messes up the surface, they'll be responsible.

Measuring with a machinists ruler with 1/64" gradations, the blade was
perfectly parallel out of the box. I am really tickled about this because I
have never adjusted a table saw and was not looking forward to it.

The fence is worlds better than those on the $600 Deltas and Ridgids that I
looked at at HD & Lowe's. I was amazed that it could be so simple to
install, and be so precise. It was dead on out of the box,with the 1/64"
"heel" that the instructions recommended. It's a front clamping fence which
will go off alignment as you slide it along the rail, but this can be
avoided if you apply a small amount of pressure towards the operator as you
move it. The motion is silky smooth and it clamps consistently right on the
money. It has longitudinal slots down both sides for attaching featherboards
or sacrificail material. The finish is perfect as well. There's no micro
adjust, however.

There's some slop in the way the handwheels attach to the shafts. There's a
slot in the handwheel that fits over a roll pin which protrudes from both
sides of the shaft, and the slot in the handwheel is too big. This won't
affect the accuracy of the saw, it just "feels" a little imprecise when you
reverse directions. This could probably be fixed with some ingenuity.

My biggest concern is the motion of the carriage when raising and lowering
the blade. As it comes up, the carriage rocks forward and backward slightly.
Once set, it seems rock solid. I've grabbed onto the carriage from
underneath and given it a good shake and can't discern any slop. This may be
a characteristic of the mechanism, but it seems strange. If there's slop,
I'm sure it will show up when I start cutting, and I'm sure that would be
BAD.

The Mitre guage is a piece of crap. I may be able to tweak it to make it
usable, but in it's current state it will gouge the table if I use it.

I don't think it's clear from the catalog, but the motor CAN be wired for
110V according to the instructions, but it draws 25A. It comes pre-wired for
220V, but does not come with a plug. You'll have to install the type that
you need.

Overall, I thinks it's an excellent machine, and the fit of the parts
indicates good engineering. It's made of economical, but solid and quality
materials. It's interesting to note that the hardware kit includes the exact
number of parts required for the assembly. Most manufacturers would include
extra nuts, bolts, washers etc. as a low cost way to avoid customer service
calls. This indicates that the factory has good process and quality control,
which reflects well on the entire product.

For those of you who are still reading, I have a couple of questions:

1. Is the straightedge measurement for flatness adequate, or should I do
something different before "accepting" the saw?
2. Any comments about the odd motion of the carriage as the blade is being
raised?
3. The manual suggested a citrus based solvent to remove the earwax, so I
used Goo-Gone. Any suggestion on how to get rid of that "stain" on the wing?

So, I'm off to get the plug so I can fire this baby up!

Tom

I think the manual will tell you that a 30A breaker is recommended and that
means 10ga wiring, but you can read it and make sure. If it is like my 1023,
the cord is long enough to reach the floor and lie there for a couple of
feet. I replaced it.

You can make an extension cord out of some heavy duty cord. I made mine from
this:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/productdetail.jsp?xi=xi&ItemId=1611767516
Stranded 10 gauge 3 conductor rubber coated cord.

A10ga cord has the same capacity as whatever wiring you have in the wall, so
voltage drop shouldn't be a big deal unless the cord and the wiring together
are really long.

-Jack

"Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:%b5Mb.21304$xy6.59747@attbi_s02...
> Tom,
> Thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to getting one soon. I have
> never had a tool that ran on 220 before. I have 3 questions to ask: What
> size breakers and wire do you use to the outlet, and how long is the saw
> cord? Is there a heavy extension cord I can buy for this saw?
>
> "Dennis Martin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:<[email protected]>...
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > Just finished the assembly of my new table saw. I haven't even run it
> yet
> > > because I have to set up the 220V wiring, but I am fired up!!
> > >
> > > During the assembly process, I was pleased with several things, and
> > > displeased with some others. Overall, I'm very happy...but then I
> haven't
> > > made a cut with it yet.
> > >
> > > I'll post details if anyone is interested.
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
> > I am new to this type of forum, but am a woodworking enthusiast. I
> > have have had my new GO444Z for about a week now and I am totally
> > thrilled. Have been a carpenter for 25 years and I have seen a lot of
> > different TS's, but for the money this one is a hit. Everthing is
> > heavy duty. The CI tables are flat and true and polished like a
> > mirror.I even screwed up a little when I was cleaning off the gunk, by
> > using a scour pad on a little spot.I do not have a dial indicator, but
> > checking the runout and slot alignment the neaderthal way, every thing
> > was right on out of the box.My biggest concern about buying this new
> > model was the new ShopFox Alumaclassic fence. Grizzly called it "rock
> > solid" in their ad, and I'm here to tell you that it is. Biesmeyer
> > clone, and of very good quality.The only thing that was not of good
> > quality was the guard over the belt, so I just took it off, not a big
> > deal.The 2HP motor pulls 12 amps at 220V and didn't even think about
> > slowing down ripping 2" oak.Overall I would buy this saw again in a
> > minute. Hope this helps answer a few questions. I hope I am posting
> > this right as I have never posted to a newsgroup before.
> >
> > "Trust in the Lord"
>
>

Top posting because I think it makes sense in this case...

I thought I post the outcome of some of the issues I stated in my earlier
post, which is included below for anyone who wants to read it.


I checked the flatness with the best straight-edge that I could find and
could not sneak a .003" feeler guage underneath it. The .002 went under
several places. I checked several different ways and in various directions.

The Cosmoline stains and paint overspray came off fairly easily using plain
old paint thinner, as suggested by Grizzly's technical support. They were
willing to replace the wings if necessary, but this was a better solution.

Still waiting for the replacement grommet for the power chord. Grizzly
claims that it's in the mail.

The worm gear and control shaft for the blade height needed adjustment, and
I feel that a washer was omitted during assembly at the factory. It's
working great now.

The action of the handwheels is just kind of "loose". I put a lock washer
and flat washer between the hand wheel and the stop knob and this made them
feel better and prevents the lock knob from back off as you change settings.

Cutting is silky smooth even with a medium quality combination blade. I
don't have any super hardwood to test on, but it ripped a pine 2x4 with no
problems at all and no sign of bogging down.

The mitre gauge is still a POS. The threads of the handle are too long and
protrude through the bar, touching the bottom of the t-slot. I'll correct
that with one or two washers. The bottom surface is rough and I won't use it
on that pristine table surface until I can smooth it out or put on some type
of protective material.

Aside from that, I'm happy as a clam. I resist making a blanket endorsement
because I don't feel qualified to evaluate the saw's cutting characteristics
as they compare to the more demanding needs many of you have. My GUESS is
that this saw is as precise as many of the more expensive tools. I'm in the
Dallas area if anyone wants to take a close look. (Just don't laugh at the
cabinetry on my work bench <G>. It was my first try...)

Tom





"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Okay, here's the rundown on this saw from my perspective. I'm not at all
> skilled with precision woodworking, but as an engineer I have a pretty
good
> sense about how things should be built.
>
> I had initially ordered the G0444 with 1/2 HP motor and stamped wings,
which
> was on backorder and expected to ship early February. During the wait, I
> decided to cough up the extra $90 for the upgrade. The G0444Z has a 2HP
> motor and cast iron wings. I called Grizzly to change the order to the
"Z",
> and lo and behold, they had one in stock. WOOHOO!! I had the boxes in my
> garage in less than 48 hours from that call! Amazing! I was prepared to go
> fetch the saw from the freight terminal because I live on a Cul de Sac and
a
> semi couldn't turn around, but when I called the trucking company they
> volunteered to send it out on a bobtail with a tailgate lift. The driver
was
> very nice and dollied everything into the garage for me. He says he
delivers
> a lot of Grizzy gear to homes.
>
> The saw went together pretty easily, and the instructions are very good,
> with one or two small exceptions. Anyone who has assembled any kind of
> equipment before will catch the errors, like where to put the lock washers
> etc. The finish and paint on the internal parts could be better. The edges
> of the casting still had burrs and sharp edges and the flat black paint
was
> not evenly applied. The outside finish was much better, but there are some
> minor imperfections that you wouldn't notice unless you're really looking,
> and those will soon be covered with sawdust <G>.
>
> My saw arrived with one of the strain relief grommets (where the wire
feeds
> through the case) broken. A replacement is already on the way and it will
be
> easy to install.
>
> The top of the saw and wings fit together perfectly without any shiimming
> and the flatness seems perfect, but I did not use any sophisticated method
> to measure it. I laid a straight edge on it and didn't see any gaps. The
> finish of the top is excellent, but the wings are a mess. On one, it seems
> that the "earwax" somehow stained the metal and no amount of scrubbing
will
> clean it up. Both wings have a bunch of overspray on the work surface from
> when the edges were painted. I'm going to ask Grizzly what I should use to
> remove that so if it messes up the surface, they'll be responsible.
>
> Measuring with a machinists ruler with 1/64" gradations, the blade was
> perfectly parallel out of the box. I am really tickled about this because
I
> have never adjusted a table saw and was not looking forward to it.
>
> The fence is worlds better than those on the $600 Deltas and Ridgids that
I
> looked at at HD & Lowe's. I was amazed that it could be so simple to
> install, and be so precise. It was dead on out of the box,with the 1/64"
> "heel" that the instructions recommended. It's a front clamping fence
which
> will go off alignment as you slide it along the rail, but this can be
> avoided if you apply a small amount of pressure towards the operator as
you
> move it. The motion is silky smooth and it clamps consistently right on
the
> money. It has longitudinal slots down both sides for attaching
featherboards
> or sacrificail material. The finish is perfect as well. There's no micro
> adjust, however.
>
> There's some slop in the way the handwheels attach to the shafts. There's
a
> slot in the handwheel that fits over a roll pin which protrudes from both
> sides of the shaft, and the slot in the handwheel is too big. This won't
> affect the accuracy of the saw, it just "feels" a little imprecise when
you
> reverse directions. This could probably be fixed with some ingenuity.
>
> My biggest concern is the motion of the carriage when raising and lowering
> the blade. As it comes up, the carriage rocks forward and backward
slightly.
> Once set, it seems rock solid. I've grabbed onto the carriage from
> underneath and given it a good shake and can't discern any slop. This may
be
> a characteristic of the mechanism, but it seems strange. If there's slop,
> I'm sure it will show up when I start cutting, and I'm sure that would be
> BAD.
>
> The Mitre guage is a piece of crap. I may be able to tweak it to make it
> usable, but in it's current state it will gouge the table if I use it.
>
> I don't think it's clear from the catalog, but the motor CAN be wired for
> 110V according to the instructions, but it draws 25A. It comes pre-wired
for
> 220V, but does not come with a plug. You'll have to install the type that
> you need.
>
> Overall, I thinks it's an excellent machine, and the fit of the parts
> indicates good engineering. It's made of economical, but solid and quality
> materials. It's interesting to note that the hardware kit includes the
exact
> number of parts required for the assembly. Most manufacturers would
include
> extra nuts, bolts, washers etc. as a low cost way to avoid customer
service
> calls. This indicates that the factory has good process and quality
control,
> which reflects well on the entire product.
>
> For those of you who are still reading, I have a couple of questions:
>
> 1. Is the straightedge measurement for flatness adequate, or should I do
> something different before "accepting" the saw?
> 2. Any comments about the odd motion of the carriage as the blade is being
> raised?
> 3. The manual suggested a citrus based solvent to remove the earwax, so I
> used Goo-Gone. Any suggestion on how to get rid of that "stain" on the
wing?
>
> So, I'm off to get the plug so I can fire this baby up!
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 18:17:49 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Well, cardboard is what I had in mind, but I didn't want to admit it <G>.
>
>Tom


Why not? It's a tool! I know guys that spend all their time making
jigs, shop cabinets, and things like fitted contractor saw backs.
While it makes them happy, which is great, I prefer to make items that
non-wooddorkers can appreciate!

Barry

Don't you have to know how to make a square crosscut to make a square sled?
:)

"Bridger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 22:00:30 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
> > Now if I can just learn to make a
> >square crosscut, the rest should be easy...
> >
>
>
>
> think sleds.....

[...snip...]

>
>1. Is the straightedge measurement for flatness adequate, or should I do
>something different before "accepting" the saw?

Do you have a precise straightedge? If so, and you put a light on the
other side and can't see any light peeking through, then it is flat
enough. Most cheapo straightedges probably aren't precise enough to
give you the real scoop.

Even if you can see light peeking through, you can check the gap with
a feeler gauge. As for what is acceptable, I have never heard of a
definitive spec, and each manufacturer probably has their own
tolerance.


>3. The manual suggested a citrus based solvent to remove the earwax, so I
>used Goo-Gone. Any suggestion on how to get rid of that "stain" on the wing?

One thing a lot of people do to clean rust off, is to stick a
scotchbrite type pad to their random orbital sander, spray WD-40 on
the table, and have at it.

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:40:39 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>A question for everyone: Is there any problem with making a panel that
>closes up the back of a contractor saw?

Nope. I had cardboard on the back of mine for 4 years. <G> It
helped dust collection a great deal.

Barry

"Ace" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:%b5Mb.21304$xy6.59747@attbi_s02...
> Tom,
> Thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to getting one soon. I have
> never had a tool that ran on 220 before. I have 3 questions to ask: What
> size breakers and wire do you use to the outlet, and how long is the saw
> cord? Is there a heavy extension cord I can buy for this saw?
>
<snip>

Hi Ace,

There are a number of people in the group who can anwer your questions
better than me, but I'll tell you what I know.

I had a 220V outlet put in my garage when the house was built, and I didn't
specify any details, but they used 40AMP breakers. I'm not sure what size
wiring is in the wall, but the outlet is only a few feet from the breaker
panel.

The cord on the saw is 12 AWG and it's about 11 feet long. The problem with
extension cords is voltage drop, which is a function of the resistance of
the wire (which for our purposes means the guage) and the length. Most
readily available extension cords are NOT ADEQUATE. That's why everyone
generally frowns on extension cords for this type of equiment. It's possible
that an industrial supply shop would have a heavy duty extension chord, but
I think they tend to avoid them because of possible mis-use and liability.

Now, a suitable extension chord could easily be MADE out of heavier guage
wire. The longer the run, the heavier it must be. I will be addressing this
issue because I got a mobile based for my saw specifically so I can wheel it
onto the driveway and use "nature's dust collection" which is very effective
here in breezy north Texas. My outlet is about 10' from the door so I'll
need to add 10- 15 feet to the saw's existing 11' to get comfortably clear.

Hopefully some of the electricians in the goup will weigh in with some
guidelines on wire guage, length and current capacity.

Tom

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 22:00:30 -0600, "Tom" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Now if I can just learn to make a
>square crosscut, the rest should be easy...
>



think sleds.....

Tom.
How is the dust port on the 444z working for you. Does your dust collector
or shop vac get it all or is there still some left to clean up?

"Tom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Jim Weisgram" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > [...snip...]
> >
> > >
> > >1. Is the straightedge measurement for flatness adequate, or should I
do
> > >something different before "accepting" the saw?
> >
> > Do you have a precise straightedge? If so, and you put a light on the
> > other side and can't see any light peeking through, then it is flat
> > enough. Most cheapo straightedges probably aren't precise enough to
> > give you the real scoop.
> >
> > Even if you can see light peeking through, you can check the gap with
> > a feeler gauge. As for what is acceptable, I have never heard of a
> > definitive spec, and each manufacturer probably has their own
> > tolerance.
> <snip>
>
> The straightedge I used is a Johnson metal yardstick. It might not be the
> best reference for this type of measurement. Any suggestions on a good
> straightedge that won't cost a fortune? Boy, my "newbie-ness" is really
> showing now...
>
> Thanks,
> Tom
>
>