I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4 speed
model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and Shop
Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller bearings,
fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other 14"
saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored paint
on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary Grizzly
shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have a
good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including free
shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't like
the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions of
the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
Any comments on these or close equivalents appreciated.
I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with cast
iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in person?
P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of that
stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
"Wayne Brissette" <waynefb@earthlink_.net> wrote in message
> As far as open verses closed designs. Some magazine did a review of a
bunch
> of them (last year???) and one of their comments was that they thought
they
> like closed cabinets until they had to put all of the units together. It
was
> at this point they decided that the open design had a lot to offer during
> setup... After setup of course there isn't going to be much difference
> between the open and closed base design.
>
> Wayne
>
Another magazine touted the closed base as being more stable with less
vibration. They down rated a couple of models for that reason.
Ed
On Sat, 6 Mar 2004 22:12:32 -0600, Rich Stern wrote
(in message <[email protected]>):
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4
> speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
> It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller bearings,
> fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other
> 14"
> saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored paint
> on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary
> Grizzly
> shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
In December when Grizzly had a special on their shipping for things, I
ordered the G0555 bandsaw. The box arrived with a few dings, but it is
packaged pretty well inside a lot of molded styrofoam, and came out of that
without a scratch. The saw itself was a breeze to put together and after
replacing the horrible factor stock blade with a Timberwolf, I have a bandsaw
that cost less and comes with more than the JET or Delta. It's hard to argue
with that.
As far as open verses closed designs. Some magazine did a review of a bunch
of them (last year???) and one of their comments was that they thought they
like closed cabinets until they had to put all of the units together. It was
at this point they decided that the open design had a lot to offer during
setup... After setup of course there isn't going to be much difference
between the open and closed base design.
Wayne
I ordered thr Grizzley band saw with the riser kit and had no problems with
the shipping. I have ordered several things from Grizzley and have never had
a problem with shipping. I am sure there are many more people satisfied with
how they received the tools than dissatisfied.
"Rich Stern" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4
speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and
Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
> It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller
bearings,
> fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other
14"
> saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored
paint
> on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary
Grizzly
> shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
>
> The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have
a
> good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including
free
> shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't
like
> the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions
of
> the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
>
> Any comments on these or close equivalents appreciated.
>
> I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with
cast
> iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in
person?
>
> P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of
that
> stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
>
Perhaps I can help. I have a G0555 and have done quite a few bandsaw boxes
made of both Oak and Maple. Essentially, it's all resawing because the
boxes are made by laminating 6 or 7 boards together. Then, you must resaw
the back off while on edge, then turn it the other way (still about 4 1/2 to
6" deep) and cut out the drawers, then the outside of the box, then scoop
the drawers out that are on edge. In short, almost the entire cutting
process is resawing. The saw has held up fine as far as power.
That said, if I had to do over again, I would either get the G1019 like I
had before or go with a Delta. I know everyone seems to love the G0555 but
I'm the exception - it works alright, but that's about it. It's precision
is not what I've had with other saws and if you get a riser kit, you better
be ready to reset the roller bearings anytime you move the top assembly over
4". Like I said, it's just not the precision tool I thought it would be. I
went with it over the 1019 due to the blade tensioning lever, the fence
(which is nice), the height of the adjustment knob and the 1 hp motor.
Those things it has, but something had to give and it was precision, at
least in my opinion.
Don
WD <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 6 Mar 2004 23:31:54 -0500, "Mr Re" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I just bought the G0555 and the shipping was flawless. Everything went
just
> >as it should have. I purchased the riser kit and it arrived the day
before
> >the bandsaw did. I plan on purchasing the 6" jointer from them next week.
>
> I'm still not convince until you or someone else guarantee me, they have
resaw
> 4/4 or 6/4 hard maple or oak "FLAWLESSLY?
>
> I'm still debating whether to buy the 14" OR the Grizzly 16". Further, I
don't
> own a truck how do you get the bandsaw into the garage from the terminal?
>
On Sat, 6 Mar 2004 23:31:54 -0500, "Mr Re" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I just bought the G0555 and the shipping was flawless. Everything went just
>as it should have. I purchased the riser kit and it arrived the day before
>the bandsaw did. I plan on purchasing the 6" jointer from them next week.
I'm still not convince until you or someone else guarantee me, they have resaw
4/4 or 6/4 hard maple or oak "FLAWLESSLY?
I'm still debating whether to buy the 14" OR the Grizzly 16". Further, I don't
own a truck how do you get the bandsaw into the garage from the terminal?
On Sun, 7 Mar 2004 14:57:13 -0600, "V.E. Dorn" <[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks, for your honest reply and I really appreciate it. I should have said I
am still debating whether to buy a Grizzly G0555, 14" or Grizzly G0513, 17"
Bandsaw - 2 HP.
I made a mistake once before buying an under power old Crapsman TS and I wanna
make sure that Grizzly G0555, 14" can resaw hard 6/4 hard maple or oak,
otherwise I better go with Grizzly G0513, 17". I know some of you might suggest
I get a Minimax, blah, blah... I really don't want to spend two grand for it!
Thanks again.
>Perhaps I can help. I have a G0555 and have done quite a few bandsaw boxes
>made of both Oak and Maple. Essentially, it's all resawing because the
>boxes are made by laminating 6 or 7 boards together. Then, you must resaw
>the back off while on edge, then turn it the other way (still about 4 1/2 to
>6" deep) and cut out the drawers, then the outside of the box, then scoop
>the drawers out that are on edge. In short, almost the entire cutting
>process is resawing. The saw has held up fine as far as power.
>
>That said, if I had to do over again, I would either get the G1019 like I
>had before or go with a Delta. I know everyone seems to love the G0555 but
>I'm the exception - it works alright, but that's about it. It's precision
>is not what I've had with other saws and if you get a riser kit, you better
>be ready to reset the roller bearings anytime you move the top assembly over
>4". Like I said, it's just not the precision tool I thought it would be. I
>went with it over the 1019 due to the blade tensioning lever, the fence
>(which is nice), the height of the adjustment knob and the 1 hp motor.
>Those things it has, but something had to give and it was precision, at
>least in my opinion.
>
>Don
On Sun, 07 Mar 2004 11:54:23 GMT, "Kevin B" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I've got the Jet 14 inch, 500 bucks for saw, fence, cool blocks, miter
>gauge. Good deal about six months ago. Installed riser kit, King Koil
>tensioning spring, and link belt. I use Suffolk Machinery blades, which are
>superb, and the saw is absolutlely fantastic. I do almost all of my ripping
>on it instead of the table saw. Really nice saw and the fence is more than
>adequate for my needs..
>
>Best wishes,
>
>Kevin B.
>
=============================
I AM NOT flaming you Kevin... Honest I'm not...
But using a band saw to do most of your ripping instead of your table
saw tells me that either you are nuts or that you own a really poor
tablesaw....
Bob Griffiths
I'm glad you started this thread. It gives me a chance to also weigh
in on Grizzly GO555. I just received mine on Friday. I'm relatively
new to WW, and I not only have never owned a bandsaw before, but I
never even used one prior to receiving this one. That said, I have
done quite a bit of research and have seen many of the other models
close up. The Grizzly is definitely on par with the others for fit
and finish (for whatever that is worth). I'm also just generally
impressed by the construction of the whole thing. The guides are
solid looking and easy to adjust. The unit worked very nicely out of
the box, easy to set up, as others have stated.
Shipping suggestion: I had Grizzly ship the unit to the nearest
distribution center for the carrier that services my area. My unit
arrived there a day and a half after I ordered it! The guys at the
dock loaded the saw (1 decent sized box) right into the back of my
truck. This approach is both faster, and prevents more handling of
the product by the shippers. Mine arrived in perfect shape, and unit
is very well packed.
complaints: the saw does not come with brushed, though I will install
some on my own, as it is, the wheels get very dustly almost instantly.
The open stand for this unit could be a bit more solid, though I will
aslo find a way to remedy that, I'm sure.
Overall: I'm very please so far. No vibration to speak of, good
fence, good miter gauge, very good price. I've seen the harbor
frieght unit close up, and was surprised at how decent it looked for
the money, but I still think the grizzly is a better deal, I also
didn't think the Rigid offering was even in the same class!
[email protected] (Rich Stern) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4 speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
> It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller bearings,
> fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other 14"
> saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored paint
> on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary Grizzly
> shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
>
> The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have a
> good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including free
> shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't like
> the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions of
> the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
>
> Any comments on these or close equivalents appreciated.
>
> I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with cast
> iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in person?
>
> P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of that
> stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
"Rich Stern" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
Until you get the saw and find the you can use some thin strips for
something. Resawing is a nice feature to have.
>
> The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have
a
> good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including
free
> shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't
like
> the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions
of
> the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
I have the Jet and it works well for my needs. When I bought the saw, it
came with the fence as a part of the package. There may be better, but I
have no complaints with it. When I resaw, I put a fair amount of pressure
on it and it holds in place. If you add the riser block and resaw 12"
stock a higher fence would be a good idea.
Never use the Grizzly so I can't comment or compare.
Ed
[email protected]
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome
I have a couple of pieces of hickory a friend cut at his sawmill for me they
are 8"x8"x24", I was interested to see how well the saw would handle it so I
used the 3/8" blade that came with the riser kit, and cut one of the pieces
into 8 1x8's, although I did have to take it slow, it made the cuts. For me
this saw does what I need it to do and at a price I can afford.
--
Replace "nospam" with "bellsouth" for real email address
"WD" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 7 Mar 2004 14:57:13 -0600, "V.E. Dorn" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> Thanks, for your honest reply and I really appreciate it. I should have
said I
> am still debating whether to buy a Grizzly G0555, 14" or Grizzly G0513,
17"
> Bandsaw - 2 HP.
>
> I made a mistake once before buying an under power old Crapsman TS and I
wanna
> make sure that Grizzly G0555, 14" can resaw hard 6/4 hard maple or oak,
> otherwise I better go with Grizzly G0513, 17". I know some of you might
suggest
> I get a Minimax, blah, blah... I really don't want to spend two grand for
it!
>
> Thanks again.
>
>
> >Perhaps I can help. I have a G0555 and have done quite a few bandsaw
boxes
> >made of both Oak and Maple. Essentially, it's all resawing because the
> >boxes are made by laminating 6 or 7 boards together. Then, you must
resaw
> >the back off while on edge, then turn it the other way (still about 4 1/2
to
> >6" deep) and cut out the drawers, then the outside of the box, then scoop
> >the drawers out that are on edge. In short, almost the entire cutting
> >process is resawing. The saw has held up fine as far as power.
> >
> >That said, if I had to do over again, I would either get the G1019 like I
> >had before or go with a Delta. I know everyone seems to love the G0555
but
> >I'm the exception - it works alright, but that's about it. It's
precision
> >is not what I've had with other saws and if you get a riser kit, you
better
> >be ready to reset the roller bearings anytime you move the top assembly
over
> >4". Like I said, it's just not the precision tool I thought it would be.
I
> >went with it over the 1019 due to the blade tensioning lever, the fence
> >(which is nice), the height of the adjustment knob and the 1 hp motor.
> >Those things it has, but something had to give and it was precision, at
> >least in my opinion.
> >
> >Don
>
I've got the Jet 14 inch, 500 bucks for saw, fence, cool blocks, miter
gauge. Good deal about six months ago. Installed riser kit, King Koil
tensioning spring, and link belt. I use Suffolk Machinery blades, which are
superb, and the saw is absolutlely fantastic. I do almost all of my ripping
on it instead of the table saw. Really nice saw and the fence is more than
adequate for my needs..
Best wishes,
Kevin B.
I'd be looking for cast iron trunnions, cast iron fence and a minimal gap
from the guides to the bottom of the table.
--
Greg
"Rich Stern" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4
speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and
Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
>
> I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with
cast
> iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in
person?
>
> P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of
that
> stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
>
Rich -
I ordered my G0555 with the riser kit about a year ago. Got it in a
reasonable time ( they were backordering the initial shipments when they
released it) with absolutely no problem with shipping or any damage. Some of
the early packages didn't take into account the length of the tensioning
knob which protruded above the saw. With no protection, it generally got
bent pretty badly - thus a lot of the initial problems.
The fence is well made and accurate. The thrust bearings are easily worth
another $100 as an addon to other saws. I particularly like the quick
tension release lever.
The riser kit was a snap to install. Installing a new Timberwolf blade was
the final tweak.
So far so good - no vibration to speak of. With the add-ons that come
standard, I don't thnk it can be beat. So far from what I've read, the
people complaining haven't bought one - they just pass on rumors.
Other than the Harbor Freight, I considered the same ones before I bought
mine - too much bang for the buck to pass up.
HTH,
Vic
"Rich Stern" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4
speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and
Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
> It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller
bearings,
> fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other
14"
> saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored
paint
> on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary
Grizzly
> shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
>
> The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have
a
> good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including
free
> shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't
like
> the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions
of
> the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
>
> Any comments on these or close equivalents appreciated.
>
> I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with
cast
> iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in
person?
>
> P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of
that
> stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
>
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.605 / Virus Database: 385 - Release Date: 3/1/2004
I just bought the G0555 and the shipping was flawless. Everything went just
as it should have. I purchased the riser kit and it arrived the day before
the bandsaw did. I plan on purchasing the 6" jointer from them next week.
--
Replace "nospam" with "bellsouth" for real email address
"Rich Stern" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to choose a bandsaw. I've considered a bunch of models
> incluidng the Jet 12" model and the Harbor Freight/Cental Machinery 14" 4
speed
> model, up to some of the 16" and 17" models by Jet, Delta, Grizzly and
Shop
> Fox. My primary need is milling 4/4 and 5/4 stock for furniture proejcts.
> Resawing is a distant, secondary consideration.
>
> It seems that Grizzly's ultimate model comes very complete (roller
bearings,
> fence, 4" dust port, 1HP 110/220 motor) in comparison to many of the other
14"
> saws. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet. I also prefer light colored
paint
> on shop machines, and strangely, the Grizzly is half light. The scary
Grizzly
> shipping stories drive me nuts, but I can deal with it.
>
> The Jet 14BS is intriguing because it has the enclosed base, seems to have
a
> good reputation, and is available for reasonable $ from Amazon, including
free
> shipping and a couple of rebates. It doesn't come with a fence. I don't
like
> the looks of the Jet add-on fence, so I am interested to hear impressions
of
> the Jet fence and any others that might be useful for this machine.
>
> Any comments on these or close equivalents appreciated.
>
> I'd love to get a closer look at the newest Shop Fox models (the ones with
cast
> iron wheels), but nobody seems to have them yet. Anyone seen them in
person?
>
> P.S. before you direct me to Google or Dejanews, I've already read most of
that
> stuff. Just looking for up to date opinions.
>