Replies

1. 
   DJK | Aug 18, 2004 03:56pm | #1

   Look for a used saw. Post a WTB ad. I'm sure you can find someone looking to dump their saw for a larger machine. The 14" imports are worthless on the used market. For what you pay for a new 14", one can find a 20" or 30" used saw.

   DJK

2. 
   bones | Aug 18, 2004 05:03pm | #2

   What is your budget?

3. 
   nikkiwood | Aug 18, 2004 07:40pm | #3

   You may already be aware, but this is a much discussed topic around here, and it would be helpful if you elaborate some on your needs, budget, and any other considerations you may have in mind at this moment.

   It might also help you frame issues/questions you want to throw out in this thread if you searched through past threads, if you have not already done so.

4. 
   billballeza | Aug 19, 2004 12:48am | #4

   I bought the Grizzly GO 555 with riser block and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for quality and value. Service is also outstanding.. with real live techs within phone reach who are helpful, patient and courteous.

5. 
   forestgirl | Aug 19, 2004 02:29am | #5

   I haven't seen the Powermatic, but will second Bill's recommendation on the new Grizzly 14" model if you decide to go for a lower outlay$$.  The one thing I'd check on the Powermatic is the sturdiness of the trunnions, seeing as how they're basically a Jet product.  Some of the Jet saws (purportedly) had whimpy stuff under the table.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 8/18/2004 7:39 pm ET by forestgirl

1. 
   CharlieP | Aug 19, 2004 06:37am | #6

   The bigger Jets may be different, but the 14 inch Jet had the same table, castings, switches, etc. as the Grizzly G0555.  I bought the Jet just before my first pilgrimage to the Grizzly warehouse, and was shocked to find a virtually identical saw for much less money.  Except the Grizzly had good dust collection, dual speed, quick tension release, roller guides, and a fence that the Jet didn't have, and cost less money.  When someone expressed interest in buying my Jet if I ever upgraded, I had the Grizzly G0555 in less than a week, and have been pleased with the "upgrade."  Of course, it would have been cheaper if I hadn't first bought the Jet. ________________________Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood

1. 
   forestgirl | Aug 19, 2004 07:01pm | #7

   Pretty funny, JC should find it interesting.  Wonder how the Powermatic and the Jet compare side-by-side.........

   Now that I think about it, I think the trunnion comments (from past posts here?) may have been directed at the new Jet 16"+ saws with the sorta A-frame design.  The gist being that the trunnions seemed light for such a big machine.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   jc21 | Aug 21, 2004 05:43am | #10

   I looked at the Powermatic, Jet, and Delta side by side locally. The Powermatic looks to be a much upgraded Jet at a higher price-$899 which is really pushing the upper limits of my budget. The Powermatic comes with a miter gauge and fence standard (the Jets don't), cast iron wheels instead of aluminum, built in 4" dust port, more power (1 1/2 instead of 1), roller guides top and botton, a Carter quick release tension lever, and a larger table. The trunions appear to be diecast aluminum and identical to the Jet but the trunion clamp shoes on the Powermatic are cast iron instead of what appears to be die cast aluminum on the Jet. Excellent fit and finish on the example I looked at. http://www.jettools.com/PMWood/bandsaw_pwbs14.html

   I was a little disappointed in the Deltas especially the Chinese built ones. Guard doors wouldn't stay closed, plastic hinges on the base door- they don't seem as well built as the older ones I used in the shops I've worked at. The Grizzly looks like a good alternative but how's their service and who pays the freight in case you have to send a part or motor back? How is it for power? I usually cut curves and arcs and occasionally resaw stock 6" or less. Thanks to one and all for your comments. I've looked around for used machines but haven't much luck. What I've found seems to be overpriced,used and abused or both.

1. 
   forestgirl | Aug 21, 2004 09:00am | #13

   Glad you got to see them up close and in person.  Sounds like the Powermatic is head and shoulders above the Jet, and I would strongly recommend a 1.5HP motor over a 1HP.  BTW, the power of the Grizzly 14" saws is excellent, both in head-to-head tests and according to my own (albeit, limited) experience.

   Grizzly's service is excellent, although I can't give details about how a return shipment would work.  A phone call will give you that info. 

   'twere I in your shoes it would come down to (a) what work I see in my future (more resawing? for instance) and (b) what I could do with the monetary difference if I got the Grizzly rather than the Powermatic.  There's no doubt in my mind the Powermatic is a better machine than the new Grizzly, and if there's nothing else clamoring for that chunk of $$, that's where I'd head.  However, if there were 2 or 3 other tools I needed, or if I was tool-rich and lumber-poor, and I didn't need the extra performance of the Powermatic, I'd go for the Grizzly.

   BTW, the biggest complaint I have about my (now out-moded) Grizzly 1019Z is the blade guides and their assembly.  That's where I spend time, readjusting more than I'd like, and it's something I'd check out carefully on the new model.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   Edited 8/21/2004 2:02 am ET by forestgirl

6. 
   hammer1 | Aug 21, 2004 02:12am | #8

   You can still buy a 1hp Delta enclosed model 14 for $600. Tool Crib.

7. 
   Tomar | Aug 21, 2004 02:43am | #9

   I've got a 14" Jet, if it wasn't bolted to the floor, it would 'vibrate' out of the room.  Spend your hard-earned money on something-anything else.

8. 
   migraine | Aug 21, 2004 06:26am | #11

   I have one, wouldn't recommend it.  Friend has one, he says the same

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 21, 2004 08:42am | #12

   How come?

1. 
   BenA | Aug 22, 2004 02:38am | #14

   jc. If your going to buy the powermatic Deluxe BS, wait until after September 1st. Jet has that tool on green tag special from Sept 1 to Dec 31. Its almost the same program as last year. If you buy a green tag item, you will receive a $ 100 towards your second tool of $399.99 or more, or $ 50 in accessories. And BTW the $899 is map pricing for that tool , so you shouldn't't see it sold for  anything less than that. 

   Good luck in your decision.

2. 
   migraine | Aug 22, 2004 07:31am | #15

   Under rated motor, guide bearings failed prematurely, top tensiong rod stripped out (I haven't gotten the replacement cost on that part yet), upper bearing guide assembly poorly machined/crooked.  Shall I continue??

1. 
   forestgirl | Aug 22, 2004 08:17pm | #18

   When did you buy that Powermatic?

   I sent you a late email yesterday, btw.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   AugieFrise | Aug 22, 2004 06:58pm | #16

   Migraine,

   What model/year griz? 

1. 
   migraine | Aug 22, 2004 08:10pm | #17

   It's a Powermatic, the gold colored series

9. 
   nicobie | Aug 23, 2004 08:55pm | #19

   Before you spend the money for a Powermatic, be sure to check out the Minimax S14. It's in the same price range with way more features. In fact you might be interested in their S16 which is Italian made and just alittle more $.

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

   Ronald Reagan, August 15, 1986

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 25, 2004 03:17pm | #20

   Thanks for the info. I didn't think Minimax had anything in my price range. Spoke with them yesterday .............. looked at some photos- nice looking machine. Do you have one and/or know of any reviews?

1. 
   nicobie | Aug 25, 2004 08:38pm | #21

   Sorry, don't know much about the S14 other than looking it over at a show. It puts Delta and Powermatic 14" saws to shame.

   I own a MM16 and love it. The company's service has been top notch. I have never had better service from anybody. No kidding.Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. Ronald Reagan, August 15, 1986

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 27, 2004 03:27pm | #23

   What did you find better about the Minimax vrs. Delta/Jet/Powermatic? And how is the upper bearing support mounted? I looked at Jet's 16" steel frame machine and the upper guide support appears to be only mounted to the sheet metal of the guard and is not very rigid. Not a good thing I imagine.

2. 
   BG | Aug 29, 2004 04:33pm | #24

   JC,

   I went through the bandsaw process for a couple of years and finally made my decision last Jan.  The powermatic your looking at has got to be the sweetest thing with its cast iron wheels and all, but to compare it to a 16"MinMax, laguna, etc. is a mistake....those machines are in a toatly different league.  One look at the MinMax in person and you'll immediately see it like comparing a SUV with a sub-compact...you can give the sub compact leather seats, sound system and a spoiler...but it ain't no SUV.

   With that said however, you still have to decide if you want that big a machine in your shop.  I ended up buying the 14" Delta (import) because of price (on sale) and most on here have managed quite well with only a 14" saw....all and all I'm very pleased, but I'll bet that powermatic is better...

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 29, 2004 05:36pm | #25

   The more research I do the tougher it's getting to make a choice- maybe ignorance really is bliss. Used to be easy, Delta or Jet but now there are many more choices in this price range (< $900) all with advantages and disadvantages. The 14" MiniMax (S14) looks good on paper. It's a Taiwan built machine with nice features (cast iron wheels, etc). From the the reviews the Grizzly G0555 has me wondering whether the Powermatic and Jet are worth twice the price. Jet now has a 16" steel frame saw in this price range. And I'm still trying to sort out all the guide business. I'd assumed the Carter guides were automatically superior but Lonnie Bird's book has me thinking. And I'm wondering how critical the lower guide location really is. Delta's is the closest to the bottom of the table but is it really a significant advantage?

1. 
   BG | Aug 29, 2004 09:41pm | #26

   JC,

   I know exactly what your saying...even about the Carter guides.  I looked long and hard at all the Grizzlys..I have the cabinet saw.  I was really interested in the bandsaw with cast iron wheels..I was thinking 16, 18, maybe even 20"...but I was also interested in the ISO stuff too.  From the people here, I learned that many who had the big bandsaws also had a 14" for the fine work...and some of those that had big bandsaws did not have TS...just another way to go.

   When I finally decided that a 14" was enough I was ready to order the Grizzly 14" when a deal came my way on the Delta 14" for $410 out the door....actually cheaper than Grizzly...except for one thing, the riser kit is about $125 for the Delta...and about $65 for the Grizzly.  I decided to wait on the riser kit...now I have lot of 8" maple that is dyng to be re-sawed...sigh....lol..ain't it always the way. 

10. 
    MatthewSchenker | Aug 25, 2004 09:09pm | #22

    jc,

    I own a Jet 14" and I have been very happy with it.

    I've had it for about three years or so and it has

    been a solid performer. If you want, go to Amazon.com

    and look for the review I did -- it's pretty extensive

    and covers everything about the saw. Go here to see

    the review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B00006ANS4/ref=cm_rev_next/104-4026911-6323106?%5Fencoding=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=228013&customer-reviews.start=11&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER

    There have been some exciting innovations in the last

    couple of years that seem very interesting, like with the

    new Powermatic you mentioned. Also, Grizzly's new 14" (G055)

    saw looks nice. I am confident that you would be very happy

    with the Jet 14", but you have a lot of other options.

    
    

    ---

    Edited 8/25/2004 2:11 pm ET by Matthew Schenker

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 30, 2004 06:25am | #27

   Many thanks for your review. Do you think the features on the JET 71_0115K warrant the extra $100 it cost vrs. your saw?

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Aug 30, 2004 11:28pm | #28

   jc,

   It looks like the same saw, except they have changed

   two things:

   1. A 1.25-HP instead of a 1-HP motor

   2. A quick-release tension lever.

   The motor upgrade doesn't seem like a big deal to me. The

   quick-release tension level is OK, but I don't see what the

   big deal is. I bought a crank and a high-tension spring for

   my Jet 14" and I can tension/de-tension my saw in about five

   or six seconds. So the tension lever saves you about three

   seconds each time you start and finish your job -- six seconds

   a day. Unless you're a high-powered attorney, six seconds a day

   is not worth $100!

   My suggestion? Buy the "regular" Jet 14" band saw. Then, for the

   same $100, buy a good blade, a tensioner crank, and a high-tension

   spring.

   By the way, I got the tensioner crank and the high-tension spring

   from highland hardware. They are definitely worth the money.

   Here's the link:

   http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=296

   Edited 8/30/2004 4:33 pm ET by Matthew Schenker

1. 
   jc21 | Sep 01, 2004 05:44am | #29

   Thanks one and all for your advice and comments. I ordered a MiniMax S14 today. Fwiw just after I ordered the S14, I picked up the mail which included a Rockler flier. They're offering the Jet 14" 1hp enclosed base model including the fence and miter gauge for $449.00, a heck of a deal.

1. 
   CharlieD | Sep 02, 2004 01:30am | #30

   Wow...jealous...sigh; sniffle...

   enjoy!

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut

2. 
   jc21 | Sep 02, 2004 03:08pm | #31

   Thanks. Pricewise with the promo pricing, it was actually less $ than the Powermatic or the Delta X5 and very little more than the top Jet 14" but............... I'm still second guessing myself and wondering if I did the right thing. Should I have bought the Grizz? Could buy a lot of lumber for the difference in price.  New model, sight unseen .............. we shall see. It's about the toughest tool buying decision I've made. The more reseach I did, the less clear the answer became.

3. 
   CharlieD | Sep 02, 2004 11:39pm | #32

   I think, 20 years from now, you'll stand looking at your MM and think to yourself "Wow...and I almost bought a (insert lesser brand name here)."

   I've seen them, and would REALLY like to have one. Lesser BS's are SO finicky! The MM seems so nice to work with. I love my Delta; it was what I could afford and does the job, but I need to resaw a lot and wish fervently for that steel frame and the ability to tension a wider blade, along with the guides, the horsepower, etc. I can't imagine you'll be sorry. There'll be chances to get lumber, other tools, etc, but this might be your only chance to buy such a nice BS, and BS's are an extremely valuable addition to your tools. Again, I'm jealous.

   Now you can start on your blade collection... {:-O

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut

4. 
   BOBABEUI | Sep 03, 2004 03:49pm | #33

   Hey JC,

   Congratulations on your purchase of a Minimax bandsaw. I have bought many power tools and I can honestly say that the only power tool I would repurchase again without thinking about it, is my MM16, it's is a please to use.

   I did much reseach and soul searching, and you may think I am kidding, but after much deliberation my wife and I were at a Woodworking show where she MADE me buy the MM16. I am glad she did

   Good luck

5. 
   jc21 | Sep 04, 2004 03:23pm | #34

   I hadn't even considered MiniMax till Nicobie mentioned the S14. I think it will do what I need it to, it fits my budget, and if it's anywhere near the standards of the MM16, I'll be happy.