Replies

1. 
   bhackford | Dec 08, 2002 05:07am | #1

   I bought a grizzly last year, a 1023. It was huge upgrade for me since I was using a 1940 craftsman contractor saw that my Grandfather had given to me. The Grizzly is great and I would recommend it to anyone. I purchased some setup tools which made aligning and check the saw upon delivery easy. These were worth the $100 I spent.

1. 
   jefftobin | Dec 08, 2002 05:16am | #2

   Thanks for the info I appreciate it.

   Jeff

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Dec 08, 2002 05:54am | #3

   Price aside, the 1023S is a good saw.  Factor in the price and you get a great deal.  If you want to spend the extra $100, the 1023SL not only gives the added safety of left tilt, but is also a heavier machine.

   Don't really know anything about the Bridgewood, but the Shop Fox delivers Grizzly quality with the added benefit of having a local dealer to help if problems should occur.  Good luck.

   Jeff

1. 
   BG | Dec 08, 2002 06:15am | #4

   Jeff K, and Jeff,

   I just got my Griz 1023s delivered two weeks ago.  The 1023sl is not really heavier..the spec sheets are screwed up.  The SL weight includes the weight of the fox classic fense...the S does not...there may be a few pounds difference but no where near the 70 lb differential listed n the specs.

   I'm still getting used to the saw...and I'm a little scared of it still.  I know, it sounds stupid but it is big and powerful and I want to make sure I have a good routine down before I go at it. The table top is larger than I am used to..and stretching that extra distance to get the stock past the saw blade...well, I need to get used to that.  Tonight i made a new outfeed table...tomorrow, new push sticks..little things that make it more comfortable.  Today I bought a General tenon holder at the woodworking show in woosta (Worchester, MA) ...its the only tenon holder that can work form either dado.

   Anyhow, Jeff, with all respect to Powermatic, Delta, and Jet this saw is more than we'll ever need and the price puts it in the catagory of a contractor saw....very happy customer...

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Dec 08, 2002 06:04pm | #5

   Don't fret about being uncomfortable aroung the new saw, and give yourself plenty of time to get used to it.  I think that when we stop being a bit afraid of it, we've forgotten how dangerous it can be and that's when accidents happen.  Enjoy.

   Jeff

3. 
   Windwoodtrader | Dec 08, 2002 06:48pm | #6

   This message is copied from the vast amount of similar info from message string 8938 dealing with table saws. There are 108 right now!I simply copied my message over. Look to that message string to find out just about anything you want about table saws.

   Regarding the Grizz saw line-

   I purchased a 1023Z (heavy duty) about a year ago. I did extensive research and watched the Jet cabinet saws go from $1100 to North of $1400 in a three year period while I evaluated all. I got the saw, one 10" carbide 40 tooth blade, a sliding table which is easily (read as 2 minutes) removed, a Shop Fox fence - You could lift the saw with this fence and it will not have deviated 1/16"th, a mobile base and shipping for just under $1300.00 this critter weighs in over 500 pounds as I've listed. The saw has a triple belt drive and it passed the nickel, PENNY AND DIME vibration test!

   I had some parts missing like a couple of ratchet handles for the sliding table, an adhesive scale and a couple of specialty brackets. I didn't discover the missing parts for 6 months as I had not installed the slider until then. I called them up and referred to the missing parts by catalog number. No problem- they arrived in two days, no questions asked.

   My only gripes are that the shipping care they used is a joke. Stuff appeared to be just dropped into the boxes. As I said, tho they didn't flinch when I told them of the corner of the box worn off and parts missing. Although the table is very flat the casting edges were not to my liking and I ground several pieces at the edges. All in all I am very pleased. My alternative choices were the Jet, Delta, and General. I figure that any of them would add at least 50% more than I paid equipped in the same way. I would make the same choice today.

   WindyWood

1. 
   BG | Dec 08, 2002 08:02pm | #7

   Windy,

   I thought for quite a while over weather or not to upgrade to the 'Z'.  The Fox Fense (your saw), as opposed to the Fox Classic (my saw) is it worth it?  I know yours is better, but from a practical point of view are there other advantages?

   The sliding table..I understand it won't work with the SL..left tilt..isn't the Z a left tilt..?  thanks

1. 
   Windwoodtrader | Dec 08, 2002 08:20pm | #8

   Hi, BG

   My saw is a RIGHT tilt so the sliding table does not interfere. Grizz may make the 1023Z in left tilt at this time, probably do, I'm not sure.

   The Shop Fox fence on my machine is SOLID! It anchors at front AND back and locks down tightly so that there is little chance of it going out of whack. The only tradeoff is that an outfeed table must take into consideration that a hunk of iron rail occupies the back of the saw table. My homemade outfeed table hinges up behind the fence when I need it, leaving a gap of 2" between the saw and outfeed tables.

   Hope this helps,

   WindyWood

1. 
   BG | Dec 08, 2002 09:18pm | #9

   Windy,

   Yes it does, thanks. The classic has a rear support also, but what its doing I can't figure out.  It really only comes into play when you move the fense beyond the table top.  I started to construct an outfeed table that would take advantage of the 'shelf'.  I've backed off on that idea and may put a little (6-8") flip up wing on the roll up outfeed table I already have and just modified to accomodate the saw height.  Of course, I may both...a drop down panel off the back of the saw..and a roll up outfeed table with a flip up shelf.  The thrid alternative is to watch the Bills and New England and just think about it...lol 

2. 
   jefftobin | Dec 09, 2002 01:18am | #10

   Great conversations, thanks for the help, I will go off to the other string mentioned and read some more. What is the difference between the two shop fox fences; Classic vs precision? Do they micro adjust?

   Jeff

1. 
   BG | Dec 09, 2002 05:09am | #11

   Jeff,

   I have the Fox Classic which is the smaller and less expensive of the two.  No, you cannot micro-adjust the classic.  It's very solid and moves nicely.  It locks in place in the front (single point) and you can adjust the lock to be firmer.  In other words, if the fense move with less than 50 lbs presure...you can tighten the lock to resist high pounds of pressure...so it says in the manual..   

4. 
   RobP22 | Dec 10, 2002 08:24am | #12

   Why sell your your contractor's saw? I own the same one by Delta and I think its a fine machine. I would save your dough for a Unisaw or PW66 if you really want to upgrade. If you don't have the Biesemeyer or unifence, get the first, along with link belts, better pulleys, and switching your motor to run on 220V. You could invest a bit in your exixting saw to make it better and save money to buy something else, like a good plate joiner.