Choice of machinery

BigD1 | Posted in General Discussion on February 8, 2009 02:20am

I am in the market for some power tools. My list is: 12 inch table saw, 19 inch band saw, 12 inch jointer, 20 inch planer. With allot of different makes and models on the market, I would like to get the best bang for my “BUCK.” I’m even open to buying good used machinery. Any input would help. If you have used tools for sale, that would be a consideration also. Looking at Grizzly in all my choices. Don’t know a thing about their tools….except made over sea’s. Powermatic looks good. Let me know if you can. I look forward to opinions. Thanks. Don…Nevada

Replies

frenchy | Feb 08, 2009 04:15am | #1
It's nearly impossible to get an unbiased persons opinion on this equipment.. I don't know of anybody who buys several brands to compare them side by side..

The magazines that test them seem to be very happy with many Grizzly tools as have I

All of my shop equipment which includes all of the things you list are from Grizzly .. they have performed extremely well for me and I have used them very hard..

50,000 bd.ft of rough sawn hardwood has been milled shaped etc. using that equipment and thus far the only failure was one drive belt which I purchased at my local NAPA place for about $5.00. That's in over 7 years!
KeithNewton | Feb 08, 2009 08:38am | #2
it seems that I receive an auction notice daily from From: [email protected]

If I were planning to buy equipment, this is where I would be spending my money. Most of it seems to be along the Eastern coast, but for 10¢ on the $, you could afford to make a trip or two for a load, or hire a rigger to haul it for you. You would likely have to pay freight to get it there anyway.

I think you can get better than griz for less money if you stay after it and wait for opportunity. This is a good time for buying equipment if you have ready cash, in my opinion.
roc | Feb 08, 2009 10:37am | #3
>12 inch jointer, 20 inch planer. <

Damn ! Can I come play at your house? You are going to have some great toys ! ! !

roc
KiddervilleAcres | Feb 08, 2009 03:01pm | #4
Big,

If yur lookin for new it will most likely not be made is the US, if that's a consideration. On the other hand, buying used opens lots of doors for opportunity. When the dust hits the floor it's pretty hard to beat old iron, as Keith suggests.

In most cases, heavy metal = old.

Regards,

Bob @ Kidderville Acres

A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
woodhacker | Feb 08, 2009 03:48pm | #5
Watch to see what shows up on craigslist. There's a lot of junk on the site, but sometimes some real treasures show up. I sold my 16 inch jointer and 32 inch bandsaw through the site. Also picked up a 3 hp shaper with 1/2 hp stock feeder for $300 there. Patience is the keyword when shopping craigslist.
bones | Feb 08, 2009 04:32pm | #6
I'm a hobbyist and have found that Grizz is a great deal. I have 10" TS, 17" BS, 12" jointer, and the Horizontal Boring machine. I have been very pleased with all.

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.
boilerbay | Feb 08, 2009 05:41pm | #7
As far as the saw and jointer, you may want to look into a euro slider combo set up. A lot of the manufacturers are selling cheap now and also lots of rebuilds. Mini-mix, Felder etc. The 20" planar- that's a little on the large side but Griz or PM should be OK.

Boiler

EDIT spelling

Edited 2/8/2009 9:42 am by boilerbay