Can anyone give any advice, comment on the Grizzly line of machines – specifically their table saws, jointers and band saws? Are they good quality? Customer service?
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Replies
If you do a search of the archives, you'll find a lot of discussion on this topic. The bottom line is that Grizzly, like (almost?) all manufacturers, has a lot of good machines, and a few you'll want to stay away from. Let us know what specific models you are thinking of. In their catalogue and on their web site you'll notice quite a few of their machines have won quality and/or value awards.
Jeff
Edited 9/27/2002 10:37:53 PM ET by Jeff K
Grizzly customer service is excellent. I own the G1023S cabinet saw and the G1073 16" bandsaw.Both are excellent machines. The bandsaw is 2 HP 220 volts and weighs well over 400 lbs. The only limitation on this saw is resaw capacity.It will resaw about 8" , there is no way to add risers blocks as the arm is a solid cast iron casting.The cabinet saw in my opinion is as good as the Delta unisaw and the Jet cabinet saw.Only powermatic and General would be better saws in the 10" class.
The fence is a biesmire clone, the miter gauge is a heavy cast iron gauge which is the most accurate of all the regular miter gauges I have used.I cannot speak for every Grizzly tool but these two machines are well worth the money. I use them every day in my shop and never had any problems.
Does anyone have any expeerience with the G1012 18" heavy duty bandsaw? I have seen some reviews and they seemed to be all favorable. It is appealing to me because of it's resaw capacity. Any comments?
I am specifically looking at the table saw and band saw, as well as an 8" jointer, so your comments are quite helpful.
Syn14, it really depends how much you expect from your tools. for some woodworkers they are more than ideal if you don't expect too much from them. it is entirely possible to tune up a grizzly machine and have it running great, but you may have to put a lot of work into it. if your planning on making these your final machine purchases save up a few more bucks and go top of the line. the most important thing you can do is to go see them for yourself before you make up your mind, and also check out the top of the line machines like general, powermatic and some of the euro machines so you can judge whether or not you think they'd be worth the extra money, and so you won't be stuck wondering what your missing. hope this helps
andrew
if your planning on making these your final machine purchases save up a few more bucks and go top of the line.
Well, Andrew, I purchased what a lot of the professional WW folks I 'hang' with advised me to be a 'top of the line' cabinet saw. The Delta Unisaw. Now this isn't intended to start a Delta vs PowerMatic vs Grissly vs whatever. Just a reply regarding the perception of "top of the line".
Given that a sizeable number of people consider the Unisaw a genuine article, I was somewhat perplexed to find, on assembling my brand new, out of the box, American made machine that;
1) the table (or the cast iron wings, one of the other) was warped badly enough I had to solicit help from the kind folk here to learn how to get the edges of both, yes both wings to align flush with the mating edges of the table;
2) The splitter and blade guard assembly slides on a post that fits in the back of the table. There was so much paint on the inside of the fitting that slides onto this post it took quite a bit to get it reamed out enough just to get the thing to slide on correctly;
3) There was so much paint in the tapped holes of the unifence rail that I spent about 40% of the assembly time just getting the fence attached;
4) I was peeved enough about all these little things (that added up pretty quickly) that I went out and bought an Aline-it tool with dial indicator to check out all the rest of the "stuff".
OK - everything mentioned above was tuneable to the point where they became insignificant. But after this experience, I'm of the opinion that if you take the time to examine any tool in the showroom and have adequate measurement devices to check things like arbor flange runout, play in the arbor bearings, parallelism of the miter slots, etc., and if that saw costs $900, everything else being more or less equal, this is the machine to buy. Write down the serial number and insist that they sell you that particular saw. Top of the line is more than a name, if you ask me.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
Interesting comments about your Unisaw. You may wish to visit the Pentair (Delta's owner) web site to view their 2001 financial report. In his comments, the CEO specifically mentions "reinvigorating" their tool divisions and returning them to previous levels of performance - a task which he admits has not yet been accomplished.
Did you contact Delta; and (if so) were they helpful?
Jeff
(Did a spell check on this before posting and it wanted to change Unisaw into Tunisia!)
Edited 9/27/2002 10:57:58 PM ET by Jeff K
Did you contact Delta; and (if so) were they helpful?
With regard to the little annoyances with my Unisaw ....
My first line of customer support is, normally for me, my dealer. I've been dealing with Eastside Saw here in Bellevue WA for quite some time. When I brought these things to their attention, they were ready to take the saw back in a heartbeat. All I had to do is bring it back to their shop. But in reality, I had to examine my expectation: was a table that was .080 our of flat across the corners *really* going to be an issue. Once I got everything assembled, the machine does a perfectly adequate job given my level of workmanship and competence. And I suspect it will for more years to come. I doubt I will ever outgrow this saw. As I mentioned, I picked up some tools that were long needed in my shop, anyway, tools for tweaking and tuning the rest of the machines. Looking at the arbor runout (next to immeasurable) Arbor flange runout (negligible) I couldn't see where a table with that small a deviation would be a concern for me.
But no, to answer your question, I didn't have any contact with Delta. My dealer gave me all the attention and satisfaction I needed and expected. I suppose, had they stonewalled the issue I might have gotten my hackles up and made a fuss. But they didn't, and I didn't.
The point is, tbhough, I don't think we should automatically assume that because it says PowerMatic, or Delta, etc., and because it costs $1600-2000, it's automatically a better piece of equipment. Perhaps there's a longevity issue associated with the higher priced equipment. But how many of us hobby wood worker types can expect to wear out a table saw? I had the old Craftsman contractor's saw for close to 30 years. It still runs great, perhaps a great as when I bought it. I just wanted more power, better fence, more stability, and so forth. Did I have to pay $1600 to get it? Probably not. Having read a lot about these Grizzly tools, I wish I'd done more shopping.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
The only reason I haven't purchased Grizzly machinery is the lack of a dealer. My local shop (Woodworker's Depot in Green Bay, WI) is a lot easier to deal with and eager to please than any corporation. Although I've had only good service from Grizzly with hand tools and small power tools, I still like the idea of seeing the machine (sometimes hundreds of times!) before buying it, and knowing help is only a few miles away.
With the exception of that @$@%!! Sharpening Center, I can't say I've ever had a problem with a Delta tool. However, when one looks at most of the newer machines, so much stands out as being the product of cost-cutting. Why should one have to pay extra for a dust port on a Unisaw? Why are blade guards so poorly designed? Does plastic really reduce the price of a machine by very much?
I've recently been looking at used (read: old) machinery. I really think that an old Delta or Powermatic is a lot more machine than the new ones, and usually costs less. When it's my dealer selling the machine I still have my support/service. I'd say that all adds up to great value as well as a lot less swearing and frustration.
Jeff
Edited 9/28/2002 12:14:41 AM ET by Jeff K
I agree with the idea of having a local source for after purchase support, Jeff. That's the main reason I didn't go for the General, which was actually my first choice in upgrading my TS. The nearest dealer was in Portland OR, a half day's drive from my place. Whereas my local dealer is less than a half hour.
I understand about the sharpening center - don't have any idea what they intend that thing to be for! (grin). I do like the AL oxide wheel, though, since I don't have any other hi-speed grinder in my shop at this time.
I also like to work with metal and someday intend on getting a metal lathe. Grizzly is at the top of my wishlist at the moment. One of their main showrooms is in Bellingham WA which isn't too far from where we'll be located in about a year. I subscribe to the "touchy-feely" approach to tool shopping myself.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
I'm not into the touchy-feely approach. I prefer to go with whatever makes me drool, and lately I've been drooling over Grizzly's milling machine for metal and wood. I wonder how it would be at chopping mortises?
Jeff
Grizzly's milling machine for metal and wood. I wonder how it would be at chopping mortises?
Dunno but I'm kinda impressed with their metal lathes. I think for someone like me that only wants to make a piece of metal round once in a while, they would be fine. Of course the Central Machine stuff from Harbor Freight might do as well, too.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Jeff asked:
..." I've been drooling over Grizzly's milling machine for metal and wood. I wonder how it would be at chopping mortises?"
Grizzly's wood mill is fine for woodworking and light metal working. It doesn't have enough mass in the ram for the head and the knee/saddle for heavier work and the lowest speed isn't slow enough for bigger metal cutters. It doesn't have a micrometer collar on the quill downfeed so accurate depth adjustment needs to be done with the knee; there are accessories available to overcome this one adjustment problem from other suppliers but most are pretty expensive. The lead screws for table and knee adjustments are five threads per inch and this is pretty coarse for highly accurate metal working and the micrometer collars are incremented in .002" increments instead of the normal .001". When considering a machine like a milling machine make sure and budget for tooling which can easily run as much as the machine. I don't think much of the machine vises offered by Grizzly and suggest you get a good one from another source (can you say expensive too?). I also strongly suggest you get the more expensive version with the power feed on the X-axis and add way covers before you use the machine for woodworking.
Okay, now I've covered all the negatives of the machine I can think of except that much of the tooling I wanted isn't available for woodworking and I've had to make a lot of what we use. Mortising with the wood mill is incredible and more accurate than any other wood working machine--far more accurate. It's also capable of things most people never dreamed possible. We put one of these in our shop almost a year ago and it was so successful we now have two of them. The capability of this machine is limited only by your imagination and the size of material you can figure out how to mount on the table. We use ours as shapers, drill presses, saws, mortising machines, horizontal and vertical lathes.
Larry,
I didn't check, but I believe the milling machine is close in price to the floor mortisers , isn't it? I suspected it might not be the greatest at metal working applications, but it looks like it would excel at a lot of woodworking, and be very helpful for doing what little metal work I would have. Thanks,
Jeff
Edited 9/30/2002 3:01:49 PM ET by Jeff K
I agree Dennis. i have the delta contractors saw and It does everything I need/want it to do. Ive cut everything from 8/4 oak to pecan /hickory with it and no problems. I wanted a bigger saw like your UniSaw but if the one I got does it all for me then why buy another. Now If the motor would just burn out so I can buy a 2 hp baldor :) Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
Andrew when is the last time you worked with a Grizzly tool? They have made a lot of changes since their early days. Many of their tools come out of the boxes right on the money ready to go to work with little to no problems at all now days.
Bart, the last time I used a grizzly machine was about a year ago. i've used some of their newer machines as well as some of their older machines and yes the newer ones are better than the older ones. still, they're not anywhere near in the same league as a General or a Felder.
I know I'll probably get a lot of sh!t from this but IMO grizzly machines are like Ikea furniture. Now as woodworkers we all know the short comings of Ikea, but an awful lot of people have Ikea stuff in there house and think it's great.
(Grizzly machines)...(are) not anywhere near in the same league as a General or a Felder.
And General is not in the same league as Felder. And Felder is not in the same league as Martin. And Craftsman is not in the same league as Grizzly. But there's a huge span of prices in that list.
What is your point?
Hmmmm! I'd go the other way, Grizzley is not in the same league as Craftsman. JMO, but I don't think much of Rigid except for their plumbing and piping tools, and Craftsman is better off with Ryobi. Craftsman has both a 10 and 12 inch cabinet saw and both are much better then Grizzley IMO (and many others I won't name). If you have the chance, check them out sometime.
Actually, you make a good point though. Most US machines are mediocre (sp?) along with the left coast imports. They are price point driven, and there's nothing wrong with that whereas IMO the right coast imports are a status thing and most not worth anywhere near what they cost.
Don--
I'm curious. What about the Craftsman table saw, for instance, makes it a league ahead of a comparable Grizzly saw? I've not tried either.
Don Brown
Don,
Mostly little stuff, but it all matters. The craftsman machines are both 100+ pounds heavier then the Grizzley counterpart. Their fences are much better the Grizzley's. Grizzley's top of the line fence is the Shop Fox which I don't think much of to begin with. Again, that's just my opinion. Craftsman's cabinet saws have emergency kill switches apart from the onoff switch and the onoff switch box is keyed with a "real" key, not one of those plugs. The arbor is plenty long to be washered with a full dado blade. The casebase is set up for springrubber floor mounts--same as some large compressors. Talk about something that will really make a difference with vibration. The saw is not a hybred since that has become a popular discussion.
I don't know who makes these, what craftsman calls, "professional" machines, but their 8" jointer has the extendable table out to 86" and I think the only other company I've seen offer that is General International.
It's vouge to trash craftsman, and they did work hard to earn some of that trashing, but they ain't all bad. And I'll tell you what, the best 3/8ths cordless drill for the money is the 16.8 craftsman. I don't know what they did, but they sure got that tool right.
Don
Edited 9/29/2002 7:36:04 PM ET by Don C.
Don-
Thanks for the info. I checked the Craftsman on the web, and it looks like a good, solid machine.
Full disclosure: I have a Rojek Euro saw with the riving knife, crown guard, and a beefy sliding table. But I was interested in the original question. For part-time use, and not in a production shop, won't either the Craftsman or the Grizzly get the job done well? They both have that crumby splitter and blade guard, but so do Delta, Jet, General, et al.
For sawing accurately and repeatably, why is either such a bad deal? Seems to me like they both are way ahead of current Delta quality.
I do have a Grizzly oscillating spindle sander that weighs a ton, has a large cast iron table and every size spindle size in the civilized world. It is a great machine for the same price as some bench-top spindle sanders.
Don,
Don't look at what I write as trashing any tool line, but as defending Craftsman. Most people trash them without knowing anything about them. You mention Delta, truth is, Delta has nothing over Craftsman except a much larger product line. One problem with craftsman top of line tools is they are all mail order unless you happen to live near one of their tool stores. Most people have never seen these machines. Another problem is everyone assumes their tools come strictly from Ryobi. Not true. Look up their current codes and you'll see rockwell, florida pnumatic, Ingersoll Rand, Milwaukee, and many more. Sears really should market and advertise this and what tools are made by whom. But another problem is people want to spend 39.99 on a circular saw and then complain it doesn't perform like a $140 pc, dewalt, milwaukee, etc. The problem here isn't with craftsman, it's with the idiots who don't know how to buy tools to fulfill their needs. But then again, most would rather trash a tool rather then discuss how stupid they are! haha
I've heard good things about the Grizzley oscillating spindle machine. As far as safety goes for US and left coast import tools go, I don't think there is any secret there. The best and safest isn't even offered as an option. What's that about? Price point?
Don
DON: HI Buddy, are you either a Sears/Craftsman salesman or a stock holder???? <G> ONLY KIdding.. I noticed you have been on this Craftsman kick on here and the other forums where you post, Just seems that people including me still have that bad taste from Craftsman tools left in our mouths from when Sears screwed us all with those lousy power tools they were pedling there for a while.. Im sorry, maybe things have changed, I dont know.. but you sure seem to think that everything is rosey again with there tools, and granted maybe they are..I guess Im going to have to revisit the Tool Territory, and check things out for myself, Oh by the way your right about there Proffesional line it is excellent..I have there catalog and theres a salesperson who drops in at work, we use there stuff there too...
Take Care.. ToolDoc
Doc,
Not at all. They have some junk but it's self evident. As in my last post to Don, don't spend 40 bucks on a saw and expect to get the same results as $140 saw. I see this alot and then trashing craftsman. That don't work with me.
What I like more then anything else about craftsman is their availability. As a contractor who travels alot, I can drop a cordless tool from a second story to a basement, ruin it, go to a sears store and get it replaced. I'm even honest about using the tools "professionally" which should void the warranties, but they've never cared. Of course I carry the extended coverage which will cover this stuff. I've had too many dewalt's that you just look sternly and they break, and then try to get a local dealer to take care of you. The only ones around here that will are again sears. What's that about? I don't know.
No, their not the best toolsmachines available, but for the money they are competitive and at least worth a look. I'll say this again, I've owned at least 20 cordless drills, and except for the milwaukee which costs a mint, the 16.8 craftsman is the best available--at least of the standardcommon brands.
Don
This summer I bought the 6" jointer with handwheels. So far it's worked great, fairly easy to set up, although the fence was not packed in the box. I had bought it at the Muncy store and when I went to set the fence I discovered it wasn't there. I called and had it in 2 days. I got the least expensive model, which comes with a stand you have to assemble as opposed to the one piece stand that comes with the more expensive models. Same jointer, different stand. Now I wish I had spent the extra for the beefier stand. I get a bit of vibration from the stand. Otherwise, I think I got a decent tool.
TC,
Replace the belt with a linkbelt. *Poof* No more vibration.
I have the 6" Gizzly jointer. It leaves nothing to be desired for a 6" machine. Its fence is massive for a 6" jointer. Very positive, very smooth adjusting. Tables are well within tolerances. Cuts beautifully.
The 14" bandsaw is a good machine. No frills. No problems. It does everything a 14" machine should do.
The 10" contractor's saw is well made. Again - no frills. No problems.
These machines will win no awards for fit and finish, nor for cutting-edge industrial design. But they make no pretentions, and they are reliable.
Tech support is excellent. They are willing to fully support their product even after the warranty period.
PS, I have no affiliation with the company.
Rich
I would agree with the following points already made:
I own the 1019Z 14" bandsaw. It's a bit fussy to set up (have to reset the guides each time I change heights) but the power is good and the price was very, very good. I don't do that much right now with the bandsaw, so it was the right machine for me. I suspect their 16" saw is probably a better saw. My next bandsaw will probably be a Jet or Delta, but only if I need it (unless, of course, I can afford a Laguna, LOL). I had to get new upper-guide bracket, as the originals were a bad cast.
Tablesaws: Aside from their 1023S, I'm not super-familiar with track records. The 1022Pro looks like a great saw for the money, but the fact that it doesn't have locks for the blade height and angle wheels makes me nervous. One of our Knotheads bought one about a month ago, and so far he seems to really like it. See if you can find that thread (search for "1022Pro Grizzly" updated within the last month).
Jointers: Quite a few people have reported they have a Grizzly jointer and really like it. The 8" jointer looks to me to be a very good buy.
I would probably not buy their planer (better planers available at not much higher prices -- their's doesn't have a head lock). Wouldn't mind having one of their disk/belt sander combos. Would think the drill presses are probably OK.
Their customer service is excellent -- based on experience!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I have had good luck with Grizzly tools. I had a 1022Z contractors saw for five years, used it every day to build a little of everything. I now have the 1018 8" jointer. I like it. We have one at work and it gets abused alot more than mine does and we have never had a problem. I plan on buying the 3hp shaper in the future.
My father-in-law owns several Grizzly tools, his tablesaw, jointer, planer, disc sander and several others are the lower priced tools that he has had for almost 15 years and he has had no problems with any of them.
The customer service is far better than most I think. I go to the Bellingham show room every now and then and end up drooling on the floor. I think the fit and finish is as good if not better than most other brands and most of their prices are a real steal.
Good luck.
Steve
Ahhhhh, another NWer -- Steve, how far do you live from Bellingham? Dontcha just love their showroom? I'm on Bainbridge, so it's a fair trip, but beautiful drive.
Do you have any experience with any of their drill presses? I suspect someday I'll want to graduate from a benchtop model to something more substantial, and am wondering about the Grizzlies.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: when your ready to move up from your bench top drill press, you might want to check out the Delta site at http://www.deltawoodworking.com or call 1-800-438-2486 and request a free catalog..oh by the way Stacie the Delta girl there is a real cute one just like YOU...
Happy WoodWorking... ToolDoc
Forest girl, I am from Anacortes. When I am home its about a 45 minute drive for me. Their show room is pretty impressive. Right now I am stationed in San Diego, at least for a few more months. I am going to be transferred to either Everett or Bremerton when this tour is up.
My dad has a 12" benchtop drill press. I think the only problem he's had with it is the switch somehow got a little moisture in it. probably from sitting in his shop. It drills good holes in wood and metal. Its a little older, it has a cast body, and a metal cover.
Your probably going to get the same results with a Grizzly as you would any other brand. I think all the different brands look as if they were made in the same factory but painted a different color. I would look at who had the best deal. My father-in-law goes up to the Grizzly show room more than I get to, and he often sees closeouts, floor models or scratched machines at a discount. If it were me, that would be the route I would go. As long as the chuck doesn't wobble and the table locks at 90 degrees other than a belt going bad, theres not much else to worry about.
I have only seen 1 mediocre tool come from Grizzly, It was the 18" bandsaw on an open stand. Not sure the model. My Grandfather owned it and it was kind of a clunker.
Good luck, maybe I'll run into you one of these days up there (he, he, he).
Steve
I am currently using the G7948 1.5 HP single phase drill press from Grizzly. It is being used mostly to drill 3" holes with a Forstner bit in the likes of purpleheart so it works hard. The only problem was a set-up one -- there were loose nuts. I had a problem in that the manual didn't show the depth stop setting for my model but an e-mail to Grizzly produced an immediate response.I'm just breaking in the G1495 lathe -- it seems very good so far except for a problem obtaining fittings for a 1" dia. 12pt headstock -- I'd be pleased if anyone could point me in the direction of a stockist.
Hi Steve,
I"m looking at 8" jointer to buy in the next few days. I have a Grizzly shaper 3HP and like it. I'm looking also at the Bridgewood which has 4 knives, a Baldor motor, but no magnetic switch. Any thoughts?
Dario
I really have enjoyed my 8"jointer, I would buy the same one all over again if I had to. I have had real good luck with Grizzly. I don't know much about Bridgewood tools. I have never even seen one. I have heard good things about them. Just from what I have heard they are a solid line of machinery. Baldor motors are about as good as it gets. I have used my jointer pretty hard and its never let me down. I will probably buy more Grizzly tools in the near future. I have on my list a 3hp shaper and possibly a planer. Grizzly is fairly convient for me and I am satisfied with their service.
I would like to know how your shaper is holding up.
Good luck,
Steve
Edited 10/13/2002 7:54:28 PM ET by SROB200
Has anyone tried, bought or used Grizzly's 20" HD planer?
Glendo.
I have a Grizzly model 1021 15" planer, and it does have a locking head. This planer is robustly built, and does a simply great job. We have run literally miles of boards through it, and it's never had any problems. Plus, the knives are easy to change, provided you use a Magnaset.
Dick
Hi Dick, on the planers I was (secretly, in my own mind, LOL) referencing the 12" or 12-1/2" models. I'd love to have a 15" planer, wow! It's just that now, with the older 12-1/2" Delta down around the $290-$315 level, and their brand spankin' new 2-speed planer in the same $$ range as the Rigid (a little over $400, I think) if I was to get a 13"+or- planer it wouldn't be a Grizzly.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I have never used a Grizzly planer, but the 13" planer in their catalogue has a 1 1/2 HP induction motor. This is a world of difference from the Delta universal motor. I used to own a Dewalt 12 1/2" planer , sold it cheap and bought the Jet 13" planer molder. The Jet has a 1 1/2HP motor and is a very good machine with molding capability.
If your are going to plane wood more than occasionaly I would get a planer with an induction motor.
>>12" planers...
I have the Grizzly 12" planer and like it; I only give it light use, so I don't know how it would perform if worked everyday, but the lack of a head lock hasn't ever bothered me. It's certainly built solidly. At the same time, I have no basis for comparison with other makes, and since some other makes now have features like dual speeds, disposable blades and locking heads, there may not be a lot of reason to get the Grizzly anymore, especially at the price.
Norm @ now in Fujino but was born and raised a Portlander.
". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."
Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
Hi Norm, how's it going? The whole planer thing with Grizzly is a mystery to me! Their 12-1/2" is priced right at what you can get a Delta 12-1/2" for, but with no headlock, and the blades aren't self-indexing so they want you to buy a knife setting jig for $30. Their 12" planer is $80 more! That really stumps me. The specs are virtually the same between the 2 machines, why would someone pay the extra $80??? I even asked the guys at Grizzly about this, and they didn't have any answer for it.
Seems to me that their focus may be more on the stationary sanders, and the portables are an afterthought -- not that they don't work really well, but it just seems they're not too concerned about competing with the other companies when it comes to the 12" benchtops. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
FG: without seeing their machines side-by-side, I have to agree. The pricing seems weird to me, too. As I recall, they said a year ago that they were planning to retire the 12" from their lineup, even though it got "Best of . . ." awards when it first came out, but they now say they've decided to keep flogging it due to "popular demand." I don't use their optional blade alignment gage, by the way, just a wooden gage made according to their instruction manual. I've had no problems, but since other makers are introducing self-indexing and disposable blades, the pricing does seem a bit strange--unless again there's something seriously different about the rest of the design that makes that premium price worthwhile. It's a good planer, no doubt, but I'd have a hard time justifying buying it now simply due to the availability of so many other 12" planers at cheaper prices.
". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."
Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
Jamie: Noticed you said you would like to replace your bench top drill press someday, check out Harbor Freight, they have Central Machinery power tools..
There 16 speed floor model drill press has a 3/4 hp motor 5/8 chuck, $199.99 and theres no shipping charges, also have a other one for $169.00..
The Grizzly floor model drill press is 12 speeds, 3/4 hp 5/8 chuck..$199.00.. but shipping is $55.00= total $254.95
I have one of there bench drill presses that I bought many years ago when they first started in business, and it runs like a champ.. The Harbor Freight brand
Guess it doesnt really matter if your going to just pick it up at Grizzlys store, but theres state taxes, soo if you ordered fron HF there would be a savings..
As far as the two companys go, and there tools there both made in taiwan..
ToolDoc
Edited 9/28/2002 8:59:49 PM ET by TOOLDOC
There's a Harbor Freight outlet up in Everett, a few tens of miles north of us, Doc. Don't know if ordering by mail would avoid the state taxes since they, Harbor Freight, does business here in WA.
Glad to hear you're pleased with your drill press. I've been eye-balling some of the metal working tools they have wondering if they'd be up to the occasional challenge I'd offer up to them.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Like I said there drill press has served me well all these years soo i cant say anything bad about em, I have noticed on other forums that certain Harbor Freight tools are being noticed by more and more people as very good buys, of course theres always debates ongoing over them too.I see that most like there dust collectors, 4-speed band saw, and jointers& a few like the table saw. oh and the lathes.. I seeyour point about the sales tax issue, we dont have a harbor freight store here, boy wish we did, over the years I have bought lots from them....
ToolDoc
Doc -
I think in particular with respect to metal working tools, the tolerances are even higher than we ww types think we need for machining wood. Plus the stresses involved with metal working are probably higher as well. Thus the rigidity, accuracy and longevity issues come into play quite a bit more with respect to lathes and milling machines designed for working metal. And what about the one or three times one decides to turn some threads on a piece of 1"dia stainless? (grin).
My brother's a machinist and brought these issues to light when I asked him about the Grizzly stuff. For what I probably want to do, they're fine. In a full time production shop they'd be fine. For a while. If I made my living with those kinda tools, I might be a little suspicious. But I don't (make my living with them) so if & when I get the shop space for any metal working tools, Grizzly and Central Machine will be on the shopping list.
I should mention, though, that I did have a small bench mounted belt sander that belonged to my father-in-law that I inherited after he passed away. I used it for a while but got tired chasing it around the shop (vibration prone is putting it mildly) - ended up selling it in a garage sale. That was my first and only experience with Central Machine tools. Given that it was purchased quite a few years ago, the quality of their machines may well have improved.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: quite true about needing more accurate tools for metal work compared to woodworking.. I have a small Craftsman sander 4X36 simular to the Central Machinery one you had mentioned,and yes it shakes, rattles & rolls also <LOL>
The Harbor Freight tools seems like a good bang for the Buck.. its nice when you live by one of there stores and can check em out for yourself....
I live a few miles away from the Grizzly-- Muncy store and have looked them over too...
ToolDoc
its nice when you live by one of there stores and can check em out for yourself....
Doc -
If there's ever anything in the CM tool line you would like me to check out, please don't hesitate to 'suggest' I should take a drive up to the Everett store. It's not that far and I certainly don't need a great deal of prompting to make a trip to a tools store. Any tool store!
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Thanks for offering to do that for me, it was very nice of you.. at the present time Im not really in the market for anything,But that can change at any given time..LOL..
Take Care Buddy........ ToolDoc
I think that the comment that Harbor Freight or Grizzly might not be the tools you want to make your livlihood with is cogent.
With my Grizzly dust collector the motor bearings were totally unshielded. With direct drive that puts the dust right into the bearings and it didn't take long for the bearings to lock up. When I replaced them with sealed bearings I found that the motor had been assembled with the shielding on the inside of the motor. I didn't want more of the same so I got new bearings from a reputable supplier.
My 18 inch Grizzly bandsaw was not such an easy fix but with new parts from Grizzly and some after market tinkering it is working OK. The best modification was cutting a keyway and keying the upper blade guide support. I no longer have to readjust the guide lateraly every time I raise or lower the guide.
A close friend recieved a Grizzle TS in which the pulley key on the blade mandrel had been left out. Grizzly sent him a new one to replace the one that got chewed up the first time he turned the saw on, but that's not the kind of repair one wants to do on a brand new machine.
I'm glad that so many of you are getting good service from Grizzly tools but I think my time is better spent reconditioning an old too rather than reconditioning a new one. Someone suggested checking out the floor model and insisting on delivery of that specific tool. I hear ya!
BJ Gardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland
Dennis is right about the tax issue. If we order something on-line, and the company has a physical store in WA state, then we have to pay sales tax. The way our economy is right now, that's not a bad thing!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: Thats how it is in the Great State of Pennsylvania < the state of taxes> if the company has a store here they whack us 6% sales tax.. Your better off buying from a company thats not in your home state.. Hey but take a peek at those Harbor Freight Drill Presses..
ToolDoc
they whack us 6% sales tax..
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!! TRY 8+%!! Now we're talking *TAXES*
At least no state sales tax but there are those would make even that a thing of the past.
How many outlets or showrooms does Grizzly have? Seems like there are only a couple two-three scattered around the country.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Grizzly has 3 Great locations to serve You..Bellingham,wa, Springfield,mo and Muncy,pa.. 8% Holy Cow, and I thought 6% was doinking me..LOL
ToolDoc
consider yourself lucky if you only pay 8% tax, in Canada we have to pay 15% tax, on top of higher prices (thanks to our worthless dollar).
Andrew: No our tax is only 6%..its Dennis who has to pay 8%, and if you dont want to pay 15% in Canada then move to the U.S.A..<G>
ToolDoc
I have several Grizzly tools. Most are good to excellent, but one came with a very bad accessory. Here's my comments on each:
Z-series 10" cabinet saw: The saw is great, beautiful flat table, good motor & switch, great tilting mechanism. On the down side, and this is really down, the Shop-Fox fence is junk. I fought it for nearly two years, then finally bought a Biesemeyer fence. Now I have a great saw and a great fence.
15" planer: Overall great piece of gear.
Z-series 6" jointer: Overall great piece of gear.
12" drill press: OK, but the chuck is not of very good precision. I would look at the Jet next time.
Hope this helps,
Dick
Edited 9/27/2002 3:55:12 PM ET by Dick
Dick, which SF fence was with your saw? The "Classic" (Beisemeyer clone) or their newer one?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
In the wood shop at the University I work for, we have three Grizzly machines, well four if including the table saw:
15" planer G1021, Bench top mortiser and 3Hp Dust collector 1500 CFM, and the table saw, some of which are now 15 some years old.
The Bench top mortiser (5 years old) works fine after a lot of adjusting of the support column.
The 15" planer (15 years old) and the dust collector (about the same age) are the most used in the shop. The planer, we have gone though a bearing and replaced both the in feed roller and it's bearings, also it has rollers on the platter which have to be check with every use, other wise they loosen up and change their position. The planer does the job if you keep after it.
The dust collector works just fine no problems, we have it hooked up to the shop DC system.
The table saw we no longer have, a Delta 5HP replaced it. I really don't know the model but it was a cabinet style 3HP about 10 years old. The arbor had always had a slight wabble, enough to make dadoes a little wider then they should. I replaced the arbor and the bearing but still the same problem, I had a machine shop mike the new and old arbor and they both out of round by a few thousandth, that is the facing the saw blade rested against.
The service department was always there and supportive but could not fix the table saw, so we put up with until our time (money) had come to replace it.
I'm not knocking Grizzly nor am I'm indorsing them, just giving you my experience with some Gizzly machines.
Paul
Edited 9/27/2002 5:32:18 PM ET by PAULGEER1
I think when we read your post we need to consider how old the machines are & where Grizzly was in the evolution of their business, They have changed a whole lot in the last 10 - 15 years.
Hi Bart,
That table saw we had, the wabble problem with the arbor was right from the start. I hope Grizzly in 10-15 years had a chance to resolve any manufacturing problems. The first table saw we had before the Grizzly was a Rockwell-Delta, I have no idea how old it is (maybe 25?) but we still have it and still works well, never had a problem with it, its in another shop. In the main shop we wanted a table saw with more features, in other words a better rip fence system and the Grizzly being at the lowest price got the sale. At a university, Purchasing Dept. has to approve all equipment requisitions. After about 10 years we made a request for a new table saw (we had to wait, it takes a long time at a university) and I wanted to get a Delta this time, a left tilt, 5HP motor. I have a Delta at the home shop and again never had a problem with it. also if you notice, we still have and use the rest of the Grizzly products, that should say something to you. The table saw had the less favorable review. Any way the man wanted to know and I told, good and bad.
I'm not holding Delta over Grizzly, just giving my experience.
Oh...yea... we still have that Grizzly, Housing Dept. is using it now.
Paul
Edited 9/30/2002 8:57:23 AM ET by PAULGEER1
Edited 9/30/2002 9:00:06 AM ET by PAULGEER1
I've got the 1022ZF table saw as my first table saw (10", 1.5 HP, wired for 220V). I looked around for a long time, but settled on it as I have two co-workers who have one and love it. I haven't had to work with their service department yet, but as you can tell from the rest of the posts on this thread I've heard it's great.
I'm pleased with the saw, although since I've never used anything else before I've got nothing to compare it to :)
Pros:
I love the fence.
Seems to have enough power for all the cutting I do.
Cons:
The splitter/blade guard drives me nuts. It's no worse than anything else on the market, but it's no better either.
The miter gague doesn't come with holes for screwing jigs and whatnot to it. Someday I'll get around to drilling a couple.
The tape for the fence is impossible to read.
Overall I'm pleased, especially given the price. If you have any specific questions about it, drop me a line and I'd be happy to answer. When I'm in the market for a joiner and planer I'll likely get a Grizzly as well (one of my coworkers has both and is pleased).
And yes, Steve, Forrest Girl, that showroom sure is nice to visit! About 1.25 hours for me, and worth the trip. Did you guys go to the tent sale? It was insane!
Neil
Being the nightowl that I am, I just can't bring myself to get up at 4AM or whatever it would take for me to get to the tent sale at any kind of reasonable time before they open! I like my zzzzzzzzz's and suppose I'm willing to pay for them, LOL, by buying tools at full cost. Problem from Bainbridge is that I have to take a ferry no matter what. Actually, if I wanted to get there by, say, 6:30 am, I'd probably have to go over the night before, because the earliest ferry from Bainbridge leaves around 5:25am.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
The golden rule applies here as anywhere: You get what you pay for.
I work all of my tools hard and I am an owner of several Grizzly tools. I have a 1023SL (left tilt) cabinet saw. I think it's as good as any $1300 - $1400 saw out there. I have a 6" jointer (Z series). Great fit and finish. Easy to set up and operate. I have a 1-1/2 hp dust collector (Z series). Fantastic ! I have a 15" band saw. Big mistake in purchase. Terrible piece of equipment. I want to give it to a local tech school and get a good piece of equipment to replace it. I just bought a new Delta 13" planer. WOW! Now that's a great toy at a great price ! Most of my hand tools are Porter Cable and Dewalt (including my miter saw). I research greatly (too much sometimes) and I have been very pleased with everything I own with the one exception listed above. Some good, some bad. I feel as though I have been very fortunate with my choices.
I wish you well with yours.
Wonder what Joseph (#62) has to say to that!? I've seen so many posts over the last 2 years from people who have the Grizz cabinet saw, use it hard, and love it. Quite a few now from people who own the 6" or 8" jointer. "You get what you pay for" is not a principle of the universe, unless you include advertising, distribution costs and (sometimes) hype, in the "what" part of the equation. There are good buys to be found, with some intense research (never wasted).
I'm with you on the bandsaws though. For occasional use, I like mine (14" Z model), but when I get to doing production, I'm going to want something that's a little easier to set up and vibrates a bit less.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 10/1/2002 10:04:50 PM ET by forest_girl
Jamie,
I've developed this technique - I hold the upper part of the band saw with my left arm, keeping my elbow tucked in against the blade guide surrounding the upward moving back blade to stop the annoying oscillating movement of the blade against its inner surface that makes that chattering sound. I put my left knee against the lower part of the saw cabinet and press my forehead tight against the upper front saw cabinet just above the front blade guide hold down. Then it's a simple matter to feed the stock with my right hand, occasionally assisting with my right knee, keeping my right foot up on the front of the stand for stability.
This method dampens most of the vibrations. But it only works real well for the 1/4" blade. You don't want to know the 1/2" blade technique.
Rich
1/2" blade technique = dead cow? Sheesh, mine's not that bad. Actually, I have a couple of new Timberwolf blades to try out just for fun. Gotta see what it's like to resaw with an actual resawing blade.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Good to hear from you. I have seen and used the Grizz 18" bandsaw and it is a beast. A very good saw for the dollar. A saw I would have bought had I known more about it and the one I have now. I want to use the saw more as I am drawn to the safety aspect the band saw delivers. I know however that you have to have a beefy base, table, etc., to use it with success and regularity. I also have been a woodworker for nearly 25 years and use all my equipment to it's fullest potential. The 18" Grizz is big ! 220V motor, which I initially wanted to stay away from in a bandsaw(just too lazy to run a new circuit). A very sturdy table and a substantial base. I will research more thoroughly this go round. I call most of my newer equipment toys but anyone that has been in my shop can verify that these are some hard working toys.
Seems like their bigger bandsaws are better machines -- I know the 16" gets real good reports also. It may be similar to the planers, as they get down into the smaller home- or hobby-woodworker class they lose out a little to their competition. Of course, the price is significantly lower also, which is why I bought the 1019Z, and it's absolutely fine for the type and amount of work I do with it. Choosing that saw enabled me to fund other needs for the shop that would have had to wait for a very long time had I bought a Jet or a Delta!
Dontcha love your toys?!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
HI JAMIE: I have the 14 inch Delta band saw that I picked up for a very low price at my local Lowes cause they were making room for the new ones from delta..it is one very durable saw next to no vibration, runs nice and sleek and quiet like a Cat.. oh by the way the Delta Babes are cuter than the Grizzly gals, and for us guys thats a plus for Delta. HA HA HA.
Happy Woodworking....ToolDoc
Doc -
Did you get the 1hp enclosed base model or the open stand with the 3/4hp motor? What's the max. size blade you've put on it so far?
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: I have the 1 1/2 hp open stand model, have used 1/2 inch-6 tpi & 14tpi blades on it, plenty of power for resawing.. mostly use either 1/4-6 tpi blades or 3/16-6 tpi blades for scroll work.. Im using olson blades, I want to see if the TimberWolf blades make a diffrence..I really fell into a deal at Lowes for this saw , I was at my local store and they had this reduced big time, they were redoing there tool world over making it bigger,salesman told me they were getting rid of there Display machines, to make way for the new Delta line.. soo I grabed it..Luck me..
ToolDoc
Thanks for the reply, Doc -
The reason(s) I asked; 1) I thought the only motor option for the open stand was 3/4hp and 2) when I put a 3/4" blade on mine (with riser block) is when I found the problem with the wheel alignment.
Have you put a straightedge against the wheels? I had to shim the top wheel out almost 3/16" to get them in the same plane. Not an issue until you get into the wider (3/4" is the max for this saw as I understand) sizes. And perhaps it was also an issue with the riser block. But the back of the blade rubbed on the inside bottom of the blade guard.
1 1/2hp...... hmmmmm.... gotta go motor shopping when I get home.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Yep 3/4 is max.. I dont have a riser kit on mine yet.. Not sure Im going to put one on..Maybe the problem with yours?? soo far mines running very true..
ToolDoc
Doc -
My first project for the bandsaw involved re-sawing a bent pitch change stair rail for my exterior deck railing is why I opted for the riser block. That kind of thing is simply fascinating to do - to the point that I might just make some wierd re-sawn steam bent forms just for the fun of it! (grin)
Seriously, as soon as time permits (reaching retirement at an accelerated pace) I have a plethora of such types of projects I want to dive into.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Forgot to ask do you have the new Delta catalog?? if not you can order one on line.. go to http://www.deltamachinery.com..Hey did I mention those Delta Girls are cute.. <G>
ToolDoc
Don't have the new Delta wish book, Doc.
did I mention those Delta Girls are cute.. <G>
Do they ship them UPS?
All seriousness aside - and in keeping with this thread, I'm putting Grizzly on my shopping list for any further big ticket items for furnishing the future (read retirement) shop 'complex'. The next thing I'm looking at/for is a stationary disk/belt sander. Since this is a Grizzly thread, perhaps someone could suggest the appropriate Grizzly component to compare to the Delta 12/48 disk/belt machine.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Grizzly's 12" disc/ 6"x48" belt is $399 (+shipping, but you'd pick it up, right? And let me tag along, right?) Cast iron tables (belt table 7"x12-1/2"; disc table 7" x 16-1/2"), 3" dust port, 1HP motor, 3450 RPM or 1725 RPM (5,000 FPM, or 2500 FPM). Belt goes infinitely between horizontal and vertical. Quick-release for belt changes and tension adjustment. Rollers are shielded ball bearing type, with fine-tuning on the top roller for belt tracking. Made in Taiwan, not China.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thanks, Jamie, for the specs. But that much I can harvest from a web search. I was wondering if anyone had seen one to compare the (trite) "fit, finish, ... etc." type of thing.
I'll check out what's available at the ww show later this month and will probably make a trip up to Bellingham one weekend to do the touchy-feely thing on the Grissly b4 making a purchase decision. I really want something that's as vibration-free as this kind of machine can be and with tables that can be adjusted (and that stay that way until I change them) square with the abrasive surface.
To anyone else with comments - this is *not* for a full commercial cabinet shop type operation. Just a serious wood worker wannabe that would like to have a machine that he won't outgrow in 6 month's time.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Sorry to give you info you didn't need. You might want to know this, though: they're not open in Bellingham on the weekends. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
they're not open in Bellingham on the weekends.
Jamie - We'll be traveling up to Mt. Vernon (Sedro Wooley) to work on the 'farm' so should have a week day or three to spend. I'll be sure to wear a bib, Doc.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Better pack along a few Bibs, if your going there more than once.. oh ya and bring along a lot of extra money cause I know your going to find a fewthings there that you will want to take home....
Take Care my Friend... ToolDoc
Hi Doc -
Spent the last 4 days on the road coming back from AZ and was outside 'Net range unfortunately.
We're planning a trip up 'north' to Mt. Vernon which will, of necessity, have to include a business (read week) day so maybe I can stretch it into a 4 day weekend and get up to Bellingham while I'm "in the area". Man, Vancouver isn't that much further north, either ....
hmmmmmm
Then again, I probably should focus on getting my new house remodel project underway. How to stretch time .....
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis: Glad to have heard from you.. I was wondering where the Heck you were.. alls Quiet here for now.. Sarge and myself are keeping a low profile,cause you know our little buddy--FG keeps us inline here..<G>..
Take Care Buddy.. ToolDoc
Jamie: if you lived by me, I would let you tag along to the Grizzly store with me in a Heart Beat.. Bet it would be a shopping trip we both would never forget...<G>and the Grizzly sales people would never forget us either...LOL..
HappyWoodworking.. ToolDoc
Yep, well, Muncy isn't exactly "on the way" to Bellingham, LOL! Looking at the pic on their website, looks like the Muncy warehouse is bigger than ours. Does yours have a fountain? 'tween now and January, doesn't look like there'll be time or $$ for tools -- my inventory costs shot through the roof this week getting ready for holiday shoppers. Next time I go up there, I want to be armed with the names and addresses of any other nice tool companies and any hardwood suppliers in the general area so it's a worthwhile trip.
It's not tooooo far from the Canadian border. Wonder if there are any bargains just the other side of the border?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: Yes the Muncy site is Huge, its in a Large Mall, to be truthful I dont remember if they had a fountain or not..I was soo taken in by all those Tools, was like a kid in a candy store..LOL.. What I like about the Muncy site is there are No high pressure sales, they let you roam about and dont bug you.. I hate pushy sales people..Darn that we couldnt go to grizzly tool looking together.. would of been fun, we could of held each other back from Drooling on the Display models <G>.. Was wondering what type store you running there Forest Girl??
Take Care.. ToolDoc
If there are good deals on big power tools in Vancouver, I haven't found them yet despite a couple of attempts :( If anyone knows, do post, since I go up there every so often.
If you want hand tools though, Vancouver is an excellent place to go. They've got a Lee Valley (http://www.leevalley.com) store and the prices in Canadian are slightly cheaper than the American equivalent. Plus you don't have to pay for shipping, and you can get your GST back when you return to the US if you spent $50 on a single bill. And they're open on Saturday :)
Neil
Oooooh, I love Lee Valley, truly truly do. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Wonder how much I'd save if I bought the router table top and fence up there instead of ordering it. Grizzly's not open on the weekends, but I can get away during the week if I want, especially Mondays, my day off.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Funny you should ask, that's what I bought last time I was up there :) Whatever you do, don't forget to get the jointer shims. I'm so annoyed I didn't buy them when I got the top. And get one of the magnetic dust chutes too, I ordered one after I got the top and it's useful as heck.
I got the top and fence combo (05J20.24). It's $339 CDN, or $245 USD. If you order it shipping is only $9.50, which makes the full price in American $254.50. On the Canadian side you have to pay two taxes (GST at 7% and PST at 7% (or is it 7.5% now? I can't remember), but you get the GST back when you come across the border. If you ignore GST that makes the Candian price $363 CDN. Convert to american and it's $218.
So you save a bit. And you get to visit a cool tool store :)
Neil
Looks like the savings would pay the gas for the trip. Then there's the added perk of getting to go to a cool tool store! I think their router table is the cat's meow, and the price makes other manufactured tables look like a total rip-off. The accessories are very reasonable also. You going to order the shims? Surely there are some other items on your list from Lee Valley to put together a package, LOL. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I'm definitely going to get the shims. I don't have a jointer so in the mean time I'm sure the shims will do me. I've got a co-worker who has family in Vancouver and is up there often. Next time he visits he'll try and stop in for me.
There are always other items from Lee Valley :) But I'm trying to save up for a dust collector, so I gotta be careful.
Neil
"I gotta be careful" too -- haven't logged into Lee Valley for awhile. I keep a "stickie note" in their catalog with the things I'm interested in. Quick reference once I decide to plunk some $$ down up there, pick and choose.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Well, after lurking here and reading all 92 previous posts, I figured I'd drop my 2 cents onto the pile.....My first purchase from Grizzly was their G1029 2HP dust collector. It has served me very well, as I'm the only one working in my shop, usually one machine at a time. My next purchase was their G1018 8" jointer. It was dead on right out of the crate. I recently replaced the blades after a "friend" decided to run some dirt and bark crusted mesquite through the original blades. My most recent purchase was made after much research and debating within my mind. Most of you will question how much mind I have when you learn that basically I'm a hobbyist woodworker who does the occasional paying job for a neighbor or family member. My purchase? The G5959 12" 5HP table saw. It also was dead on right out of the crate. I lucked out when I called HTC regarding a mobile base for the saw, they had made one for this model saw for a customer who never paid for it, so I got it for $100.00 plus shipping. I've adapted a Woodhaven router table to the saw so I have a table top that is 30.5" front to back by 84" wide. My only complaint with this saw is the cursor on the fence is too wide to set care-free like I did with my Biesemeyer I had on my Sears saw. I use a Freud FT200E router, having it mounted on the saw is very handy. The reason I bought this saw after looking at the Delta Unisaw, 10" blade, 3HP with the Biesemeyer fence? Delta, $1699.00 plus 8.25% tax came to $1839.17, take it to the house. I got a 12" blade, 5HP and a bigger tabletop delivered to the house for $1620.00. I'll never, ever be able to overwork the motor, plus the looks I get from fellow woodworkers when they walk into the shop for the first time is priceless. After all, here in Texas, we're known for doing things in a "big" way! Of course it carries over to my truck..... Ford F350 Crew Cab, Powerstroke Diesel Dually 4X4! Y'all have fun makin' sawdust!
Don Z.
Edited 10/7/2002 11:50:11 PM ET by DKZIMM
Get a real saw, when I was in high school my Dad had a Northfield, it would take up to an 18" blade.
Garth
Scott,
I see in your personal information that you've managed one post to this forum. Could you tell me what you read in my post that made you think I desired to hear a response, albeit a lame response, from you? Show me where I claimed Grizzly tools to be the greatest tools on earth. I was merely adding some input to the original post who was asking for input from users and owners of Grizzly tools. I don't see in your post what Grizzly tools you own or use. Your feeble attempt to flame me reminds myself and others why most people don't want to post. As my daddy once told me, "It's better to keep your mouth closed and have people wonder if you're a fool, instead of opening it and proving them right."
Sorry if you took this as a flame, that was not my intention. To paraphrase a statement that people were some what taken back my the 12" blade that you should look into a saw that would take something larger. It was said with tongue in cheek.
Garth
I've got to agree. Anything Northfield is built like a tank and built for serious use. My friend had Northfield custom build him an 24" jointer. Awesome piece of machinery. John E. Nanasy
HI Jamie: I have been lurking on a few other ww forums and found one thread which I found pretty interesting, they cornered a rep from a major power tool company, on the queston of many of the known imported power tools looking the same. his answer was yes that many of the tools are indeed made in one factory and are sold under many diffrent brand names.. interesting enough one poster swears that the Harbor Freight and Grizzly tools are made in the same factory and that only the names are diffrent..hmmm if this is indeed true then we all have been paying alot more for the Grizzly name over the HF tools..a few years ago I remember chating with a gentleman at a ww show and he had said the very same thing only he mentioned names as Delta, Jet, Sun Hill, Wood Tek, Reliant.. hmm maybe he had something there after all...Im not trying to stir up the pot here,but thought I would bring this up to all the Knot Heads..
Happy woodworking... ToolDoc
Dennis: You really need to either E-mail or phone Delta and get there new catalog, better to call this way you get to speak with-<Stacie> one of the cute Delta Gals <G>,aww if only I wasnt married..LOL.. Hey make trip to the Grizzly show room ,even if you dont buy anything its worth the trip.. please let me warn you drink plenty of fluids before you go..cause your going to Drool.. I was just at my local Grizzly outlet in muncy last month..I had sweety palms,and had to leave..LOL
Happy Woodworking... ToolDoc
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