Replies

1. 
   scaly | Mar 14, 2003 09:37pm | #1

   I have their 14" bandsaw, disc/belt sander and 8" jointer. Great value from them. Great tech. support and I hears their parts availability is great, but I've never needed any new parts in the 5 years I've had these machines. Just as rugged and well built as the Delta or Jet, but not as refined of a finish. (rough castings, sharper edges)

   You won't be disappointed with the Grizzly.

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 14, 2003 11:31pm | #2

   Many of the Grizzly tools, including their bandsaws, are very much a value for the price, but if I had the money I'd look hard at the Jet 16" -- I've heard that the new line is absolutely sweet to run, with hardly any hint of vibration. 

   Some people and tests have reported power deficiency with the Jet 14" saws, don't know if the 1.5HP motor totally overcomes this problem.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   DougF | Mar 14, 2003 11:49pm | #3

   Crazy Ray - I recently bought sight unseen a Grizzly 10" 3hp cabinet saw and the 14" band saw.  Delivery was as promised, the packaging was good and the instructions and manual are surprisingly good.  I had a minor problem with the saw fence and Grizzly custoner service was responsive and made everything right.

   The cabinet saw is great and for the price I don't think you can come close to matching it.  As for ther band saw, I'm a novice so there isn't much I can say other than the parts fit, its quite and the 1hp seems to have enough heft for what I'm doing.  As soon as I can learn how to resaw, it will be a winner.  For $375 plus the riser kit, I think it was a good deal.

   I research the dickens out of both items before I purchased them.  Also, I'm used to mail order so that wasn't much of a concern to me and everything I read gave Grizzly good marks as a distributor.

   As long as you are dealing with a reputable company, I wouldn't hesitate to mail/ship order.  One thing however, read the shipping requirements carefully since most items over X lbs will be delivered to back of the truck and you are responsible for off-loading and placement unless you can arrange to have it delivered to someplace with a loading dock and forklift.  Residential deliveries can also have a surcharge tacked on since 18 wheelers can't get in nd out and the goods have to tranferred to another truck before they get to you.  It may be cheaper to pick it up the shipping companies' closest local terminal.

   Good luck

   Doug

1. 
   RoyinMD | Mar 15, 2003 12:25am | #4

   Quick post, sorry.

   I have two Grizzly machines (bought at the same time), 1hp shaper and 9" disk/6x48 belt. I am very pleased with the quality and value of both. I love that disk/belt, anyway. I agree with Doug the refined quality is lacking in places but I can except that for half price.

   I picked up at the trucking company terminal. They forklifted those suckers right into the back of my old van. Unpacked in van.

   Oh, 12+ years old and no problems.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   BG | Mar 15, 2003 03:00am | #5

   Crazy Ray,

   I don't have a bandsaw either and have been studing them for some time.  From everything I have read I'm convinced that there is much to learn and they can be a bit of a pain.  If I were making my decision today i would look for a bandsaw with cast iron wheels.  Grizzly makes an old style 16" for about $695 and the new style 19" for about $1100.  I have Grizzly's cabinet saw and no problems, excellent service. 

   However, the Jet 16" is a beauty also, and, while I would pay more I can get that locally..and have someone/someplace to go and whine. 

   As you can tell I am definitely undecided...lol ...good luck and let us know what you decide

1. 
   PlaneWood | Mar 15, 2003 04:59am | #6

   Take a look at this pic for the base I made for my Bandsaw.  I threw away the metal base and made one out of 2x4's with glued and screwed joints and a fiber board top.  It really soaks up any vibration.  The motor is behind, on top of the table.  This one is an old Sears 12" I've had for 30 years.

   http://pages.sbcglobal.net/mike_in_katy/workshop.jpg

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 15, 2003 05:29am | #7

   Mike

      Agree with your ecessment of throw away the base and build one. It will eliminate most vibration. Good job on the base, BTW.

   sarge..jt

   
4. 
   ToolDoc | Mar 15, 2003 07:01am | #8

   Crazy Ray; Your not all that 'Crazy" if you were looking at the Tried & true Delta 14 inch Band saw with the 11/2 hp motor.. if you need resaw ability that puppy will do it...Remember Delta has the True oringnal the rest are copies...

                                   ToolDoc

1. 
   jmdiii | Mar 19, 2003 04:45pm | #9

   I've got the Delta 14" bandsaw set up for resawing. A good saw for light-duty use. If you want to do any real resawing, cutting turning blanks, that sort of thing, stay away from this saw. I'd take a look at the new, larger Jet saw but I've always been ill-at-east about Jet due to a lot of mixed reviews. If you can afford more look at something like a General.

   Best of luck. Stay away from that Delta for serious work. For occaisional home shop use it might be okay but will not be perfect.

1. 
   ToolDoc | Mar 19, 2003 08:21pm | #10

   opinions are like noses everyones got one..lol sorry but i am verry happy with my Delta 14 inch Bs ...

1. 
   PlaneWood | Mar 20, 2003 06:18am | #11

   Very few woodworking floor tools are sold today that don't require some 'fine-tuning' by the owner.  If the design is basically sound, then the owner probably can handle what minor tuning is required.  If the company that made the tool is competent, then major problems probably can be corrected by them. 

   Delta, Jet, and General have pretty good tools and are modestly priced.  Not 'Pro' tools by any means, but they are affordable by individuals and smaller shops and are cost effective.  Any one of them, at any time, can make a lemon.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood