Replies

1. 
   Hainesportwoodworker | Mar 26, 2006 04:32am | #1

   I have the Grizzly 3hp shaper - great value and plenty of power. Order a power feeder with it.

1. 
   user-126164 | Mar 26, 2006 09:12pm | #4

   Hi Hainesportwoodworker,

   How many hours would you estimate you've put on your machine? Are you a hobbiest or do you run a production shop? Do you have any complaints whatsoever with the Grizzly machine?  And what about the all important customer service---thanks again?!

   Edited 3/26/2006 2:15 pm ET by J.T.

1. 
   Hainesportwoodworker | Mar 27, 2006 05:10am | #7

   I've put about maybe 50 hrs or so on the Grizzly so far. I'm not a hobbiest but not a production shop either - we build high-end cabinetry - two man shop. No complaints so far, seems to be solidly built. As far as customer service, I had a question about a Grizzly Planer I owned and I'd say they went from answering my call to having a technician on the phone that new the machine backwards and forwards within a minute. Always very pleasant people to deal with.

1. 
   user-126164 | Mar 27, 2006 06:23pm | #9

   Hi Hainesportwoodworker,

   Thanks so much for your advice as well as taking the time to answer my questions, take good care.

   Jeff

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 26, 2006 05:32am | #2

   I would suggest you give the Bridgewood series of shapers from Wilke Mahinery a very good look.

   Alan  - planesaw

   http://www.wilkemachinery.com/default.tpl?cart=1143343852914085&id1=18&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=18&--SECTIONSword=ww

1. 
   user-126164 | Mar 26, 2006 09:04pm | #3

   Hi Planesaw,

   I gave Wilke a look on the net and while a comparable machine from them appears to be first rate there is a considerable price difference.  I'm unable to compare them side by side so what in the way of craftsmanship, quality, performance , etc., makes you partial to Wilke?  Grizzly strikes me as the Wal-Mart of the woodworking world with a good value and low prices business approach.  By contrast Wilke appears to offer a more high end product for professionals, do you think that is an accurate assessment?  Thanks for your reply.

   Edited 3/26/2006 2:18 pm ET by J.T.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 27, 2006 04:50am | #5

   J.T.,

   To some degree I thing you are correct.  Generally, I think Wilke's quality is higher.  I live between Wilke and Grizzly in Pennsylvania.  I have bought a few things from Grizzly, have spent a fair amount of time in their old and in their new showroom (which, by the way is very impressive), and have spent considerable time in Wilke's showroom.  In the woodworking shops around PA, one will see a lot of Bridgewood (Wilke's main line) machines. 

   It was local shopowners who told me about Wilke when I moved here about 7 years ago.  I had never heard of it before then.  Since then I have several hefty Bridgewood machines.

   I guess it does come down to money, how frequently you will use it, and how long you will use it.  My philosophy has been to pay a littl extra up front so I don't have to spend time repairing it in the future.  I am not a full time woodworker so when I get time in my shop I want to know I can count on things to work like they are supposed to. 

   Customer service is another issue.  I have heard superb accolades about Grizzly, and I have heard horror stories.  I have had wonderful service from Wilke.  I don't work for them, nor am I kin to anyone there, and they wouldn't know me from Adam if I went in.  I am sure someone would have unkind things to say about Wilke, but I haven't met them. 

   Whatever you decide -- enjoy making sawdust.

   Alan - planesaw

1. 
   user-126164 | Mar 27, 2006 06:21pm | #8

   Hi Planesaw,

   Thanks so much for your time and advice, take good care.

   Jeff

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 27, 2006 04:57am | #6

   Read the postings on buying an 8 inch jointer.  Has been right next to this one.  Has a number of people commenting on Grizzly.

   Alan - planesaw