Replies

1. 
   BobbyD10 | Feb 24, 2003 05:57pm | #1

   Jay,  There are any number of articles in Fine Woodworking, Wood, Woodworkers Journal, etc. on 2 HP bandsaws.  They typically catorgize these by the size of the saw (ie:  14 inch) vs. the size of the motor.  Go to the web sites.  As respects the virtues of the Grizzly vs. other brands, I think the design plays a bigger role than the manufacturer.  Today with a few exceptions, many of the saws you are looking at are manufactured overseas, mostly in Taiwan but also in Europe.  Also look at what you are using the saw for.  Resawing is different and requires more machine than other bandsaw uses.  I own a variety of machines, including Grizzly, and have found the Taiwan machines to be acceptable given the price.  You will find that the fit and finish of Taiwan machines to be "rougher" than some others and you will spend more time potentially getting the machine fine tuned.  But with that said, I must say that these are good machines.  One Taiwan manufacturer that I have been impressed with is Powermatic.....Yes the venerable old Manchester, TN company (I'm from Nashville) now gets their 24" and under bandsaws from Taiwan, but these are different.  Powermatic is now owned by Jet.  If you are interested, the folks at General Industrial Machinery here in Nashville sell "scratch & dent" machines.  You'll never know the difference from new but these are good bargains, and they stand behind what they sell.  Call Rick Warren at (615) 256-2220.  They can send you a Powermatic brochure and give you some prices if you are interested.

1. 
   JWIET | Feb 25, 2003 06:14am | #2

   Thanks for the info Bobby.  I will check into GIM and see what they say.  I am leaning toward the Grizly G0513 17 inch because of the guide rollers instead of blocks.  What is the value of different speeds? Thanks again.

1. 
   BG | Feb 25, 2003 02:26pm | #3

   Jay,

   For several months I studied bandsaws and came very close to actually buying one but have not done so yet.  (I decided a cabinet saw first then a band saw).  Reading many of the threads, I was struck by how much of a pain they can be and need for proper setup to work effectively.  I bought the Bandsaw Book too. 

   The Griz looks great but I think I'd go up a little and consider the model with the cast iron wheels.  Interestingly, you can also go down a little in price and achieve that in a 16" model too...older style cabinet.   

2. 
   BobbyD10 | Feb 25, 2003 06:46pm | #4

   Somewhere around issue 97 of FineWoodworking there is a great article on tuning-up a bandsaw where the author talks about slowing down the blade.  His article was focused on changing the speed of the motor from 1750 rpm to 3400 rpm, but the jest of the article was on the merit of slowing down the blade. 

   Two speeds is a nice feature.  I have two speeds on my scroll saw but 99% of the time only use one.  You'll want to use a slower speed while resawing as the blade can heat up.

   As you think about the 17" bandsaw think about bandsaw blades.  Are the blades readily available for your machine or do you have to order from Grizzly?  This might be a factor for your consideration.  Best of luck on your selection.

1. 
   mwinkle | Feb 27, 2003 04:52am | #12

   Timberwolf will make any size blade you need.  Just call them

2. 
   ownersrep | Feb 25, 2003 10:14pm | #5

   Hopefully I'm not stepping on toes and hyjacking your thread, but.  Does anyone have any feedback on the Jet 18" bandsaw.  I'm also in the market and have been convinced that resawing 10" material is plenty for a novice and will cover any needs I can foresee.  The Jet 18" is an improvement on the 16" - has more hp and the guides are roller and not the european disks.  I'd really like one of the Italian saws but can not justify double the price (even if I could afford).

   Thank you for your input.

   Jim

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/25/2003 2:23:08 PM ET by Jim in CO

1. 
   BG | Feb 25, 2003 10:54pm | #6

   Jim,

   Sarge and I looked closely at the Jet 16",18" models.  They appear to be both excellent saws but I'm not sure the price differential between the two is that justified,IMHO...

   The difference appears to be in the bearings, fense and extra 2" of table...that does not mean the 18" is overpriced...but I think the 16" is a very good deal...

1. 
   ownersrep | Feb 26, 2003 02:36am | #7

   BG,

   Thank you for your feedback.  Do the euro guides worry you?  Your right there is about $300 difference but the guides alone would cost that aftermarket.

   Jim

1. 
   BG | Feb 26, 2003 03:07am | #8

   Jim,

   I think the new rollar bearing guides are about $150 or less (short term memory loss here).  The Euro guides were the new hot thing last year..made me kinda wonder..lol.  As I remeber the cost structure, they appeared to want about $125 for the 2" of additional table size and the rest of the differential was in the bearings, fense and post.  Now, obviously, the 18" is a bigger machine too physically all over.  So in one sense it's probably a very good price.  However, the $799 for the 16" with the same motor and resawing capability...great deal.  I kinda thought if i did not like the euro guides then I would replace them...if not, I'm ahead.

   But..its your saw..and saving a few bucks dosen't make sense if your unhappy.

1. 
   Festus | Feb 27, 2003 05:20pm | #15

   The Jet 16" and 18" bandsaws DO NOT share the same motor. Both motors are rated at 1 1/2 hp - but the 18"'s motor is physically larger and has a higher amp rating.  Hope this helps. Alan

2. 
   TomS | Feb 27, 2003 05:33pm | #16

   Woodcraft is having a sale today (2/27) at all their locations and I believe even over the net.  10% off everything in the store.  I'd buy the Jet 18", get a coupon for $100 dollars off another Jet tool.  May be the time to upgrade the tablesaw as well?  I think we may be talking serious money here soon....

   TomS

3. 
   Pierre42g | Mar 03, 2003 03:59am | #23

   Hi Alan, I would like to know where I can see that there is difference amp rating for the 1 1/2 hp motor, for the Jet 16" and 18" bandsaw?

   Just curious, thank you,

   Peter

4. 
   Festus | Mar 03, 2003 06:30pm | #25

   Peter- the spec plate on the motor has this information. In my area (eugene, or) both western tool and woodcraft have these saws side by side so its easy to compare the differences. Alan

2. 
   DustyTom | Feb 27, 2003 08:18pm | #20

   I too purchased the 18" Jet several months ago. I love it. The fit and finish were great. Very little tune up required and I have never regretted the larger work surface. What pushed me over to the 18" model was the roller guides and the fence. The roller guides are easy to adjust, except when you change the blade and have to reset the lower ones. Although that is a minor nusance. The trunions may not be the biggest on the market I feel they will serve me fine. Good Luck.

1. 
   ownersrep | Feb 27, 2003 11:00pm | #21

   Thank you guys.  You don't know how much I value your opions - good & bad.

   Jim

3. 
   sliver | Feb 26, 2003 03:51am | #9

   The bandsaw that you are looking for is the16inch modelg1o73 it sells for 625.00or the model1073zfor 695.00 . they are a good saw and will do anythig you need to do . go to www. grizzly.com

1. 
   exhibitor | Feb 26, 2003 04:04am | #10

   About the Jet.  By the time you buy the roller guides and fence the 16 costs about as much as the 18.  I do this for a living, but always say...buy the best you can.  (get the 18, you won't be sorry)  Whatever you buy...be safe.  Also the 18 works well on 120, but better on 220.

1. 
   ownersrep | Feb 26, 2003 11:25pm | #11

   Exhibitor & BT,

   Thank you guys, I appreciate your input.  I've got the money to buy either now and I've taken to many beatings on stuff that I "had" to up grade later so I'm leaning toward the 18".  I haven't heard anything that makes me feel that I wouldn't be happy with that decision even given the $300 diff.

   Again thanks,

   Jim

1. 
   alias | Feb 27, 2003 06:08am | #13

   jim i bought the 18" jet with the roller guides 5 months ago and i'm pretty happy with it. i've ran it through the numbers , resaw stock lumber , cut tenons ...etc.and i live within' 20 miles of timberwolf blades so i stocked up on those also. for 1100.00 bucks i believe you get a good saw for the money you spend two things i could see improvements in 1) i'd like to see a stockier wheels they are a little spindley compared to lets say the laguna 2) and the most important gripe are the trunnion's. there way undersized this going to be a problem i feel within 5 years of heavy to moderate use. but time will tell?? but............ today i took the guide bearing's apart to clean and lubricate both top and bottom. and the bottom left (facing the saw )was some what tight and had a bit of a gravelly sound to them i was concrned called jet the gentleman said to me name, stock number ,address, phone number, date of purchase and where. they sent out four new bearing guides no more than the questions asked above the tech support is as far as i'm concerned are above and beyond helpful and that....... is worth the purchase of the saw... would i buy it again....... flatly yes.......bear

1. 
   alias | Feb 27, 2003 06:14am | #14

   second time..........

2. 
   ccampbell | Feb 27, 2003 05:36pm | #17

   Jim,

   I think it comes down do what you really need for the amount of work you do.  I heavily considered both the 16 and the 18, and in the end I just couldn't justify the extra money.  For one, the 18 is larger and heavier and it comes in a wooden crate vs. a box.  For me, that meant is was going to be harder to get into my basement.  I like the euro guides just fine.  The motor is plenty strong and I converted it to 220 so I shouldn't have any power worries.  The wheels are cast iron and plenty beefy.  I did add on the Jet fence for $100, so I'm into it for about $950 and I love it.  It is a HUGE upgrade from the Delta 14" I had previously.  I have no complaints.

1. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 27, 2003 07:17pm | #18

   This is probably more of a testament to Timberwolf blades than to my Sears 12" bandsaw.  But, my 40 year old Sears bandsaw with a cast iron table has resawn many 1000's of linear feet of lumber of all descriptions.  Granted, it's limited to 6" height, but that has not been that much of a problem for my needs.  I put a 1 hp motor on it a long time ago.  With the Timberwolf 3 tpi blades, it zings right along, going as fast as I care to feed the stock to it.

   It has required a little TLC over the years.  I've realligned the top wheel a couple of time and have cleaned and regreased the bearings a few times.  The tensioning mechanism is still sound.  Am on the 2nd set of guide blocks.

   I got it about 30 years ago from a customer (a medical doctor) that didn't have the money to pay me for a crown molding job.  Seems his 4th wife was in the process of divorcing him!

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

2. 
   SawdustRay | Mar 02, 2003 11:32pm | #22

   This is excellent.  That's exactly what I need to know.

   I'm in the market for my first bandsaw and am looking at the cast iron 14" delta at 1 1/2" hp or the jet 16" steel frame.   Was your delta the 1 1/2" hp?  Will the steel frame on the jet allow you to tension a wide blade adequately?  Does it run as smooth as the cast iron?  I know the bottom guides for the delta are closer to the table - does that make a big difference with thin blades and scroll work as they advertise?  The jet is only a few dollars more but it seems you get more from it.

3. 
   ccampbell | Mar 03, 2003 05:47pm | #24

   I had the Delta 14" Platinum edition with 1 1/2 HP.  This is a tried and true tool and many many people have them and love them.  That is why I initially purchased.  My personal experience was that I had nothing but trouble with it, to the point that I finally asked Delta to send me a new one in exchange for mine.  They refused and referred me to my dealer, which was Woodcraft.  The manager at Woodcraft was fantastic and offered to just take it as a return, which gave me the opportunity to get the Jet, and I am SO thankful I did.  It has been great so far.  Not one complaint.  It doesn't get a ton of hard use and I don't do any fine scroll work.  I'm just looking for a solid tool that performs as advertised and is easy to use.  The Jet is easy to use and adjust.  I like the euro design with the rack and pinion height adjustment and the location of the tension wheel.  These things are not unique to the Jet, but are design elements in that style of bandsaw.  In my opinion they make all the difference over the classic bolted cast iron style saw.

   I'm not bashing Delta.  I have several other Delta tools and they are great.  I'm sure my saw was just a lemon.  If they had been willing to trade me for a different one I'd still have a Delta saw.  I'm glad they didn't, though.  :)

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Feb 27, 2003 07:37pm | #19

   Jay,

   Meant to reply earlier, but forgot.  Sorry.

   Although I'm one of the folks who dislike Grizzly bashers, I'd advise you to stay away from their new band saws.  These products have yet to prove themselves in the market place.  A review in a magazine is nice, but meaningless compared to the experiences of those who have used a product over the course of several years.

   If you can, wait.  If you can't wait, buy a Jet or a Delta.

   Jeff