Replies

1. 
   BG | Jun 09, 2004 05:30pm | #1

   Grande,

   You'll be happy to know ... you don't get a blade with the Griz cabinet saws either.  Welcome to the aftermarket world of woodworking...where things really get expensive...lol. 
2. 
   Dustmight | Jun 09, 2004 07:09pm | #2

   Enjoy your new "machinery"!  Most of the stock blades are junk that ultimately get built into the cost of the saw anyway, so it offers a great opportunity to buy decent blade from the start. And let's face it....a great saw with a lousy blade makes for a lousy saw!

3. 
   adrienne4468 | Jun 10, 2004 03:46pm | #3

   Mr Grande,

   This is the exact saw I am considering buying if I can't find a cabinet saw used for around the same cost. Can you post whether you think it has enough power to cut the occasional 8/4 hardwood board. Most stuff I cut is 5/4 rough stock that I mill myself but I need a new saw now. My Craftsman RAS just isn't cutting it anymore. (Pun intended). Thanks for any input you can give me.

   Tony

   We already have enough youth, how about a fountain of smarts.
1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 10, 2004 07:37pm | #4

   Tony, if you use a ripping blade (24-tooth, thin kerf if you want; I use a Diablo by Freud, bought at Home Depot), you should have no problem ripping that 8/4 stuff.  I'd also suggest installing one of the orange 'link belts' rather than using the standard belt that comes with the saw.  They really help a saw's performance.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   adrienne4468 | Jun 10, 2004 07:51pm | #5

   Where do you get the orange belts? Who are they made by? I have heard you mention them before and they look like they are worth looking into.

   Thanks

   Tony

   We already have enough youth, how about a fountain of smarts.

1. 
   Grande | Jun 10, 2004 09:00pm | #6

   Here is the Link Belt that Grizzly offers. I imagine that I'll be buying one before long.

   http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G8127

2. 
   AlanWS | Jun 10, 2004 09:12pm | #7

   Here's one source:

   http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=6040

2. 
   ASK | Jun 11, 2004 09:26pm | #10

   Forestgirl,

   I've been listening to this discussion and was wondering if the link belts are really worth it?

   My Dewalt hybred is only about 6 months old and the belt seems to be fine. The only vibration I notice is when the motor is slowing down after the cut is made and I've turned off the motor.

   How tight do you make the belt?

   ASK

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Jun 12, 2004 12:09am | #11

   I have them installed on all my woodworking tools except my shaper and I highly recommend them.  Since the belt is designed to only run in one direction use on a shaper is not recommended.  The cut was noticeable improved when installed on my Unisaw.  When my Grizzly jointer arrives I will not use the stock belts but install 2-3L Powertwist Plus belts.  They need to be installed very tight as they stretch during about the first hour of use.  They have a joint every 3/4" so you do have a lot of stretch initially.     

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

2. 
   Dustmight | Jun 12, 2004 01:23am | #12

   My contractor saw came with a belt that had pretty good "zig" in it. A link belt helped alot for this machine. I added one to my jointer shortly after, and the improvement was much less significant. The link belts make the most improvement when replacing a problematic v-belt. Many machines run very smoothly on v-belts, and may not need an upgrade. For some situations it's only a nice to have luxury and maybe not needed at all, for others it's more essential.

3. 
   forestgirl | Jun 12, 2004 01:41am | #13

   ASK answered your query well, and I second his info.  That vibration you feel/see when the blade is slowing down is evidence that all isn't running smoothly when the saw is up to speed either.  The link belt can absorb a great deal of that vibration and your saw will run smoother and more efficiently.  It gave my old Jet saw a serious personality transplant!  Shop around for the best price.

   PS:  Make the belt the same "length" as your old belt, check it after awhile for any stretching, remove a link if needed. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   Edited 6/11/2004 6:43 pm ET by forestgirl

1. 
   ASK | Jun 12, 2004 03:40pm | #14

   Thanks all for the info.

   Got to go make some saw dust.

   ASK

2. 
   CharlieP | Jun 11, 2004 07:39am | #8

   Tony, remember that one armpower (far less than one horse power) can cut down a whole tree.  It just takes a little longer. 

   I build furniture with a 1 1/2 hp contractor saw, including cutting whatever needs cutting.  I sand with a 1 HP drum sander, not the far faster 5-15 hp sanders used by a commercial shop.  I have a 1 hp bandsaw that I use to resaw 12 inch wood ... slowly. 

   A lot of the tools are under 2 HP so that they can run on a household outlet.  They work fine, but just a little slower.  ________________________Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood

1. 
   adrienne4468 | Jun 11, 2004 03:13pm | #9

   Thats just the thing, I enjoy the process and the finished product. It is going to take me longer because of four distractions anyway (kids). I enjoy the time in my garage almost as much as fishing with the kids and thats why I'm never in a hurry. I'm just looking for a way to improve the process and work a little safer.

   Tony

   We already have enough youth, how about a fountain of smarts.