Grizzly G0444Z or G0438RL 10″ Table Saw
johnnyg24
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Does anyone use the Grizzly G0444Z or G0438RL10″ Table Saw. The reason I am interested these two different saws is because they are in my price range ($495 – $635 respectfully) and the size and power would be suitable for my shop.
I’ve gotten mixed reviews on grizzly products and was wondering if anyone could lend some first hand advice on their products.
Thank you.
Replies
I have no personal experience with Grizzley tools, but have heard nothing but praise for their mid- to high-range tools. Reported disappointments with the low-end tools may be a result of the reduction in features and quality necessary to reach those price levels.
I think I'll probably invest in a Grizzly table saw, they are only two hours from my house in PA which could save on shipping costs. But more importantly they have an enormous line of machinery which make me believe they know what they are making. Obviously distance to my house is not my ultimate deciding factor on going with a Grizzly but the lack of bad reviews compared to good ones. The only negative thing I have really read was in FWW's review of the table flatness.
I have only used left tilt table saws before and one of the Grizzly models I am looking at is a right tilt saw. The only negative feedback I have read in regards to right tilt saws are the increased danger in kick back during bevel cuts. Does anyone else have a point of view on which, if either, is a better saws?
WE aware that in many cases the problem with bevel cuts can be resolved by moving the fence to the other side of the blade.
By the way Grizzley has a large line of tools because a lot of designs have come off of patent protection.
hello again johnny,
the grizz g1023 3 hp t-saw, g1017 12" planer and the g-something 3 hp shaper, as well as an assortment of 3-wing cutters have been used in my shop for the past 20-plus years. at one time grizzly service manuals were completely unintelligible. other than that, i have been quite happy.
eef
Johnny, I've been a Grizzly supporter for many years, but I think there may be better options for you at that price point. Specifically, either a Ridgid saw (if the new model is sound), or a used Unisaw. Don't know whereabouts you live, but in my area (rural part of greater Seattle) good used Unisaws come up regularly in the $550-$750 range.
Contractor saws are fraught with shortcomings. Yes, they can be worked around (mostly), but when you buy one new you're paying a premium for something that's not likely to keep you happy over the long-run.
jamie,
that cat really eats sno-cones, right?
eef
I can speak from what I have. I have the 1023slx table saw, 17" HD bandsaw, and their 12" jointer, and the horizontal boring machine. Excellent tools! I've had the TS over 5 years and moved it across the country with no issues. All the tools I have from them are good and the manuals are fine (go download to look for yourself). I'd buy them all again.
Bones, you're well-equipped with some of Grizzly's better tools (I especially envy the 1023slx). However, I think Ralph is wise to caution about drawing parallels between the quality of the bigger boys and the low-end tools (such as a contractor saw, 14" bandsaw, small jointers). They design these intro tools with a low price-point in mind, and corners are definitely cut. That doesn't mean they don't serve a purpose, of course -- I have the old 1019Z 14" band saw, and it was a bargain for the amount and kind of use it gets. Johnny mentioned "mixed reviews" in his OP, and I suspect they are due at least in part to the difference in quality between the intro tools and the better ones up the line.
The G0444Z is an older style contractor saw design with table mounted trunnions, connecting rods, outboard motor, conventional splitter, and all the usual downfalls of that design the traditional contractor saw design ForestGirl eluded to. It's the same basic saw as the GI 50-175, PM64, former Jet, Bridgewood, and Woodtek saws. It has solid cast iron wings and an excellent steel t-square fence. I wouldn't be too concerned about table flatness comments from FWW, as those things tend to be isolated to the model at hand. It's as good of a contractor saw as any, and the current pricing is attractive....upon glancing at the Grizzly website, it appears that the G0444Z has been sold out.
The G0438RL is also a conventional contractor saw design, but with steel wings, and adds a riving knife instead of a conventional splitter. A riving knife is a more elegant solution, but the steel wings and added cost don't make the issues of a contractor saw any more appealing.
They're showing the Shop Fox W1725 (Grizzly item T21853) for $425. There's no riving knife but it's nearly $200 cheaper than the G0438RL, and is otherwise very similar. Why pay a premium for an older technology?
As ForrestGirl suggested, the hybrid designs move the outboard motor inside the enclosure which offers several benefits. You might want to look into one of them.
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