Replies

1. 
   DougF | Jun 29, 2005 05:10pm | #1

   Joe, the G-0555 is a good basic machine that can be inexpensively converted to a 12" resaw capacity at a later time.  If you build furniture, at some point you will start considering resawing your own veneer.  Placed on a mobile base lets you to move it out of the way when not in use.  A bench to machine will severely restrict your direction of cuts, particularly with curved pieces and limit you work bench space.  About 2 years ago I added the G 0555 to my shop after 30 years of not having a hand saw and I can honestly saw it is the most versatile machine in the shop and I use it far more than I ever envisioned.      

1. 
   JoeG1 | Jun 29, 2005 06:35pm | #2

   Doug, thanks for the feedback.  It's much appreciated.   Never owning a band saw does make it difficult for me to understand how often I would use the tool.  Your feedback on your experiences helps me justify the cost and space.   I had planned to purchase a mobile base.   I purchased a Grizzly table saw last year with a mobile base and it was well worth the money.   

   I'm about sold on the Grizzly G0555.   I suspect the $100 different between the G0555 and the G0580 is the motor (580 has a 3/4 HP, the 555 has a 1 HP) and a different base.   I didn't see any discussion per the G058, possibly because it's new.  

   Thanks again for your feedback, Doug.  

   Joe

2. 
   Ricks503 | Jul 04, 2005 09:30pm | #3

   Joe,  I am in the market for one also, and have settled on the Grizzly G0555 with the riser block.

   I have done enough reading to know that it will take a prominent place in my shop.

   At this time, I do not know how much curved work I will do (other than templates), but I do know that I will be using the resaw a fair amount - from making jig fences ( I like to slice my fences in half lengthwise then flip one half end to end and inside out and top to bottom, reglue it and sqaure it up - makes a more stable fence - even using rock maple), to making my own veneers, to saving a few dollars(I am cheap, ugh- Frugal?) when making thinner stock ( I hate the idea of planing down a 4/4 piece of walnut to 3/8 - would rather resaw it and get 2 pieces).  I would suggest getting or checking out of the library a couple of good books on bandsaws and how to tune them, improve them and maintain them. 

   When you do decide to get one, find out what size blade it takes and order  the ones you need/want so that you will have them in hand when you get the saw home (same thing with any aftermarket accesories like mobile base, fence, tires, guides or whatever) - discard, yard sale or some such the blade that comes with it and set it up with the good blade in place, that way it is tuned for the good blade.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
1. 
   JoeG1 | Jul 06, 2005 03:05pm | #4

   Rick, I also purchased the G0555 with riser.   Per a recommendation from a forum member, I also ordered a set of blades from Timber Wolf.   They are running a special.  If you buy 3, the 4th is free.   I ordered a 3/4" x 3 TPI, 1/4" X 10 TPI and 1/8" x 14 TPI.    The free blade will be the same as the one shipped with the expansion kit.   With these blades, I should be able to make a wide range of cuts with the correct blade.   The saw is scheduled to arrive this week.   I'm looking forward to an uneventful installation.

   Joe