good evening to all just wondering if anyone has purchased or seen this new bandsaw . aw tool guide makes it sound good for the price they are asking. thanks for any info you might have. bob.
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When I went to the WWing show last month, was hoping to see this saw, but Grizz wasn't there. As an owner of the 1019Z, I can say that the GO555 offers a number of major improvements over my saw. Ball bearing guides, a "real" fence, 4" dust port and hinged wheel covers.
The 2 speeds don't do anything for me -- I've never seen anyone post that they actually use 2 speeds on the bandsaw, but maybe there's a use for the faster speed. I notice that the new saw's lower speed is 2500 fpm, whereas the speed on the 1019 is 1725 fpm. Would be interesting to hear from our techno-geeks if they think that's an advantage.
I will follow this thread with interest.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: ok now that you have your fishing pole all set,I will bite..<G>..the new grizzly bandsaw looks like a real dandy and the price is hard to beat $375.00 plus shipping for a total of $430.00 I noticed the speeds listed are 1500-3200, checked my delta 14 inch and speed is listed at 2500-3000 soo I would say there both fairly close,the grizzly has a 1 hp motor the new Deltas carry either a 3/4 or 11/2 hp motors, hmmm guess the new Grizzs are going to catch a few woodworkers eyes.. But I still like my tried and true Delta.... plus guess what?? I just love those Delta Gals.. but you already knew that..
I just also noticed that this saw takes a 92 1/2 inch blade rather than the standard 93 1/2 blades like the Delta Not a real Big Deal but your not going to just find that size laying around.. hmm one more plus for the Deltas....
Take care little Buddy... ToolDoc
Edited 11/14/2002 1:00:22 AM ET by TOOLDOC
Hiya Doc. Yeah, I know you love your Delta, and I really can't blame you! Great machine if you've got the dough for it (with the bigger motor) The Grizzly's price point in combination with reasonable quality and excellent customer service enables it to have its own special niche.
Occasionally I get a little irritated about not having a "standard" blade length, but since I order my blades from Timberwolf/Suffolk anyway, it's not a huge deal at this point. I wonder what the blade length is for this saw when the riser is installed...
BTW, do you use both speeds on your Delta? What are the applications? Am I missing something?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: i really dont change speeds on my delta,its set for the 3000 and thats where it stays.. my thinking is its there for if you would want to speed up or slow down your cutting speed for diffrent types of materials.. like if you were cutting aluminum slow it down.. or scrolling ... if you need more faster speed then you could jack it back up.. I think you get the drift now..Right???
My only concern with the new Grizzly would be that odd blade length 92 1/2 rather than the standard 93 1/2 if you needed a new blade right away you would need to find a dealer who carried the odd length.. I use Olson blades myself and think this would be a problem down the road.. something to consider if anyone is thinking of getting this saw.. remember not everyone gets there blades from them there bandsaw gurus <G>.. like you do....thats the nice thing about having a machine that uses standard blades you can walk into any hardware store and buy a blade to fit.. bet this one mistake that grizzly is going to sorry they made.....
ToolDoc
Grizzly's been using that odd size for years now, and don't seem to see any reason to change. I wouldn't mind if they did change, for the very reason you mention -- the "gotta have it now" situation. I suppose I could always learn to weld, ha ha.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: I learned something today from you that I never noticed before,that the Grizzlys used a non-standard blade length.. your 1019Z uses a 98 inch blade wow I never knew that...funny all the reviews and all the people Ive chatted with in other forums never mentioned the blade length... not that its a big deal but you would of thought that someone would of said something about it...GEE thanks FG you taught me something---THANKS....IM still puzzled over this new saw you would of thought for a lousy inch they would make it the standard 93 1/2 blade length.. must be there trade mark to be diffrent....
ToolDoc
Jamie and Doc
According to Popular WW article I mentioned, the blade length is standard 93 1/2" like the Delta and clones. They have made changes. Somebody from Grizzly is thinking, I will call tech to find out, but I bet with the riser it takes the 105" as the Delta. I can't imagine them changing one without the other, but stranger things have happened.
HO HO HO, off to work I go..
sarge..jt
www
I have beem eyeing the G0555 since I first saw it in the ads several months ago. Popular WW mag just did a test on it. #131 pg. 30. Good review as it didn't bog in maple being pushed beyond normal. The price is most definitely right. With a riser $49 you got $425 plus around $50 shipping for a total of $475. With the new features,a lot of saw for that amount.
Careful. Popular WW does kind of lean on Grizzly and Delta in some of their articles. IMO.. But, I got a feeling this is going to be a big winner for Grizzly as this saw has 1 HP and ball-bearing guides. Meaning the only decent cast-iron at anywhere near that price is Jet 12" at now, $379. The Jet 12" has 1/2 HP and is a great BS for outside cuts. I'm keeping mine just for that. Leave the 1/4 6 tpi blade on it for that purpose. I am looking to replace the 14" I sold not long ago for re-saw. Knew where I was going with that, but will wait till this Gris see's some combat.
This saw looks good on paper. Price is great for those of us that cannot afford the 16" and ups from Laguna and the rest of the bigs. I think this will end up a better buy than the Jet and Delta 14" if the saw preforms. I have a feeling it will preform. If we don't get some feed-back soon from some that bought, I don't usually; but I might volunteer to be the guinea if Grizzly carries a return if not satisfied gaurantee.
Got a feelin' the ME's at Jet and Delta are watching this green and white machine closely. Might see some prices come down to stay in the ball-game. Power to the the consumer..IMHO only, of course..
sarge..jt
Sarge -
I'm not up to speed with the machine that's being discussed here but ...
I've got a project in mind for the stair in our new place that will require a pretty big capacity re-saw. What's the max on this one we're talking about?
I'll be building a curved stair that involves a pitch change thus a two step bend/laminate resaw bend/laminate process. I'll be doing the layout work pretty soon to know what the max size of the initial layup will be to know what re-saw capacity I'll need. Considering how much it would cost to have this stair built, I'm planning on using that as leverage to justify the purchase of a bigger band saw.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis
The max re-saw with riser is 12". You already got that or 13" with your Delta if you got the big-boy Delta. This is just an attrative price for those of us who would like the have the big Delta or Jet 14". You may have to go to 16" or bigger to get a re-saw over 12 or 13..
Good luck on the decision, what-ever the outcome..
sarge..jt
Thanks for the info, Sarge.
This project I have in mind may take a pretty hefty resaw capacity. I've been swooning over the new 18" Jet I saw at Eastside Saw recently. The price was, as I recall, under $1500. Again, considering how much it would cost to farm this stair out to a custom shop, I think I can rationalize the price of a new saw in the deal.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis
I like the JET 18" and the new 16". Unfortunately, for the money I cannot warrant either. I build a lot of tables and useful furniture from donated cut-offs at this point. I give to Vet's, home-less and abused women's shelters. Then there's the ocassional request from the first lady. Not a lot of need for the bigger BS's at this point.
If you go that route, you won't have any problem selling the Delta 14". Good saw.
sarge..jt
Dennis,
Question? The differences between the Jet 16" and 18" appear to be minor...resaw capacity 1/4"...same size motor....of course the table is larger...and as i understand, $50 bucks get you the roller bering set up on the 16" as you have on the 18" saw. The price difference is significant and the 18" is larger overall. Am I missing something..or is the 16" a great deal all things considered?
BG
Sorry to butt in, I butt couldn't resist. he.. What you're missing if you opt for the 18" is 2" throat capacity and a pocket full of cash. Your post got my attention and I cross-referenced also. Unless I missed something, I believe you are onto something. Dennis is probaly gonna make us look like dummies, but I been there before. grin<>
sarge..jt
Sarge,
I'm glad you picked up on my post to Dennis, I wanted your comments but don't know if you can send a message to two people (betya FG has found a way if it exists :) )
Today the CFO gave me the nod on either a bandsaw or a TS. I missed the $879 Jet 18" sale of a couple weks ago..and the new one is about $1100...ouch...don't think I can push the goodwill that far..
But, if the 16" is big enough, and the fact that I get 10% discount this month from Woodcraft...and I run up to New Hampshire (no tax)...that has me out the door at about $720 for a 16" saw....thinking hard...
BG
Wine and dine, adorn with compliments and end the evening with a romantic scenario. GET BOTH the TS and BS. Get in trouble too and it was all my fault. Ha....
Man, you do have a delima cooking here. I would get the TS first, but this would fit my needs only. I don't turn and that is a big factor. Please think carefully, as this is a big decision. You are going to have to be honest with yourself as too your most pressing needs. I could not live without the rip and cross-cut capacity of the TS. But I am using the BS more and more and now consider it essential.
BTW, did some homework this morning. I think the 18" has a solid steel one piece columm. The 16" has a dual that is most likely cast iron. This was not the written word, but they push the steel single for more strenght in the specs. They only mention dual and not what's it's made of in it's specs, This and the ball-bearing guides and fence would create the gap in price. The 18" is heavier and has the extra throat capacity.
You need to call Jet C/S and find out the capacity of blade width as Dennis mentioned. By the time you trick out the 16" you might end up almost same price with a cast iron column and 2" less throat capacity. If these were coming from different manufacturers name-brand and advertising might be a factor. Just found that out researching jointers. We're talking all Jet here, so cost of producing the 18" probaly is justified by the above mentioned.
T/S or B/S. ?? Ummmh--Ummmh.. My advice is this. A good relationship is worth more in the big picture than both combined. Choose the one that will fit the most needs for the moment. The other comes latter, as most of us has to do. You're still young. I just bought my first new stationary tool since I had to sell mine in 80. I have taken junk and B/T's to another level with modifications. I sold my 14" B/S thinking I would step up. The more I thought about it and was honest with myself, I realized I only need a 14". The new Grizzly is attractive with the ball-bearing guides and to the door with riser for $468. That leaves a gap that can be filled with a 13" planer that would compliment the new jointer.
Will I ever have an occassional need for larger than 14". Ha.. It's the old "one clamp short theory". Always come up one short no matter how many you have. Field improvision is the solution. The job always gets done. It just takes a little thinking and patience. Good luck and be patient, it pays big dividends..
Gotta run, think I might just gamble a little and call Grizzly and see if they got any new B/S's sitting around for sale. That green and white doesn't go with the current shop decor, but what the h-e-l-l. I've got kinda good at modifying. grin<>
P.S. Have you got a B/S at all now? I think I remember you have a T/S..
Think smart..
sarge..jt
Sarge, Dennis,
Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I went out today and bought the Band Saw Book...I'm gonna spend some quality time with that before I make any decision. From the few pages I have read, the clouds are starting to clear just a bit.
Deciding between the TS or BS is a tough one. For the past two years I have used a $99 Skill which refuses to cry uncle no matter what I throw at it...including 3" maple. I built a large table around this saw and a steel fense about 40" long. I had to dismantle the table when i finished the new workbench...just don't have the space.
I have been working since the middle of July to create more space; shelving in garage, new cabinets and shelving in the basement. Everything is on wheels except the workbench...and the 275 gal. oil tank (hmmm..). At any rate a TS can fit but could only handle stock 4'x4'. I have been using my circular saw in the garage on sheet stock before I bring it into the basement area...set up takes a bit more work but results have been pretty good.
Gonna do a little reading and thinkin...
BG
The house next door is for sale. If you would like to share my shop, you would be welcome. Ha... Tough delima. You probaly won't have to get more than 4x4 on the saw. You can pre-cut b-4.. I did it for years with small spaces.
If you have to do a lot of ripping, I know where I'd go. But, you seem to get along with the skill-saw ok now. This is tough. The book you bought is great. He knows his stuff. Clever idea with the shelves and cabinets. My shop is ample and I have used the space wisely. I am about to post in Sunhill?? with pictures if you want a tour. Maybe you can pick up an idea.
Keep us posted as I am interested what you decide..
sarge..jt
I haven't really looked at the two saws that closely, BG. Just saw them sitting on the floor at my fav' tool shop and dropped my jaw at the size of the 18" and the price tag. The price tag being what seemed to be rather reasonable considering the size of the thing.
The 18", as Sarge noted, give one 2" more throat capacity but beyond that, if the resaw capacity is essentially the same, no reason to go with the bigger more expensive version. What about max. blade size? The 18" will take a 1 1/4" blade which would be pretty nice for what I have in mind. I'll be needing to resaw a piece about 14" deep that's curved, sawing it into 1/4" lams for bending around the stringer form. The curve in the main piece will in some places arch over the table to require perhaps as much as 16" of re-saw capacity.
Then again, I might just go find a cabinet shop that's got a saw this big and would be willing to do the sawing for me. But I wouldn't end up with a nice mondo band saw that way. And that doesn't work, does it? (grin)
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
I have not checked blade capacity yet..that's important. Yes, the 18" is in a different size catagory...physically....but i cant figure out why.
A week or so ago you said you wish you had a bigger bandsaw..even more than the TS...is the 16" big enough? I could probably get away with the 18" with no more than a few weeks of penance...I don't want to buy an undersized machine again (sigh)...and I don't have room for both a TS ans BS...
I don't know what you do, BG, in order to answer "is the 16" big enough". If you don't think you'll ever cut curves bigger than 16" diameter then probably so. If the max blade width is big enough to handle whatever you think you'll ever need (ever is a long time -grin-) and .... so on and so forth.
The more I think about it, the more I think for my special one-off project I can probably farm it out far cheaper than buying another band saw. But then, guess I could sell this Delta, riser block and a good stock of blades.
Decisions, decisions.
I know what you're saying about buying something then finding out it doesn't have the capacity for that one job you've had in mind for years.
sigh.....
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
Exactly... "decisions, decisions"....
From the financial point it appears the difference between the 16" and 18" is about $300. However, the 18" comes with fense (about $100), rollar berings ($119) and $100/50 rebate to be applied to next Jet purchase. The point being..not such a financial difference afterall an you do have greater cutting capacity relative to the table and a tiny bit with regard to re-sawing.
Following the bandsaw threads here I have been impressed with the apparent quirkeness of bandsaws and bandsaw blades. Someone said recently each bandsaw blade has its own idiosyncracies (sp?)...gees.. I'd like to buy a tool that reduces my frustration in the workshop, not increases it. I'm assuming that larger machines have a few less issues than smaller ones...and like table saws, many subtle attributes. So when I ask the question "big enough" I'm asking is this big enough to have a few less quirks and a few more postive attributes (cut smoother, less drift, etc.)
In my specific situation this saw will be a substitute for the TS as much as possible, however, I don't have great expectations in that catagory. I think re-sawing, shaping for the lathe, tenon cutting and of course curves will be the main work. I would go with the Grizzly except given the potential quirks, I would like to find something where I could be supported locally (read: a place to go and whine).
Having a local whining spot (grin) is indeed a worthwhile consideration. And yes, from my (very) limited experience thus far, a band saw takes more 'tuning up' than a table saw. To a degree. A poorly tuned table saw can take some time and effort to get 'in tune' but once there, I suspect it stays put better than a band saw.
The issue of blade drift depends, and others will hopefully have some comments based on more experience than I, on the quality of the blade and how well the guides and wheels are maintained. I don't think I could substitute ripping long stock of the 3/4" variety, or even 2x stuff, with a band saw. At least not in my shop's current configuration. The Delta I have is too top heavy to make it comfy pushing long pieces from a distance plus I simply don't have the room for long in/outfeed operations. A heavier saw, bigger table and proper space would obviously color my attitude in that respect.
Don't know how big you intend to go with your turning projects but that's one place where a bigger table would be a benefit for me. I've got a rather hugish piece of redwood sitting around that I would like to turn into a large bowl but it's pretty heavy and don't know how I'll be able to horse it around on the little Delta table. Not to mention the business of pushing the saw over (grin).
If you're more interested in turning than flat work, a band saw would, in my view, be the more obvious first choice between it and a table saw. But given an all-round shop, it'd be hard to make an arguement for not having both.
After all, everyone knows woodworkers are made of money, right!
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis, your question is about resaw ability and the 18" bandsaw is just about where you want to start in that world. I have the Jet 18" which was intended as a replacement for my old craftsman 12". I still have both and use them often but when it comes to re-sawing, the 18" wins hands down. The only reason it does is because of the wider blade capacity which produces less drift. If you have ever fought drift during a resaw operation you will definitly appreciate the blade capacity of the 18".
However, if we take it to the next level, you might consider just having you lumber yard do the resawing for you. This is my normal approach when I have a large amount of resaw work. The cost ends up being minimal compared to the price of a new saw and the labor of doing it yourself.
Please dont takle this as advice, just ponder the alternatives and make your own decision.
Edited 11/18/2002 11:04:25 PM ET by no one
Dennis, I'm a day later than usual, but browsing the Sunday classifieds, saw an 18" bandsaw (along with a 12" Powermatic saw and other good stuff) in the Tools section.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Uh, Sarge >>". . .is a great BS for outside cuts." I feel a big "duh" comin' back at me here, but what does this mean? Are we talking scrolling?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
Yes, outside cuts in my terminology is scrolling, cross-cutting and light ripping in thin stock. The Jet 12" is not a re-saw machine. That requires at least 1 HP and 1/2" or more width blades. I can run a Highland Hardware Woodslicer 1/2" and do light re-saw, but this not a re-saw machine.
I do inside cuts with the scroll. What I would like to do is set the Jet 12" for light work with a 1/4" 6 tpi skip-tooth or a 1/8" for scrolling. Have a larger 14" with a re-saw blade and riser and leave the blade alone without making all the switches. Since I have the 12" Jet paid for, the Grizzly price is attrative as I can afford to have it out-right and not sell the Jet.
sarge..jt
An interesting question came up over at the Woodnet forum about the riser kit for this saw. Maybe someone can pitch in with info:http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubb/Forum2/HTML/012033.html
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
Spoke with Grizzly Tech today. Had no idea of the problem. Will contact them to see if they know of the problem or this was an oversight with their engineers.
BTW, if you want a short tour of the shop, go to Sunhill?? thread. Just posted my new jointer and a few pictures of the shop as I had to take them for insurance purposes.
Have an excellent evening First Lady of the Forrest..
sarge..jt
"First Lady of the Forest" -- oooohhhh, I like that!
I'll go check out your shop.
I realized today, as I was leaving mine, that I'm beginning to feel just a pinch of pride in mine, even though I'm barely organized. It feels like a workplace now.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
I blew the forest. I was 3rd grade spelling champ ( ha.. ) but I've always wondered when to apply forrest or forest. Nuff of that..
You will not only start to take pride as you get organized but will find it is more efficient also. You don't have to search to find and it's much easier to keep clean. It also saves a lot of time juggling things around if you go to a build for profit mode. Time is money in any business, as you know..
Now I've got to go explain to Doc how to get on your good side..Grin<> I'll make up something.. Ha..
Wishing you a good retail Xmas shopping season.. he..
sarge..jt
The forest is made up of trees. The Forrest is the blade that cuts the trees into armoirs, dining tables and chests of drawers! Unless, of course, you're a Forestgirl, in which case you use a Freud blade -- don't ask why! It goes back to my childhood, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
I tried to tell you about the Freuds months ago. HA.. At least I got a clarification on forest vs forrest. Now I'm really confused. Is there an actual spelling of forrest, with the exception of someone's name>? I could look in the dictionary, but I like your explanations better. After all, you got a big investment in your college education and Webster doesn't have your sense of humor.. ha....
Late EST and I need the sleep.. BTW, finally got the pics posted..
Evening..
sarge.jt
Now I know why they spell it different. Thanks for the explanation. But, arent your being a bit freudiant about all this... LOL....no ROFLOL... Hi Jamie.... Glad you liked the jokes I sent.
S
SARGE: ( First Lady of the Forest) LOL..<G> you sly old dawg you sure know how to suck up to our little Jamie dont ya??? hmmm I cant leave you guys alone for any length of time with out you going and doing something really cool with out me dang it...Now what can I do to get on Forest Girls good side again????
ToolDoc
Doc
I already covered the in-expensive approach. Charm and compliments. I suppose the only thing left would be for you to wire money for flowers and gourmet dining. It's just the gentlemenly way.. Ha...
And don't tell me you got your eye on a circular saw on sale. From what I hear through the grape-vine, you already got a monopoly on those. Ha.... If there were another World War, you got enough of them to supply all allied industry for the duration. Maybe you should consider a circular saw museum. Might be able to retire on the admission fees. he..he..
Have a good nite wild-man..
sarge..jt
SARGE: ok I admit it IM a tool junkie, but I do have enough circular saws,so I hope I can control myself at the next flea market in the spring...I will keep my tool buying limited to hand tools...
Take care.... ToolDoc
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