I am setting up a workshop and I am interested in getting a 14″ bandsaw. I have been looking into delta, powermatic, and grizzly models. I have read numerous reviews and a suprising number of them indicated issues with different quality control problems particularly when setting up the machine. I would have anticipated more issues with the lower-priced grizzly model, but I have read just as many for the powermatic model. I would appreciate any information that would help me with my decision. I am hoping to invest my money in a machine that will last me a long time.
Thanks
Replies
I recently purchased a Grizzly 14" bandsaw (G0570), couldn't be happier with it. Just be sure to purchase and use quality blades. Don't even try to use the blade that ships with the saw, and that hold true for most brands, not just Grizzly. Suffolk Machinery Timber Wolf blades are what I'm using and they come well recommended on this forum. Good luck....
Jeff
I would buy a General 14" first.
I have the Delta X5 14" saw and remain very impressed with it after a solid years use. I can't speak to the others you mention as I have not used them though I know they have loyal supporters as well.
I have a review of my Delta with photos and details on its features at the link below if that will help.
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/deltax528-475rvu.html
Tom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
Find a good used Delta, maybe an open stand model from the 1980's. Get the Iturra design catalog (888-722-7078) and tune it up. It will be the best buy for your money.
Order the catalog and wait, and wait...
Now, I recieved mine is a week, so I have not had that issue. But wait or not, it's worth it. I still say the old stuff fixed up is the way to go.
According to a recent shop review in FWW on 14" machines, Jet, the US made Delta, and Ridgid came out as winners. As I recall, more or less in that order. Go to FWWNetwork and scroll down and click on Bandsaws. Lot of info available if you keep clicking on the links.
Good luck!
I have had many bandsaws over the years, Delta has never disappointed, the 15" General was one of the best, Jets have really improved and I just recently used a Grizzly with the riser block and was very impressed. In a pinch a few years ago, after I had sold my business/shop I needed a saw for around the house jobs, so after a glowing review in a magazine I bought a Ridgid. It was a terrible saw, tracking problems that were the result of poor castings, after much modification and set up that should have been done at the factory, it worked Ok, until the moter burned up right after the warranty was up. It is now gone and I am back to Delta and looking for a used General.
I have used both Powermatic and Delta for years in my school shop. Upon retirement, I purchased a Grizzly. All these being 14" machines, I would make the following recommendations. I prefer Powermatic if cost is not a problem or if it is going to be used in an industrial shop. Delta is a lighter machine but will last for years and usually costs less. If you are experienced with bandsaws and can tinker with them on occasion, get a Grizzly. You will save quite a bit.
If you are going to tinker with it and want to save money just get a good used Delta and tune it up.
Good point if you can find one when you need it. When I bought mine, I didn't want to wait until I located a Delta. You can't go wrong with a Delta unless you buy one of their cheaper models. I always bought top of their line for school use but have found that some of their cheaper saws are no better than Grizzly.
I went crazy looking for a used Delta 14 but couldn't find one at a reasonable price. Most used ones in good condition were going for close to the new price. I purchased the Grizzly G555 with the roller bearings. You will need a few metric hex wrenches to do the set-up. The blade they sent with it is just used to keep the two wheels from flopping around during shipping. I have easy access to Olsen blades, so I put one on the saw and fired it up. The tracking on the saw was almost perfect right out of the box. I put a shelf inside the open stand to hold several boxes of blades. My only 'complaint' is that I had to buy a step-down adapter to use my shop-vac with the 4" dust port. A while back there was a rumor that Grizzly was going to ship with Timberwolf blades. So far, it is just that... a rumor. Yes, get the Iturra catalog. Lots of good stuff in it. Itt should be required reading for all bandsaw owners.
SawdustSteve
My G0555 needed no messing with and as soon as I opened the box, I put the riser block on it. Never bothered to try the POS blade that came with it and since I have SAE and Metric allen wrenches, that wasn't an issue. I haven't put the shelf under the base yet, but I did get some adhesive backed hooks for hanging blades, my set of Allen wrenches, etc on. My blades are from a local shop that sharpens just about anything and they make up bandsaw blades from bulk stock, as needed. No drift at all. I tried resawing before checking the fence and then checked for drift. Nothing. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how easy it was to assemble, adjust and use. The attitude that Grizzly is crap and anything grey is great, is way off. Once again, the imported machines are made in the same places. Most of the operations are not changed because there isn't any reason to change them. The fit and finish may be different, but it strikes me as inefficient to reset the drill presses, milling machines, etc when the parts are just going to be painted different colors. I would be very surprised to find that most parts aren't interchangeable (castings, bushings, guides, pulleys, wheels, etc). I have seen the same fence on several bandsaws and they were all different companies.I don't know that I would complain about needing an adaptor to use a shop vac- it wasn't designed to use a shop vac dor dust collection. They work if a DC is just not in the budget or not practical, though. Did you put yours on a mobile base?
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Yes, I must agree that all these different machines come from the same factory and parts are most likely interchangable. No, I didn't put my unit on wheels. I DID however, make my 'usual' modifications to the saw... I start with a longer (10') electric cord and a good plug. Next, I place a 'gem-box' in line with the new cord and mount it as high on the base as possible. This gives me two outlets, one for my shop-vac and one for a magnetic base task light. Inside the door I write the following info: Blade length(s), size of hex keys needed for various adjustments, and date of purchase. ALL the manuals and instructions go into a 3-ring binder so I can easily find any info in a few seconds. SawdustSteve
"I am hoping to invest my money in a machine that will last me a long time." I didn't see a specific $$ amount. If you plan to use your saw alot, the entry-level Grizzly (G0555) might not be the best bet for longevity. Can you pony up for the G0457? ($795).
I have the old Grizzly 1019Z, and I would definitely buy another Grizzly when the time comes to upgrade. It has great power, low vibration (for a $300 saw). It has its quirks, but they have improved their 14" saws since mine was made. I have concerns, though, about the long-term outlook for a G0555. They tend to use a fair amount of pot-metal in their really inexpensive saws, which doesn't wear well. No specifics here, I know, but something to think about.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
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