hello folks,
am looking for a BandSaw and have narrowed it down (so far) to either the Jet 12″ or the Grizzly 14″ G0555 Ultimate. Cannot afford much more $$ than these. The Grizzly seems the better deal in that it includes a larger (1hp) motor, fence and miter gauge. The Jet seems like a decent machine also, but no accessories are std and has a 1/2 hp motor. Any thoughts or opinions on these machines is appreciated.
Replies
Router,
Between those two, go with the Grizzly. I like Grizzly tools as very good machines for the money. However, I think their 14" bandsaw is not in the same league as their other machines and that you can do better. I have the Grizzly 14" bandsaw. It is a little "rough around the edges." But it is a decent machine, that anyone with experience can get to work well.
The Jet 14" and Delta 14" have a lot better "fit and finish." They are more expensive, but I think are a better buy despite the higher cost. If you are at the limit of budget, get the Grizzly. It will do a lot of sawing for you.
R
Oh yeah, I would like to get either the Delta 14" or Jet 14 but they are just too much $$$ to justify at this time. The Grizz is looking like it may just be my choice unless someone can convince me otherwise. I can handle the "rough around the edges" so long as it don't cut me (grin)
To tune up the saw, I had to replace the tires with urethane ones. The original equipment tires were awful. In fact, tech support sent me replacements which were even worse. After I put the new tires on, I had to rebalance the wheels. The wheels are balanced, but are warped a little, which I can't correct. It doesn't affect cutting.
Not a big deal and not unusual in a machine at this price level. But I wish the wheels were true. It's not worth replacing them, as that cost is more than half the cost of the machine. If your machine exhibits this problem, send the wheels back to Grizzly tech support and they will true them for you. But do it immediately (the machine is under warranty for a year). I didn't use the machine for over a year after I bought it. The combination of needing to use it and not wanting to press the warranty issue that long after purchase, made me decide to live with the problem. Their tech support is great!
R
Given the choice you've presented, I vote for the Grizzly for sure, especially this new one. I have the 1019Z, and the GO555 has some long-needed improvements over it. You won't regret going for the bigger motor.
PS: If you can at all afford it, get the riser block kit and put it on during assembly. I really wish I had done this!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 11/26/2002 4:54:27 PM ET by forest_girl
ROUTER8
Go with the new-improved Grizzly 0555. I have the Jet 12" and it's great for scrolling and smaller work. But it has the 1/2 HP and is not up to re-saw.
The new Grizz has ball bearing all the way through and the 1 HP motor. That is going to give fits to Jet and Delta with their 14" BS's as us po folks are going to opt for the Griz. Comes with a adjustable fence ( I use a point fence instead ) and mitre gauge also. Has a riser for $50 extra that gives the same re-saw as Jet and Delta.
I will keep the Jet 12" with an 1/4" skip tooth and 1/8" for scrolling and light work. But I'm ordering the G0555 with riser and leave it set up with riser for re-sawing. BTW, I hope they have the G0555 Z when I order. That's the same as the G0555 with a 1 1/2 HP. I made that up, but it sure sounds good at only $400. I'll drop it into the suggestion box at Grizzly tomorrow.. grin<>
Good luck with the decision..
sarge..jt
Sarge -
I don't know what you have in mind in the way of re-sawing, but, and I know full well there are people here who will beat up on me for saying so, the 14" bandsaw from Jet, Delta, or Grizzley just isn't the machine for the job. The max blade width for my Delta is 3/4" - which I assume is the same for the other two. I don't think this is wide enough to be getting serious about re-sawing wide stock. Espeically since I believe you indicated that you're opting for the riser block to give you 12" resaw capacity. That being the case, you really need to consider upping the horsepower on the saw.
Just my opinion based on admittedly little experience thus far with a Delta 3/4hp 14" band saw with riser block using anything from carbon steel blades to bi-metal to carbide tipped. The carbide blades result in a very, very clean cut butI have trouble with them wandering all over the place. The bi-metal blades seem to track the best but the finish on the cut isn't nearly as good as carbide. For hacking out bowl blanks and rough sawing, plane old steel blades seem to work pretty well.
But it's a slow process with such a small machine. I think you need a bigger table (I intend to build extension tables some day for mine) and a wider blade so's not to have to be all the time concerned about where the blade's going while you're trying to push some big piece of timber through the saw.
But then, my idea of re-sawing stuff is like logs. If you're not into the big stuff .........
..
..
never mind.
(grin)
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
Just a thought. It seems that we have the same saws. I've used 3/4" blades but found that they seemed to have too much drag. The saw bogged down on the wider boards. I switched over to the 1/2" and did alot better.
Also, I just finished cutting up some cherry from a tree that I came into. I'm finding that for roughing out blanks for lathe work the 3/8" blade that I happened to have on the saw at the time does a great job. Smooth enough cut, little deflection and alot easier to puch through. Seems that the drag issue really comes into play since I only have 3/4 hp. One day I may upgrade to 1 1/2 hp.
I know the issue has beaten to death on another thread but I've had good luck with the Timberwolf blades also.
keep your fingers clear, Hugh
Dennis
As you guessed, I hardly have the need for real wide stock re-saw capacity. I sold the Jet 14" to up-grade to a larger B/S. Did some real soul searching and decided that a 14" with the 1 HP was suficient for my needs. I would prefer a 1 1/2 HP, but I can re-saw 4" to 5" stock with the Jet 12" an a 1/2 HP. If I don't push the issue.
Opted for a jointer and a 22-580 Delta thickness planer which I haven't had since 80'. In my case it is probaly the best decision. Everyone's needs and finances are different and we have to tailor around those, unfortunately.
BTW, hugh's suggestion about the 1/2" might be valid. I get smooth cuts with the Jet 12" using the Highland Hardware Re-Slicer. They designed it and have it made for them. If you try one and don't like it, I will buy it from you. Now there's a deal that's hard to refuse. That's how bad I would like you to give it a try. http://www.highlandhardware.com
Opps, got UPS in the driveway. Suppose it might be that 22-580 just arrived from ND? Custom built a stand as I pre-measured it at Lowes. Guess I better pull it out of the box and bolt her down. Time to get serious as Giving Thanks has arrived at the sarge household. Now to explain to the "first lady" what was in that box UPS delivered. "Your Xmas gift, sweetheart".
Yep, got to get busy. 28 days to Xmas and looks like I got some custom furniture to build. he..he.. Good thing she's my most admiring and loyal client. It works for us! grin<>
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours..
sarge..jt
sarge..jt
Don't know where you're located, but I've got a 14 inch Jet with riser blocks and extra blades that is lised in the "for sale" forum (don't remember the exact name). If you're interested I'm negotiable on price.
John
Mr. Iturra has a free publication comparing the Delta 14" to the Jet 14". He seems more impressed with the Delta, but not by much. You might think about a used machine, as the fellow above suggested. I have the Delta 14", kicked up to 1.5 HP, larger cast drive pulley, link belt, riser, etc, and it still is not that good for serious resawing. One day a used 20" Northfield will be in my sights (height imitations in the basement make this a good choice for me); right now I am playing with the Timberwolf - Suffolk, 3/4" resaw blade. Only did one little piece so far and it was a vast improvement. Anxious to try a more serious board, 12" hard maple or something, but am occupado on a sideboard at the moment, and all of the resawing for it is already done.
Thanks everyone for the informative posts. Most of the projects that I build do not require re-sawing so that is not a huge requirement for me. In the the future, maybe, just not at this time. What I want is a machine that will last, has parts available, somewhat upgradable and is of good quality. Maybe in the future I can upgrade to a Laguna (argh argh) as my skills advance and budget increases. I think that the Grizz will do me OK until then, so today I think I will "make the call" and get it ordered.
al
Wait til you have the money and buy the Delta, because years later your going to want to kick yourself that you didnt... plus you can then join the Delta Club amd get a Delta Girls pin up poster<G> Grizzly doesnt have that.. who wants a poster of a dumb nakie Bear????LOL....
ToolDoc
With a 1 hp. motor and a price tag of only $375, the Grizzly G0555 is hard to beat. Popular Woodworking just gave it their "Best New Tool" award.
Jeff
Router8:
Don't overlook used machinery. If you're patient, you could probably find a used Delta 14" for about the same price as the Grizzly (about $375, according to a previous post) and have the best of both worlds...a better saw and a bargain price. Check your local classifieds. Auctions are also a good source, but it will probably take a while before you find one with the saw your looking for. It's been while, but I was at an auction where a nearly new Delta 14" with the enclosed stand sold for $350.00. I bought my Delta 14" (1940s vintage with cast iron stand) for $250 at a school auction. There is a lot of good used machinery out there looking for new owners if you know where to look. Good Luck.
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