442man

I'm considering buying the Grizzly GO555X band saw. A good machine for the money or should I consider something else?
Thanks,
442Man

thekctermite

I have a Grizzly G0514X bandsaw and have had excellent luck with it. I really shopped around (Jet, Delta, Rikon, Powermatic) and found that it had the best features.

Some of Grizzly's tools are junk. This saw is solid and has functioned reliably. I cut corbels, arches, and brackets from heavy timber. I re-wired my saw to run on 220V, and it sails through the thickest timbers I can throw at it. It is easy to tune and runs quietly. The saw is awesome for resaw work as well.

The only problem I had was with the motor starter. I was starting and stopping the saw well over 60 times an hour, and it was eating starters. I figured out that it is just best to leave it running so the starter isn't overworked, and now I limit myself to probably 20-30 starts per hour. Grizzly took great care of me with replacement parts in a hurry. They are great to deal with.

442man

Thanks kctermite for the info. I'm going with the Grizzley.
Best Regards,
442man

thekctermite

Be sure that you don't buy the cheap grizzly blades that they sell. The price is tempting, but you won't like them. Get a couple different timberwolf blades...They're reasonably priced and perform very well.

Also, if you get a mobile base, plan on cutting some thin shim-wedges to slide under the base's frame when using the saw. A saw that tall and heavy is hard to keep 100% steady on a mobile base.

Also plan on having about 3 or 4 strong guys to help unload the saw. It comes with a lift loop if you happen to have a tractor or forklift. VERY HEAVY piece of hardware. I had three guys help me, and we're all very big strong guys, and it nearly whooped us.

Plan on wiring 220V if you don't already have it in your shop. If you need help with that send me a message and I can walk you through it.

442man

kctermite,
Thanks for the info on the blades. I'm good to go with 220v., re-wired when I bought a Delta planer. I do plan to get the mobile base so thanks for the shim tip. Also, I'm considering buying the riser but not sure if I'll need. I figure if I don't I'll end up needing it.
Thanks,
442man

Marauderer

442Man, did you get your bandsaw yet?? IMWTK (inquiring minds want to know) and do you have an Olds 442?

kctermite, I have just ordered the G0514X2 with the mobile base and thank you for the shim tip.

__________________
Barry

Learning to be a WoodWorker
Wanting to be a SawMiller

dbhost

If you have a HF store near you, check out the 17" band saw. It looks almost identical to the 19" grizzly extreme series, and is a bunch cheaper...

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-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

Marauderer

The only problem I find with HF is their quality is where Grizzlies was in the mid 80's.

__________________
Barry

Learning to be a WoodWorker
Wanting to be a SawMiller

dbhost

On some of their equipment I will whole heartedly agree. Which is why I suggested actually going into a HF store in person. I took a look at the 17" band saw, and it looks pretty solid. No idea if the motor is worth a half of a rat's behind or not, but the table, frame, wheel assemblies etc... all seem to be well made. With so much of this stuff being made in the same factory, with only slight differences to show between brand A and brand B, it is very possible the 17" Central Machinery Band Saw is effectively the same saw as the Grizzly G0513 17" 2HP band saw. However the HF web site lists the max cutting height for the 17" bandsaw to be 14.5", and the G0513 is listed by Grizzly to have a max cut height of 12".

__________________
-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

442man

[quote=Marauderer;34129]442Man, did you get your bandsaw yet?? IMWTK (inquiring minds want to know) and do you have an Olds 442?

Marauderer,
I ran across a used Delta and the deal just fell through so looks like I'm going with the Grizzley after all.
I do have a 442, '70 convertible I've had for 25 years. That's my other hobby.
I had looked at the Central Machinery products some time ago but decided Grizzly might be better if I had any problems. Thanks for the tips.
Regards,
442Man

dbhost

The Grizzly band saws are an excellent choice. Depending on your usage, you might be gravely disappointed with the choice of the 555X though. It is a nice band saw, but it has a small (6") sawing height capacity. If you are going to resaw / or at home badsaw mill tree limbs into lumber, you might want a saw with a higher cut capacity. Which is why I pointed toward the CF / Grizzly GO513 (14.5" and 12" respectively).

Just a thought.

BTW, I just noticed your comment about the riser. I wasn't aware that Grizzly offered a riser block for that saw. What is the cutting capacity of it with that riser?

Good luck with your purchase!

__________________
-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

Marauderer

That is why I ordered the G0514X2. It has just a bit more power than the G0513

__________________
Barry

Learning to be a WoodWorker
Wanting to be a SawMiller

Nancy Laird

Take a good look at the Steel City 16" or 18" - the 18" has a foot brake, along with other features. It will run you about $1300 plus shipping, but it IS worth a look and your consideration.

Nancy

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Nancy and Dave Laird
D&N Specialties
Rio Rancho, NM
David works in the Pro Sales Divison at Woodworker's Supply.