Rikon

 

I have a number of Grizzly machines and happy to say no problems.

I have not looked at the Rikon machines. I recall a thread on another forum where a person ordered a Rikon bandsaw and did not like it so sent it back. Could be a one off.

There are a number of threads on the site where people have loved or hated a Grizzly machine.

So if you ask enough people you will get a variety of opinions.

If I were considering these two machines, I would give the edge to the Rikon, since I think a saw without a riser is going to be easier to tune and maintain than a saw with a riser. Just my $0.02.

 

Between the two I'd probably go with the Rikon. I was in the market for a similar saw and read about every review you could find online - basic consensus is both saws are good machines - just comes down to personal preference. I know Woodcraft has the Rikon on sale from time to time for $750.. Might want to keep an eye open for it to go on sale.

 

One other consideration is that others have posted that the Grizzly riser has been backordered for some time.

 

Only for the new 555LX. The saw he is asking about is the 555X and uses the standard 555 riser and its in stock.

A side note about the 555LX riser. I ordered it when I ordered the saw, several months ago. They said it would be in stock in Aug. I called at the end of Aug and they said it would be in on Sept 13. I never heard anything and never recieved a shipment so I called again. Now they are saying Nov 24. Im really getting impatient waiting for a freaking riser block!!