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So I picked up a used (but looks/runs like new) Grizzly G0555 1HP 14" bandsaw last weekend. Got it for almost 1/2 price of new. My plan is to use it primarily for resawing as I have a Craftsman 10" that I want to setup w/ a 1/8" blade for boxes and tighter curves. It has a 6" capacity, but most of the materials I use are 5.5" so I'm not sure this will be an issue. Before I start to use it, I need to put on a different blade as the previous owner used it for cutting 1/4" aluminum.
My thoughts were to do any planned upgrades at once. This is what I was thinking of doing:
- Check balance of both wheels while the blade is removed. Balance as necessary.
- Replace belt w/ segmented style belt.
- Replace Blade with ???
- Replace rubber tire w/ urethane one.
Questions:
- Of my "planned" upgrades, what do you disagree with?
- This has a rubber tire. Are there different "quailities" of urethane ones to put on? If so, wHich one would you recommend? Would you replace this now before installing new blade?
- Would you buy the 6" riser kit (~$84) now and buy blade accordingly? Is the 1 HP motor strong enough for a >6" resaw?
- What blade would you recommend (brand/TPI) for resawing hardwoods (mostly American)? (Specs says 1/8 - 3/4)
- It has factroy upper/lower ball bearing guides. Should these be replaced/upgraded? If so, with what?
- This has 2 factory cut speed available by changing pulleys, but I'd like to "set it & forget it". Should I use 1500 or 3200 rpms?
- Any other recomendations for upgrades or things to do before I put this thing to use?
BTW, doing versus not doing these upgrades is not about $$, but rather about what makes sense. I don't mind spending the $$ if its the right thing to do. I just don't want to do it cause "***" did it and he's cool
Thanks in advance for your comments and your willingness to help me out. It is greatly appreciated!!
Mark
My thoughts were to do any planned upgrades at once. This is what I was thinking of doing:
- Check balance of both wheels while the blade is removed. Balance as necessary.
- Replace belt w/ segmented style belt.
- Replace Blade with ???
- Replace rubber tire w/ urethane one.
Questions:
- Of my "planned" upgrades, what do you disagree with?
- This has a rubber tire. Are there different "quailities" of urethane ones to put on? If so, wHich one would you recommend? Would you replace this now before installing new blade?
- Would you buy the 6" riser kit (~$84) now and buy blade accordingly? Is the 1 HP motor strong enough for a >6" resaw?
- What blade would you recommend (brand/TPI) for resawing hardwoods (mostly American)? (Specs says 1/8 - 3/4)
- It has factroy upper/lower ball bearing guides. Should these be replaced/upgraded? If so, with what?
- This has 2 factory cut speed available by changing pulleys, but I'd like to "set it & forget it". Should I use 1500 or 3200 rpms?
- Any other recomendations for upgrades or things to do before I put this thing to use?
BTW, doing versus not doing these upgrades is not about $$, but rather about what makes sense. I don't mind spending the $$ if its the right thing to do. I just don't want to do it cause "***" did it and he's cool
Thanks in advance for your comments and your willingness to help me out. It is greatly appreciated!!
Mark