14 inch Grizzly G0555X Band Saw

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Rating:	5 (Excellent) 4 (Good) 3 (Average) 2 (Poor) 1 (Very Poor)
Summary:
Review:

X version, Well-made machine Heavy tables, beefy frame, 15/7.5 Amps Grizzly G0555X Band Saw, Features with 1-1/2HP, 110V/220V single-phase, TEFC, 1725 RPM Motor. Table tilt to 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left, 6 inch height Maximum cutting,

I've had this bandsaw for a few weeks now and have been using it to cut bowl blanks for woodturning and a few veneer pieces. It has performed flawlessly. Only minor adjustment was needed on the tracking of the upper wheel, which is easily performed via an external knob.

The 4" dust port works reasonably well, only a small bit of sawdust is left on the table which may be swept towards the blade with a bench brush after cutting is complete to send it to the dust collector. Once attached to my dust collector, I no longer needed to sweep / vacuum up the area around the saw.

The saw was easily set up, with only minor assistance needed to lift the saw on to the base. I used a block and tackle with a 3/8" eye bolt attached to a convienient hardpoint in the frame. This way all I needed was someone to steady the saw while I hoisted it up and moved the base into position. I had the saw base on a mobile base to help move things around.

If you do not have some burly friends to help, get the lift gate truck delivery option.

Easy to set up, but heavy. I should have gotten the suggested help of a friend from the instructions, but I just couldn't wait that long. It runs smooth and strong. The light is a good addition. I bought it mainly for resaw purposes. The only issue I have is minor, but the lower set of band adjustments (thumb screws) have a very tight access for my average sized hands.

After researching and studying I selected this saw over the Steel City 16", (mainly due to space constraints in my shop and my budget). I based a big part of my decision on reviews from fellow woodworkers so I hope I can help someone out as well. To say the shipping was fast would be an understatement! The saw arrived the same day I got the e-mail that it had shipped! This is my first Grizzly tool and it wont be my last. Upon opening the box I was concerned that I had purchased just another 14" bandsaw but I was quite mistaken! It took two friends and myself to put it together and install the riser block... so get some help lined up if you buy this tool.

Fit and finish are awesome and the quality of this tool just blew me away (for the money). The bearing guides are a bit finicky but that's OK as I am going to upgrade to Carter guides soon. I bought this saw to replace a 14" Ridgid (I lovingly call the "boat anchor") and there is just no comparison.

The saw cuts like a dream and the power is twice the Ridgid. I am not knocking Ridgid as I have the 3650 Table saw and absolutely love it. The riser block gives 12" of capacity and the saw runs very quite with the stock bearings. After fighting with cool blocks and ceramic guides for years this saw is just fantastic!

The included fence with the re-sawing attachment is very well made as well. All in all I couldn't be more pleased and I am VERY happy with this piece of equipment!

Update to this review.... After using the saw for awhile I am still very happy as it buzzes through anything that will fit under the bearings! I am so glad I bought this tool!

Like I said, this is my first bandsaw so I really can't compare it to others. However, everything everyone else has said is true.

Fit and finish is excellent.
The saw has plenty of power.
Dust collection is pretty good.
The included fence is SUPER NICE!

I was able resaw a 3/16th strip off a pine plank with the stock blade with no problems. Later I got a Timberwolf 1/4" blade and made 5 bandsawn boxes for Christmas gifts. I have also used it to cut some spalted maple that I found in a firewood pile into boards and veneer.

For shipping, I got the liftgate service added. In the end, the bandsaw came in two very manageable boxes though. One for the base and one for the saw. Assembly was straight forward, but I HIGHLY recommend getting a strong friend to help. I did it by myself, so I know from experience. Getting the riser block on *alone* is pretty difficult and requires some precarious balancing which in retrospect was pretty stupid on my part. After a lot of cursing, I got it on though.

Get this saw! You won't regret it!

I ordered the saw on the 2nd at 10am. I picked it up at the carrier on the 3rd at noon. I drove into my drive about 1pm when the UPS guy showed up with the riser kit. Great service Grizzly!!!
I had it together within a couple of hours, riser block and all. All the parts were fit and finished very well. Threads and holes were all very exact and lined up well. The table was flat. The wheels were coplaner right out of the box. (Riser block did not change this).
The only blade I had was the 3/8 105" that came with the riser kit.
After adjusting the guides and getting everything tight, I turned it on.
Very quiet saw, I'm impressed. It passed the nickel test right off the bat.
I had a 2*6 By 8" piece of scrap oak. I set the fence for about 3/8"
I took it slow. It made it through just fine, good straight resaw, even with a 3/8" cheap factory blade.
The guides are all right they adjust well and all that but,I will change them out for Carters.
The back of the blade runs on the side of the thrust bearing. I also believe single guide bearings are not wide enough to stabilize a 5/8" resaw blade. The manual says it can take a 3'4" blade, way too big for single bearing guides. I also believe this saw to be too small to exert enough tension for a 3/4" blade anyway, so I will stay with 5/8" or 1/2" for resaw work. Overall I am very satisfied with this machine. The delivery service could not of been better.