bonsainut
Member
Registered: 03/09/10
Posts: 137
Loc: Orange County, CA
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Looking at 14" bandsaws, and thinking the Grizzly may be my choice. However they offer several 14" versions and I am considering the two higher end versions - the G0555 "ultimate bandsaw" or the G0555X "extreme series bandsaw".
The standard version comes for $450 plus shipping. The extreme version comes for $695 plus shipping. So what does the extra $250 get you?
"We made the stand heavier, the table bigger, and the cast iron wheels stronger to take on your toughest jobs. We've even added a Re-saw Fence and a built-in light." Plus the motor was upgraded from 1 HP to 1.5 HP. The weight increases from 210 lbs to 262 lbs, so there is an extra 52 lbs of "stuff" in there somewhere.
Would it be worth the extra money to you? Or would you rather spend the $250 elsewhere (on other tools or accessories)?
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jinky
Member
Registered: 09/22/08
Posts: 155
Loc: Horse country, KY
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I got mine a couple years ago for around $400 when Microsoft Live was running their cash-back offer. It's a nice saw especially with the riser but I don't think I'd pay $700 for it. After all it's still a single-speed 14" bandsaw. If my budget were $700, I'd keep an eye out on the secondhand market for a 17" or 20" saw.
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Tapper
Member
Registered: 10/12/99
Posts: 5370
Loc: Helena, MT USA
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Welcome to the Forum! I just looked at these two saws on Grizzly's web site and there is a noticeable difference to me in the two, feature-wise. You've pointed out several of the important ones. FWIW my first bandsaw was a 14" Griz, one they had before the introduction of the Ultimate Saw. It was a good saw and served my needs. I later sold it and bought an 18" Rikon when they first came out and am happy with that purchase too.
I think it depends on what your eventual goal is in determining which model to buy. If you want a nice saw to use until you eventually upgrade to a larger saw with a more powerful motor for resawing, then I'd opt for the lower priced one. If you think you will keep the saw for a long time and it will meet all your needs in the foreseeable future, then you might want to spend the extra dough and go for the Xtreme.
Bandsaws are pretty basic machines, much like jointers. With a good guide system and at least a 1 HP motor they will do most woodworking jobs, if you take your time and have patience. The Xtreme saw has a lot of features found on some of the "higher-end" saws, for less money IMHO. The Griz G0555 line has been a favorite around here for quite a while with many members having purchased it over the last few years. Also Grizzly Customer Service gets consistently high marks.
HTH,
Doug
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MKepke
Member
Registered: 07/09/01
Posts: 5235
Loc: rural Raleigh, N.C.
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Disclaimer: I do not own these saws, but I do own two Delta 14" saws and a 'proper' resaw bandsaw.
If I had to pick between these two particular saws, I would pick the G0555 and save the $300-odd bucks because IMO the stated improvements don't justify the spend.
I would value the larger table and larger motor, but if you read the 'award' excerpts on Griz's own page for the 0555, none have found these things lacking in the 0555.
The other changes would have little value to me because again, the 0555 is not lacking in these areas (stand doesn't wobble, wheels don't break, the normal fence resaws fine, a light is <$20).
The 0555x seems to be 'gilding the lily' as they say.
-Mark
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If I had a signature, this wouldn't be it.
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Bill_de
Honored Veteran
Registered: 03/30/05
Posts: 9719
Loc: Delaware
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bonsainut said:
"We made the stand heavier, the table bigger, and the cast iron wheels stronger to take on your toughest jobs. We've even added a Re-saw Fence and a built-in light." Plus the motor was upgraded from 1 HP to 1.5 HP. The weight increases from 210 lbs to 262 lbs, so there is an extra 52 lbs of "stuff" in there somewhere.
I would go for the better one. I believe cast iron wheels are an advantage over the aluminum wheels. The closed cabinet gives you storage, since it doesn't house the motor. The light and fence are things you would probably add anyway, and of course, more power is always good 
I have a Powermatic 14" which I bought as my last bandsaw. So far that thought hasn't changed. Except for housing the motor in the enclosed cabinet, the better Grizzly is about the same.
As already stated, if this purchase is for a stepping stone to a larger saw, then the cheaper one might make sense. If this is for a permanent, or semi-permanent addition to the shop, the extra $250 over the life of the saw is minimal.
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Bill
ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION
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Mr Eddie
Member
Registered: 10/12/03
Posts: 138
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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The bigger table would be nice to have. And the higher fence and light are nice additions too. That said, a well tuned basic bandsaw with 1hp is capable of doing almost anything you'll need unless you get into heavy duty resawing. The extra cash could buy you a nice plane or two. Now, just to add more angst to your decision - If you have the room (and the cash) it's nice to have two bandsaws. Buy a 14" and a larger size too! 
Lonnie
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bonsainut
Member
Registered: 03/09/10
Posts: 137
Loc: Orange County, CA
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Mr Eddie said:
Now, just to add more angst to your decision - If you have the room (and the cash) it's nice to have two bandsaws. Buy a 14" and a larger size too!
Lonnie
LOL - you're killing me
Size is at a premium in my shop. It is actually one car of a three car garage, so I have to have everything on mobile bases so I can move tools around depending on the project. I already have the "footprint" reserved for a bandsaw, but I can't go too large because I just don't have the space. I am already getting rid of extra "stuff" in the garage just to free up a little room here and there. I feel like I work in a giant tile puzzle - where I am always moving tiles around in order to do anything
Thanks for all the suggestions! Given that this bandsaw will need to last me for a while, I am starting to lean in the direction of the upgrade.
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gsmayes
Member
Registered: 10/30/08
Posts: 255
Loc: Waterford, MI
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I say the cheaper one. All things considered, if you'll spend $700 for a 14" bandsaw, might as well add $150 for their 17" model. But sounds like you can't because of space constraints.
But, I don't have any of these saws; my 1940's Delta w/o riser and 1/4 HP GE motor work fine for it's 6" max cut.
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Cian
Maxed out Honored Member
Registered: 12/17/02
Posts: 17730
Loc: The Windy City, USA
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Not meaning to take anything away from Grizzly, but another saw to consider is the Jet 14" Deluxe bandsaw:
http://www.tools-plus.com/jet-710116k.html
- 12" resaw height
- 1-1/4hp motor
- quick blade tension release
- upper and lower ball bearing guides
- 4" dust port
- cast iron wheels (as reported by one owner on Amazon)
- rack and pinion blade guard height adjustment
- 5 year warranty
What makes this saw unique is that it comes standard with a 12" resaw capacity, but this is not achieved via a riser block (extra cost w/ Grizzly) as is the norm with 14" cast iron saws. Instead, the upper half of this saw is a new single casting with an elongated throat.
Anyway, starting tomorrow, Jet will have a promo sale through the weekend, and if you buy from www.tools-plus.com, shipping is only $6.50.
You may want to clarify, but this may not come with the fence as pictured. However, this saw would only be $778.50 shipped it seems.
Just throwing out another option.
Edited by Cian (03/10/10 12:22 PM)
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lscraig
Member
Registered: 04/02/02
Posts: 3545
Loc: Douglasville, GA
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I have had one for almost 3 years and love it. The cast iron tables and wheels are nice. Very solid saw. So far the saw has done everything I wanted it to do.
The tension spring is strong and the saw runs great. The only thing I would change would be to wire it up for 220V if you have 220 in your shop.
The only complaint is that 1/4" blades do not want to stay centered or they stretch out too quickly, so I use 3/8" or 1/2" blades most of the time.
The reason I got the 14" saw was like you, I had limited space but wanted the capability to resaw veneers if I chose to do so.
If you are strapped for cash though, I would definitely check out the used market or the display models at the local store. You may get a hidden jewel by shopping around.
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Thank You,
Shawn Craig
My Home Page
"I used to know a lot of things before I lost my mind." Sylvia Stoner 1993
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