Bandsaw

[Steve L.]

I would like to see a bandsaw package similar to the Grizzly G0555. The bandsaw would include:1 hp motor, miter, fence and at a competitive price - $375. The bs would also have all the ability (and accessories available) to be customized like Jet or Delta bs. If I was ready to purchase a bs, I would likely (and painfully) chose the Grizzly.

Steve

[Marker]

I agree Steve. A bandsaw is the next item on my shop list. I would prefer to buy the Ridgid, but the extra HP combined with the miter gauge and fence give the G0555 the advantage. The reviews on the G0555 are are still coming in, but from what I have seen they are postive.

[UO_Woody]

The G0555 is backordered till anyone's guess.
So if you think you want one, order it now because it will probably be 3 to 6 months before you see it.
Add shipping on top of the price, and your real close to what the BS1400 is now.
True, it doesn't have the quick release, roller guides, miter or fence with it.
Look at some of the other prices of saws that come with some of these options as standard. You could almost buy 2 BS1400 for the price of some of the others. Ridgid has reputation, an outstanding warrenty. And the review that was givin to the BS1400 FW Tools & Shops 2001/2002 is self explanitory. Overall, Ridgid is still a pretty good bang for the buck. Just because one company came out with features on one model that is litteraly 1/2 the price doesn't mean you are getting a peice of machinery that is high quality, or has longevity. I'd like to see grizzly upgrade all thier bandsaws the same way, and see what price they put on the rest of them. They didn't upgrade a model, they released one. I would really wonder about craftsmanship.
And if you buy a defective BS1400 it's a simple trip back to home depot and bring home a new one. With Grizzly, you PAY to ship it back and wait another 3 to 6 months to get the replacement?
I have the BS1400. If and when the motor goes out, an Emerson 1hp will replace it. An optional quick release is available for it from Carter Industries. I'm sticking with cool blocks as the rollers don't work well on thin blades. But I'm tempted to try the ceramic ones...once. And as far as the fence and miter goes, I bought the fence, and use the TS2424 miter on it.
And I have plans to store the fence when I build/buy a decent table for it.
Just my opinion but when you really trick it out like you normally would, I still think the BS1400's reputation will prevail with the price on it.
I've looked at the castings on some other brands and Ridgids is far nicer looking, and they don't even have all the extras or warrenty and still is almost twice as much as Ridgid.
I do agree a quick release and a 1hp would be a nice upgrade, but how much will that increase the price? I think I would rather add these features as I can afford them.
Besides, the Grizzly is GREEN. I hate GREEN. And Ridgid is colorful with soft touch knobs!
No intent to downgrade other brands, but when you sit down and really compare apples to apples, fit, finish, quality, warrenty and price. I think you will all agree. It will circle right back around to the top...Ridgid.
ok, go ahead...pick me apart [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Steve L.]

Woody,
I do not intend to pick you apart. I agree with you in principle (paying for quality) but I feel that Home Depot is charging way too much for some of Ridgid's tools. For example, I just purchased the Ridgid's JP610 at $399. I happened to walk in the 'Pot and noticed it was marked down from $449. I also opened a credit card account and received an additional 10% off. That makes the jointer $360 and I am sure the Pot still made money on that deal.
I have no problem paying for quality but it is very difficult to justify the extra money to all interested parties (if you catch my drift). If Ridgid adds a fence or a miter, which they can easily do because my TS2424-1 came with tons of extra goodies (dust chute, hold down for the miter, etc.) that was done as a promotion, I can better argue my points for the extra $$$. But, when I pull out the check book to buy the items that come standard on other saws, I have a difficult time in the justification department.
Two final points, regardless of quality differences: 1. watch the competition because as consumers we are and 2. sometimes price is the major issue.
I'm done. That wasn't so bad now was it??

[UO_Woody]

Naw, that was pretty mild!
I was expecting much worse.
But I still dislike the color GREEN.

[Steve L.]

Woody,
I take it your not a vegatarian.

Steve

[KellyC]

I'm with Woody on this one. I've had a chance to see the green stuff in a shop here in Dallas and I was not impressed. I'll be saving the dollars for the Ridgid (and it won't take too many more than the G0555 costs).

[Okdave]

We purchased a Grizzly bandsaw for our school district maintenance department in the mid 80s. We have never had a problem with it and in all those years had never even hear the motor stall while cutting 6" hardwood planks. Grizzly has been at the craft for quite a while and I beleive they're doing a pretty good job of it. I too am considering the Grizzly in my own personal workshop.

[Okdave]

Oh, the machines our "Philadelphia Eagles" Green and Philadelphia Eagles" Gray. We kind of like that green-gray combination here in Philadelphia. Don't get me wrong the Ridgid Bandsaw is also a very nice machine. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Steve L.]

Kelly,
I don't think Woody's opinion is all that different than mine. Reference a previous quote from Woody that I found -

I'm all for the quick release lever myself. It's available as an aftermarket item from Carter.
http://www.carterproducts.com/
Not to boast about other brands, but Look at Grizzly's new 14" bandsaw, G0555. Roller guides, quick release, and a price that drops your jaw.
If I was in the market for a new bandsaw something would really have to tip the scales to buy the Ridgid over the Grizzly.
I rarley release the pressure on the blade because alot of times I make quick single cuts on the bandsaw and it takes more time to fiddle with blade tension than the cut itself.

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I NEED MORE CLAMPS !!! Donations Accpeted, but will probably go for diapers now.

Bottom Line: When you add the price of a miter gauge, and fence to the Ridgid BS then you are clearly in the domain of many more BS (Delta, Jet, etc.). I, personally, would like a well rounded BS and the Grizzly G0555 offers many options that puts them in that category. I believe Ridgid can still improve upon the BS package or Home Depot could lower the price. I am going to watch the market for awhile before I make any decisions. I hear mixed results from both people who own Ridgid BS and Grizzly BS. These opinions are generally subjective. There are a lot of people who own quality tools that don't know how to use/adjust/maintain them and get frustrated and blame the tool. You constantly see them venting on Ridgid's website and the woodworking newsgroup.

Steve

Steve