So, you're looking for a bandsaw? Possibly starting a small machine shop? Maybe just for a hobby? Well, i'm in the same boat. Before I begin with my review, let me say I haven't really cut much with this saw yet. But I will provide my review regardless and update it as I get more experience with it.
Introduction:
Just to establish some credibility, let me say that I used to work in the machining trade. I have ran a few bandsaws before. So I kinda know what i'm looking for in this type of tool. I'm not an expert, but I did do some research beforehand. I was looking for a saw that could cut mostly low-mid carbon steels, aluminum, and some tool steels. '
Deciding on What Saw to Buy:
With my research, I had to make a decision on what saws are available for my budget. I was looking for a saw <$1000. This just makes the cut... So, i contemplated buying a cheap harbor freight (HF) saw. You know, the northern tools, small JETs and other bandsaws in the <$300 range. After searching all over, doing some research, I came to the conclusion that this is the saw I wanted. Why didn't i buy the JET, northerntool, etc? The point to note about the cheaper saws is that, they are (probably) all produced in the same factory in China. They are basically all the same saw. Very similar hardware, components, etc. The problem with the small cheap saws is that they are TOO LIGHT. The stands are a joke. Most guy end up modifying the base to the smaller saws buy creating a tube base and such. A good first project to test a saw out, I will say. But I was looking for something different.
What to Look For in a Bandsaw:
I'm not bandsaw expert, like i said, but I did know what I wanted. Let me help you out... This saw has a 0.750" blade width. The smaller previously mentioned saws mostly come in 0.500" wide blades. You will be happy with the extra 0.250" in this saw. Not to mention, I have ran a higher end grizzly model with a 1.000" blade and it was a beast... Secondly, motor horsepower. The motor on this saw is 1HP single phase, 115v or 220v. The smaller saws are most likely 1/2HP. Do you need 1HP? No, not to cut. But why limit your odds? Down the road you might want the extra 1/2HP in this model... Third, blade length. This is sometimes an issue with the other saws. Make sure if you are buying a saw that it has a standard blade length. In other words, some saw manufacturers design saws that take weird blade lengths, making the blades hard to find. Fortunately, for this model, blades are easily found. Fourth, coolant. Coolant will help you out. I have ran bandsaws dry many times. Some guys swear by dry-cutting. Coolant isn't a necessity, but it increases blade life. Fifth, hydraulic feed. I actually love hydraulic feed. No, its not a requirment but it really does help you tune in on that perfect feed-rate.
Performance:
So, like i said, I haven't cut much with the saw. But I did test it on some 1/4" angle iron. It cuts well, but I really think I need to upgrade blades. They say to buy "bi-metal" bandsaw blades for the best performance. I will be doing this in the future.
Installation:
So, I do have one complaint with the installation/design. The motor mount design is simple, sure, but it is poorly engineered. There is really no slot adjustment for the motor tension. You'll find out when you try to install it... A tip when installing the pulley belt is to not be afraid of breaking it. You really gotta use force to get it on the pulleys... Overall, the installation, if you know what you're doing, can take as low as 40 minutes. Its simple. Grizzly also pre-lubes everything and pre-adjusts guides and stuff, so don't worry about anything other than installing the components.. The manual was easy to follow.
Coolant:
Coolant is not offered with the saw (of course). I dont recommend using anti-freeze or "home brewed coolant". Reason being, bacterial buildups can cause smell. Frozen home made coolant can damage the pump. Plus, you just spent $1000 on a saw, why not just buy some coolant for $100, which will be diluted to last you the rest of your life?
Changing Speeds:
If you know anything about rotary metal cutting, machining, etc, you will know that materials should be cut based on their properties. SFPM is the metric for measuring cutting speeds. Find a table online (a credible source) which lists the SFPM value for the material you will be cutting. Under the pulley cover, and in the manual, grizzly lists the SFPM values for each pulley configuration.
Shipping:
Just know that when you buy this saw, you should immediately call Grizzly and setup shipping arrangements. They will inevitably call you if you dont call them. So, just call them and save yourself the time and wait. Mine shipped via UPS Freight. Meaning, a tractor trailer truck. A large truck. Your driveway or wherever you will be having this item shipped needs to be suitable for freight delivery. If you live in a remote area, I recommend getting it shipped to a local business. Asking permission first, of course. Make sure you call grizzly and explain that you bought a saw from amazon, they will look up your order and you will set up the exact day for delivery. It arrives in a box. 343 lbs. Easily fits on a pickup truck. You WILL NEED a forktruck or tractor, or some means or removing the item from the UPS freight truck. If you dont have access to this equipment, then you can ask grizzly for a drop-gate option. Which is a piece of equipment on the freight truck that lowers the package to the ground. Its an additional like $50-100.
Conclusion:
I bought this saw for a future business asset. I think it's worthy. You really don't need the latest and greatest bandsaw to cut stock that you will be squaring on a mill, anyhow. I've cut hundreds, if not thousands, of material which I later loaded into a machinetool (mill or lathe) with a saw very similar to this. They are actually reliable. Grizzly is Chinese-made, sure, but those other cheap brands will likely not have any customer service at all and provide a poor quality product... Im not saying there aren't other options that are cheaper. I bought this for a BUSINESS tool. A hobbyist who just needs to cut some material every once in awhile would have no problems with the cheapest bandsaw he or she can get their hands on.
| Brand | Grizzly |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | Motor: 1 HP, 110V/220V, single-phase, prewired 110V Blade size: 93" x 3/4" Maximum capacity circular @ 90 degrees: 7" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 90 degrees: 7" x 12" Maximum capacity circular @ 45 degrees: 5" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 45 degrees: 4-3/4" x 4-1/2" Blade speeds: 90, 135, 195, 255 FPM Footprint: 13" x 38" Coolant capacity: 2-1/2 gal. Overall dimensions: 48"L x 16"W x 40"H Approximate shipping weight: 343 lbs. |
| Included Components | bare-tool |
| Product Dimensions | 48"L x 16"W x 40"H |
| Voltage | 220 Volts |
| Item Weight | 343 Pounds |
| Blade Length | 93 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 24 |
| Cutting Angle | 90 Degrees |
| Manufacturer | Grizzly |
| Part Number | G0561 |
| Item Weight | 343 pounds |
| Item model number | G0561 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Style | Grizzly |
| Material | steel |
| Horsepower | 1 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Capacity Description | Maximum capacity circular @ 90 degrees: 7" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 90 degrees: 7" x 12" Maximum capacity circular @ 45 degrees: 5" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 45 degrees: 4-3/4" x 4-1/2" |
| Measurement System | both |
| Special Features | Motor: 1 HP, 110V/220V, single-phase, prewired 110V Blade size: 93" x 3/4" Maximum capacity circular @ 90 degrees: 7" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 90 degrees: 7" x 12" Maximum capacity circular @ 45 degrees: 5" Maximum capacity rectangular @ 45 degrees: 4-3/4" x 4-1/2" Blade speeds: 90, 135, 195, 255 FPM Footprint: 13" x 38" Coolant capacity: 2-1/2 gal. Overall dimensions: 48"L x 16"W x 40"H Approximate shipping weight: 343 lbs. |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
