If you want a 3HP cabinet saw, I doubt you'll do better than that. You might want to look at the 8" grizzly jointer though. But then you wouldn't have $$ for the mobile bases, I guess.
Where? Just about anywhere. But more what? More tools? Same brand tools for less money? Other brand tools for the same money? Other brand tools for more money but better quality?
FWIW, buying all the same brand tools is a mistake you will likely regret later. Spend the time to find the best in each tool category you can afford. Also, it would help if you describe roughly the type of work you want to do as that will determine the tools you should consider.
My 2c worth.
I guess the short answer, with any other considerations, would be - Taiwanese clones.
Do you live near one of the showrooms? Ask the wife if she'd like to go for a ride in the country...maybe plan a vacation near there. Oh by the way honey, have I got a surprise for you. On another note, look for grizzly on eBay. Have fun! Joe
Joe - I can't comment on the band saw or jointer. However, I think you can do even better on the saw. Skip the "Z" version of the 1023 and buy the basic 1023S. This will save you $100 and you might be happier in the long run. Reasons:
1) The Shop Fox "Precision" fence used on the "Z" contains moving parts - some wheels that help guide the fence on the rails.
2) Before I bought my 1023S a couple of years ago I came across some reviews that said the wheels required maintenance and there might be a wear issue.
3) I visited the Grizzly store in Springfield a few weeks before my purchase and got a first-rate demonstration from one of their reps. I asked about the differences between the ShopFox Classic used on the "S" and the "Precision" fence on the "Z". Being a loyal Grizz guy he said both were good, the Classic was built like a rock and he personally owned the "S".
4) WOOD Magazine reviewed several aftermarket-available fences a few issues back and the Shop Fox Classic used on the "S" came in as a very close comparison with the Beismeier. In contrast, the Shop Fox "Precision" came in with issues including some clearance problems.
5) I will tell you that during my visit to Springfield, the "Precision" felt absolutely as smooth as glass. By then, I had doubts that it would stay that way. The "Classic" used on the "S" is also smooth but in a heavier sense - the fence is built like a fire plug.
Consider going with the "S" version and buy another toy.
I didn't mention this in my earlier post but Mike is right. For more money (quite a bit more) you can get the Griz G0500 8"x 75" Jointer. My son in law took delivery on one of them a few months ago and it is a great looking machine.
I can't speak for the tablesaw you are planning on purchasing (got to be better than my crapsman).
I've had the G0555 for a few months. I really like it. Never owned a bandsaw before, so like you I went with Grizz on value proposition. I don't think you can get more bandsaw for the buck. Plenty of power (resawn up to 5.5" honey locust, maple, osage, cocobolo no probs), get a timberwolf blade for heavier duty work. Accurate cuts, if you are careful, and vigilent with your setup. You will not regret purchasing this saw.
If you leave in Chicago land area, this week october 9,10,11 is a woodworkind show on Odium and you may get some better deals there, otherwise I would suggest to get a good Table Saw (get cabinet saw) first ($1500) then later down the road a Mini max band saw or Lugana and then the rest, if you want good suff? Maxen
With all respect, the Grizzly saw Joe is considering is a cabinet saw and is good stuff. If the $1,500 saw is the Unisaw or even a Jet with extension table, the Grizzly is still an excellent value. For starters, when I started shopping three years ago it was difficult to tell what a basic Unisaw cost and it still is. All of them seen in stores, Amazon, etc come with extension tables, rails, etc that will not fit some of our garages. These machines cost $1,600 to $1,850 today. If you start hanging tables and extended rails on a Grizzly 1023 series saw you are still in the $1,000 to $1,200 range. The main reason for lower prices is reason is Grizzly sells direct.
- The table finish of the Griz is better.
- The Handwheels on the Griz still use plated, machined lock knobs now absent from the Unisaw - While the 1023 motor cover is a low cost option, it is still made of metal. Unisaw? - The Shop Fox Classic fence used on the 1023 has been rated as an equal to the Beismeier on the Unisaw
Admittedly the blade guard on the Unisaw still outclasses the Grizzly. Can anyone tell me what else you get for the additional $600 or more? Please don't say durability or precision. Cabinet shops, industrial shops, and luthier's shops around the country are equipped with Grizzly machines. Few of us have to match the luthier's precision. I am not saying Griz doesn't have some dogs. They, like all others, do have problems and that is why we all need to do research on each purchase.
Recent purchases Delta 14" metal/wood bandsaw in nearly new condition $150 Unisaw $350 Makita planer/jointer $500 I wanted this as I know how well it works with good blades Delta turret 12" radial arm saw $300 Bosch plunge router $50 Jet shaper with cutters $150 Powermatic drill press $200
All the equipment is in nearly new condition. Retail price for new is much much more. A 20 year old tool with little use is as good as some new equipment or beter.
I'm going to move to your neighborhood. I read the paper every day and the local shopper every week. In three years I've only seen a Unisaw for sale one time and it was $1200. That ad appeared the day after I bought my new contractor saw.
You and me both. I scan the local trader pub and the metro paper regularly, and have NEVER seen anything worth calling about. Sometimes I believe these folks make up stories about finding Unisaws for $350 just to gloat. ;-)
Or to re-enforce the lies they tell their better halves...
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