New bandsaw What would you buy

[BrushWolf]

My saw went kerplop. I thought about fixing it but dont know. I looked at a steel city 14" deluxe granite series. It had a good fence and looked solidly built. The saw would take up to a 3/4 blade. I'd like something that would make a good saw for cutting limb cores, veneers. Any thoughts?

[macbow]

Don't know anything about the steel city saw.
I have the Grizzly 14 inch 555 series.
Main thing is to have at least a 1 hp to 1.5 hp

[BrushWolf]

The steel city has a 1.5 2 speed I believe.

[macbow]

How much space like is it listed as,a,14 inch?
If so the only other thing would maybe do a,search to,see,if,anyone has posted pro's or cons.
How does the price compare to the grizzly?

[kennym]

Looks fair from description, has a 90 day return looks like.

The one thing I noticed was the :  

No Tool Blade Change - No  

I would look at it and see what tools to swap blades.

[macbow]

I think the grizzly 555 x is $875

[kennym]

That granite lower wheel is cool, but I wonder if vibration would get the best of it eventually also...

[macbow]

They look fairly compareable. And on Amazon $899 plus free shipping.
If the blade change and bearing adjustment is truly tool free that would be good. Some of the adjustments on the grizzly that use Allen's are a little tight.

[Echatham]

I just got a grizzly 555 from Grizzly's **** store. had it delivered for less than 600 (the white paint job model is on sale)  only one i ever had so i can't give you a good review.... I like it though... and i couldn't find one comparable with better reviews.

[BrushWolf]

The blade guides use wing bolts instead of allen screws. Thus the no tools. I found this saw on sale for 700. The grizly looks like a good saw also. I could go with there 17" model for just a few dollars more though.

[kennym]

I just ordered this one this morning....

 http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Extreme-Series-Bandsaw-with-Cast-Iron-Trunnion-Foot-Brake/G0513X2F

If yours had lasted another week or so, I coulda told you something about it!  

[wood carver 2]

With bandsaws, bigger is better. You will do more than just cut lams and risers. With a bigger saw you can re-saw some larger lumber. I cut out a rocking horse for my niece with my 17" saw.
Dave.

[BrushWolf]

I kind of like the looks of the grizzly 17" 2hp annivesary edition. I looked at the steel city though and liked it to. I just want to get the best for the bang.

[BrushWolf]

How important is a two speed motor?

[BigJim]

I was never impressed with my steel city. It did work fine, just not impressed.

I have a lagauna for veneers and a couple of smaller grizzly's for risers and horn work.

They all work well for their intended use. Lagauna is a little spendy, but I wouldn't give it up.
bigjim

[Troy D. Breeding]

I agree with Wood Carver. When it comes to bandsaws "Bigger" is better. My 14" does a good job, but I wish I had bought a bigger saw. Resawing wood is the main reason.

Troy

[Canadabowyer]

I have had the G0513x2 now for about 3 years. Love it. Am really glad I went for the 17" and cast iron. Haven't had to fix anything on it and I use it daily. Bob

[BrushWolf]

Sounds like a grizzly might be the way to go.

[cunruhshoot]

I recently picked up the Grizzly  GO555P on sale  - this is the 14" and it is a huge improvement over my garage sale 9" bandsaw. The right equipment makes all the difference in the world.

Kenny - I am jealous of your new investment.

[Texasrecurve]

I found a Minimax MM16 barely used for 1700 a few years ago. Expensive yeah, but I don't think I will ever need another bandsaw.