bandsaw size

[Pat B.]

Been looking at the Grizzly saws for a few years actually --- don't want to jump in to quickly!

Which saw seems to be best suited for bowyers..

14 or 17" and from 1hp or 1 1/2hp in the 14" or
2hp in the 17"..

Any input from saw owners would be appreciated.

         Thanks

[Inuumarue]

I have a Grizzly 14" (G0555P) that does the job for me.  In all honesty I think it is perfect for everything I do with it.

That being said, if I had the funds for a 17" a few years ago when I made my purchase I would have gone for the 17".  From everything I've researched the 17s are a bit easier on on blades, especially the 3/4s blades that I use for rip sawing.

If you're thinking you're going to be ripping thick pieces of timber (12" or more) then you might want to consider going to the higher HP on the 14", but for the price you might be better served just to jump to the 17"

My two cents.

[Canadabowyer]

I bought the 17" Grizzly and am glad I did. Get the cast trunions and wheels. Nothing stops it. One thing it does very well is if you run the Tri-Master blade for cutting glass, the blade lasts a long time. On the smaller wheels the Tri-master is too stiff and tends to break easily. Also there is nothing like a 1" rip blade for  cutting lams and veneers. The 14" is a very good saw but the 17" is just a little more versitle. Man I wish I could spell.     Bob

[LESKEN2011]

I upgraded from a 9" ryobi to the Grizzly 14" and haven't looked back. I don't use it for everything it is capable of, but rip backings and lay out bows with it with no problems. I don't regret the purchase. I caught it on sale or wouldn't have been able to afford it when shipping was added.

[Pat B]

I have a Grizzly 14" with a 1hp motor. It has handled everything I've used it for.  If you are planning to build bows on a regular basis get at least a 14" with 1hp motor.

[rockkiller]

Both the 14" and the 17" 2 hp are the same price right now.I'm going to order the 17" this week.

Al

[Pat B.]

Only downside to the 17 that I see is it's size and weight would make it difficult to move..

I think the 17 weighs 480 as opposed to the 14 at 260ish...

[wood carver 2]

I recently bought the 19 inch saw and I love it!
It's my second machine from Grizzly and the quality is great. For my 2 cents, I would get the largest tool my budget and my shop can handle. You can always put it on a mobile base to make moving it easy. Mine is big enough that I'm thinking of building a jig so I can use it to cut smaller logs into lumber.
Dave.

[scrub-buster]

I just got the 14" anniversary model.  I only make self bows and it will do any thing I'll ever need.

[rockkiller]

This mobile base may help.
 http://www.grizzly.com/products/Heavy-Duty-Mobile-Base/D2057A

Al

[Bjorn]

I have a 14" with a 1 HP motor and the roller base. It works more than great for my needs, and bandsaws are very safe to use.

[soy]

I have the 17" and love it...I put it on wheels for mobility and the blades go to the 1".... the only thing I don't like is the resaw fence is too high or too low I wish I could get one in a 1.5 or 2 inch aside from that it has never let me down from  10 inch Osage and elm logs or cutting lams  

[canopyboy]

Originally posted by Pat B.:
Only downside to the 17 that I see is it's size and weight would make it difficult to move..

I think the 17 weighs 480 as opposed to the 14 at 260ish...

In general, heavier tools perform better. Mass is your friend for smooth cutting, and bigger machines usually have more cast iron and less stamped steel, flex less under load, etc.

Unless the slight size increase of the 17 doesn't fit in your shop/work area, you'd be better off with the 17. As mentioned, a mobile base will make moving either easy.