Grizzly GO555 band-saw - review

[ken cierp]

We have a Grizzly GO555 band-saw and use it on almost everyday so I guess I'd be qualified to at least give some feedback. I'll say at the outset that as received with the 6" riser this machine is not a good choice if re-sawing is your intent. At first my thought was that it sorely under powered (1HP) and I was about to purchase a 2 HP motor -- then I got to thinking about how many sets of guide bearings I was using and how often I had to readjust the darn thing to make it through a couple of sets. I decide to bite the bullet and purchase the Carter blade guide to my surprise that system made all the different in the world -- an even with the small motor and a used blade it does a very respectable re-saw operation.

That said there are still other issues, I believe the adjusting mechanism are for the most part poorly designed and cumbersome, the provided fence is also marginal at best.

So the bottom line for me is I would not recommend this machine -- I believe for a little more $$ one can get a much better value and frankly a more professional tool -- I'd lean toward the Powermatic with the Carter upgrade.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.as ... mber=G0555