It seems since about 2017-2018 or so, that may no longer be the case… Still, the package deal is pretty nice, and it seems there are some things that are more convenient with the powermatic. In a number of powermatic reviews, people seemed to speak more highly of their Grizzly bandsaws, such as the Grizzly G0555XH, especially for its power and resawing capabilities. The Jet 14″ bandsaw seemed to be over $1600, so originally it wasn’t on my list…but, I’d rather buy once and cry once, than anything else… That said, the reviews on Amazon indicate that these things have shipped with a lot of paint chipping, scratches, gouges…and in some cases broken parts.
I’ve played around with the grizzlys in the showroom, they’re pretty solid and well built machines. I don’t have any experience with the jet, but I’m more inclined to swing to the grizzly. Plus, from what I’ve seen online the g0555 gets pretty solid reviews.
The only 18″ band saw I can find being sold in the entire state of Alaska is a Jet JWBS-18QT-3 for about $1700. The only reason I’d go for the Jet over the Griz is if it turned out to be a superior machine, otherwise I’ll definitely order the Griz since it should do everything I want a band saw to do for the foreseeable future. I’ve gotten better help with my jet BS finding a similar grizzly product and going to grizzly tech support for assistance.
So anyway … I’ve compared the Grizzly G0555 and the Jet 708115K(JWBS-14CS). The cheaper Jet doesn’t have a quick blade release, the G0555 and the more expensive Jet do. I’d never buy Jet over Grizzly – jmo Thanks! Given the price difference, it’s worth the trip to check it out.
Of note, I didn’t look at Grizzly band saws at the time and didn’t know much about their products, as well as not having any available in stores to compare – but I have since added a Grizzly jointer, dust collector, table saw and most recently a drill press and I have been quite satisfied and impressed with their quality and performance. The brake is also convenient in the event you start on the infeed side of the saw and end up on the outfeed side to pull the wood through, and instead of having to return to the infeed side to shut the saw down, a simple step on the pedal will both shut off the saw and bring the blade to a stop. One thing about band saw boxes on large saw: Mind the blade.
jet bandsaw vs grizzly bandsaw Related Question:
Is Jet or grizzly better?
New User. I have found that most of the Jet equipment is comparable in quality to Grizzly’s Z Series and extreme duty products, although some of the Extreme Duty machines are heavier duty than the Jet. Usually the Grizzly is a better value though.
What does 14 mean on a bandsaw?
Rob Johnstone: Band saw sizes are derived from the diameter of the wheels in the saw. So a 14-inch band saw will have wheels that are 14-inches in diameter. There is another measure that indicates how wide a board you can resaw.
Where is grizzly saws made?
Grizzly machines now made in China.
What happened to Enco Tools?
Enco, one of my favorite tool and parts suppliers, will soon be swallowed up by MSC Direct, their sister/parent company.
How thick can a 9 band saw cut?
There are several $99, 9 inch band saws on the market in my area (Ryobi, Skill). The are able to cut a thickness of 2 ½ inches.
What should I look for in a bandsaw?
The two main things to consider when choosing a band saw are the depth of cut and the throat. The saw’s depth of cut is the distance from the table to the upper blade guides. Many band saws are marketed on this feature alone, which tells the prospective buyer how thick of stock can be cut using the band saw.
What does resaw mean on a bandsaw?
A resaw is a large band saw optimized for cutting timber along the grain to reduce larger sections into smaller sections or veneers. Resawing veneers requires a wide blade – commonly 2 to 3 inches (52–78 mm) – with a small kerf to minimize waste.
What is the smallest band saw?
The Proxxon Micro Saw is by far the smallest, lightest, most easily portable and stowable saw in this bunch. It has only 5-7⁄8″ of throat depth and about 3-3⁄8″ of cutting depth.
Which is the best hobby bandsaw?
Our top choice of band saw, the JET JWBS-14DXPRO (view at Tool Nut), is powerful, versatile, and durable enough even for a professional, but is also well suited to the workshop of an avid DIY woodworker or hobbyist.
Who makes Startrite bandsaws?
Startrite Machinery | Scott+Sargeant UK.
Are Scheppach bandsaws any good?
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is not a toy, it is a fully working bandsaw. While it is a small machine it is good enough for serious hobbyist’s and professional’s especially where work space is at a premium or where only small work is done.
Is Grizzly tools still in business?
Grizzly is still in business today; they manufacture power tools, woodworking machinery, and hand tools. Grizzly is the largest selection of woodworking and metalworking machinery in the world.
Is Grizzly Made in USA?
Grizzly Coolers are proudly made in Decorah, Iowa. With features, you won’t find anywhere else and superior quality, Grizzly is the outdoor everything cooler. Putting Grizzly on the short-list of coolers made in the USA.
Who owns Grizzly tool?
I’d known of Shiraz Balolia, the founder of Grizzly Industrial, since I was editor of Fine Woodworking magazine in the early 1990s, and Grizzly was one of our big advertisers, but it wasn’t until much later that I actually met the man and later still that I learned about his intriguing life story and wide-ranging
Who bought out Enco?
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SUCCESS A: MSC acquired Enco in 1997.