Advice on which bandsaw to get (yes another thread on this topic)

[Stephen Saar]

I'm sure people here are tired to death of answering this question, but I'm currently looking at getting a bandsaw. I'm looking at the following options

Grizzly G0555x (http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Extreme-Series-Bandsaw/G0555X)

Grizzly G0513 (http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2-HP/G0513)

Rikon 14" Deluxe Bandsaw (http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020041/18855/Rikon-14-Deluxe-Bandsaw.aspx)

I'm leaning towards the Rikon, espically since I can pick that up locally, but I was curious if anyone had any advice.

Also does anyone know if there are any sales or coupons for these items?

Thanks

-Stephen

[glenn bradley]

I have a 2HP saw and wish it were 3HP often enough to suggest more power over less. All the saws you mention are good saws. Your specific use or requirements may dictate your choice.

The 17" will allow more swing for curved cuts, more power and about the same footprint. I am one of many happy G0513X owners but there are plenty of happy 555 and 325 owners as well. Tough choice.

[Stephen Edwards]

There have been some recent threads that discussed all of the saws that you've mentioned. It seems that there are happy owners of all three Bandsaws.

If I were going to choose between the two Grizzly machines that you've mentioned I'd go with the G0555X with a riser block.

Here's why:

It's $100.00 less, even when you buy the riser

cast iron wheels

comes with a very nice re saw fence ($100 upgrade for the 513)

On the down side, you get 1/2 less HP with the 555X than with the 513. Personally, I think a good blade makes up for the difference in HP.

So, there's my two cents for you. Good look with your decision.

[glenn bradley]

Stephen E. makes good sense on the wheels and fence. I had not realized the G0513 came with the aluminum fence. Nice watchin' out. You gotta love this forum for free flowing information share .

[Jim Dunn]

Rikon! Built like a tank and sweet to operate. I have not operated the other two brands.

[Mac McQuinn]

Not sure if you considered the GO457 also but it's actually less delivered than the GO513 till end of the month and offers the good fence, C.I. Wheels and 2HP. 10" of saw height, powder paint and serpentine belt drive are also nice.

Good luck with your search,

Mac

[Tom Winship]

Another vote for the G0457. I bought one last spring after going through the same decision process. Have not regretted it.

[Stephen Saar]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm currently leaning towards the Rikon because it can do 2 speeds, and I occasionally do metal cutting for aluminium. One question I did have is how do you get the 457 shipped cheaper than the 513? On the website they list the shipped price for the 457 as $989 and the shipped price for the 513 as $869. Is there a coupon or a special order code?

[glenn bradley]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm currently leaning towards the Rikon because it can do 2 speeds, and I occasionally do metal cutting for aluminium. One question I did have is how do you get the 457 shipped cheaper than the 513? On the website they list the shipped price for the 457 as $989 and the shipped price for the 513 as $869. Is there a coupon or a special order code?

He may have been thinking of the G0513X2 at $1069(?).

[Mac McQuinn]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm currently leaning towards the Rikon because it can do 2 speeds, and I occasionally do metal cutting for aluminium. One question I did have is how do you get the 457 shipped cheaper than the 513? On the website they list the shipped price for the 457 as $989 and the shipped price for the 513 as $869. Is there a coupon or a special order code?


The latest Wood magazine has the GO513 & GO457 saws listed inside the front cover. I believe the sale is till December 31, 09. GO513 is shown at $715.00 + shipping and GO457 is listed $100 off @ $799 & free shipping. The GO457 ends up a few dollars less than the GO513 delivered...... I'm not home right now to look the ad up so these prices might be a bit off but very close. There is a code for this sale, check my other posts for this.

Mac

[Drew Loehr]

The latest Wood magazine has the GO513 & GO457 saws listed inside the front cover. I believe the sale is till December 31, 09. GO513 is shown at $715.00 + shipping and GO457 is listed $100 off @ $799 & free shipping. The GO457 ends up a few dollars less than the GO513 delivered...... I'm not home right now to look the ad up so these prices might be a bit off but very close. There is a code for this sale, check my other posts for this.

Mac

Yep, the G0457 is $795 with free shipping. Offer code 09WOODM.
(as seen in Wood, issue 195)

[Rye Crane]

Stephen,

I haven't read all the posts for your topic, but just in case no one mentioned it:

ORDER THE BIGGEST ONE YOU CAN AFFORD AND THEN BUY THE NEXT BIGGEST ONE! So, you won't have to buy it again.

Best of luck, Merry Christmas, go for it.

Rye Crane
Pittsburg, Ca.