Bandsaw

[dennis kranz]

In the next couple of months I hope to buy a new bandsaw. At this time I am looking at the Grizzly G0555 or the G0555X. Is there a lot of differance between the two. Or should I say is one worth 200.00 over the other. Anyone use them? They seem to get good reviews. It would be used for cutting bowl blanks. I would also get the riser for it.
So which would you get?
Also open to suggestions on other saws at same money.
Dennis

[Sid Matheny]

I've had the Grizzly G0555 w/riser kit for a few years and love it.

Sid

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Dennis,

There are some significant differences IMHO.

1 hp vs 1 1/2hp

Resaw fence on G0555X

Aluminum wheels vs cast iron wheels.

14"x14" table vs 20 1/2" x 14" table on the 555X

If you plan on ever doing any resawing....the additional horsepower, the adjustable resaw fence and the cast iron wheels would make it worth the difference to me. It's really your call.

[Reed Gray]

The extra hp, and the cast iron wheels are worth it. I would hope that it is 220 volt as well. It will do fine for cutting out circles, but not great at cutting 12 inches high. It will do the job, but not fast.

robo hippy

[Bernie Weishapl]

Dennis I have that bandsaw and the thing that sold me was the extra 1/2 hp and that it could be wired for 220V. Also the cast iron wheels. It will do fine cutting at 12" provided you use a good blade suited for what you are cutting.

[David Hostetler]

If you have the $$ to afford it, go for the GO555X, the extra half HP, resaw fence, cast iron wheels etc... make it WELL worth the extra cash...

[Tom Baugues]

Dennis, I bought my G0555X saw after asking the same questions about 6-7 months ago. I can tell you that this saw is a real workhorse. I never thought that I would spend that much money for a band saw but the first time I put a large chunk of log through it and it went through without so much as a studder.......now I'm sure glad I did. This saw will still be working long after I'm gone from this world. Get it...you will not be disappointed.

Tom

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Why not spend another $150 and buy the Go513 17" bandsaw? For that small amount extra, you are in a whole different level of bandsaw. I know you have to draw the line on price somewhere but I'd be kicking myself for not spending the little extra to get a lot more capability. All IMHO of course. Good luck.

[David E Keller]

I have the G0513, and I like it. You can never have too much power, and I've cut 10" desert ironwood and bois d'arc logs with mine without trouble.