Grizzly G6036X vs Mini Max MM16 - Which to buy?

[Craig Kalkman]

I've been researching bandsaws for months for an upcoming upgrade. I want either of the two above and am having a difficult time justifying the price jump from $2100 (actually $1900 with a coupon) for the Griz to $2900 for the Mini Max MM16. Could the MM16 really be worth the 40% price jump? Griz has the slightly bigger motor, great reviews and seems to be a good value (I've looked the specs over pretty closely). I know the G0636X frame is 4mm steel vs 5mm for the MM16, but that can't account for that much of a price jump. Am I missing something? Can anyone that has used both tell me their thoughts, or can someone who has used the G0636X tell me to save the money and just go buy the Grizzly? This will be my last bandsaw, hopefully, and I want to get it right. Thanks!

[Brodie Brickey]

I have a smaller Grizzly that I'm pretty happy with, but that just isn't the same thing. You might check the local Woodworking clubs and community colleges in your area to see if they have the saws in question. The link below contains some info on Grizzly & Mini Max on the 2nd and 3rd page that might be of interest to you.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?160478-New-Bandsaw-Purchase-Laguna-vs.-Minimax

Hopefully Van Huskey or someone else who specializes in band saws can shed some light for you soon.

[Shiraz Balolia]

I would hope that an actual owner of the G0636X will speak up.

[Jim Barstow]

I've ordered a grizzly 514x2 but I'm thinking of upgrading to a 636xb. Where did you get the coupon that knocked $200 off the price?

[Craig Kalkman]

The discount coupon was 10% off and was found on the outside mailing cover of American Woodworker's current issue. Good deal for what I think is already one of the best values in the big-bandsaw category. I'm hoping a current G0636X owner can confirm my thoughts.

[Dave MacArthur]

Not an owner, but did a ton of research. Click the link in my signature down below on "which bandsaw to buy?" and there are maybe 3 threads on the G0636X, and one of them has good words in there from Shiraz, the comments are universally impressive. Several threads on the MM, and of course they are compared together in many posts, so I believe you'll be able to quickly see what has been already posted on the subject.

Based on a couple years research, I'd say they are both great bandsaws you'd be happy with... but I'd buy the Grizzly myself without question.