Grizzly G0555X vs G0555 Band Saw

[Scott C. Williams]

For those with experience with each of these saws is the additional $275 dollar difference worth the Grizzly model G0555X over the G0555. Planning on purchasing Grizzly with 6 inch riser for occasional resawing.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Scott.....


I don't have experience with either saw but.......increased mass of cast iron wheels.....taller fence and increased horsepower from 1 hp to 1 1/2 hp. Myself .....I'd pay the difference but that's me. I bought a saw with 4.8 hp and don't resaw often but when I do....it's not problem. Only you can determine if these things are worth it to you.......

[Cary Falk]

Scott.....


I don't have experience with either saw but.......increased mass of cast iron wheels.....taller fence and increased horsepower from 1 hp to 1 1/2 hp. Myself .....I'd pay the difference but that's me. I oought a saw with 4.8 hp and don't resaw often but when I do....it's not problem. Only you can determine if these things are worth it to you.......

+1 on everything said except I don't have a 4.8hp BS. I own the G0513X2 and love it.

[Steven Hsieh]

I own the G0555P, if I did it again. I would have get the Shop Fox 14" bandsaw.

http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-W1706-14-Inch-Bandsaw/dp/B000J14IB2

http://grizzly.com/products/g0555x

[Prashun Patel]

I have the G0555 with riser. It works fine. But there are occasions when I want more power. However, if I were to do it again, I'd just move up to a 17" saw. IMHO, the extra bells and whistles and extra 1/2hp wouldn't be worth it for me. If yr an occasional user, then the G0555 with riser will do you fine. It's a pretty good basic saw. Invest the $275 you save into high quality blades.

[Jim Rimmer]

I have the G0555X w/o riser. I had the same quandary when I purchased mine. The difference in rice may have been a little less at the time. I pondered and decided that the increased horsepower, larger table, and included resaw fence was worth the difference. I bought Woodslicer blades and am very happy.

[Joe Angrisani]

My personal opinion is to take a 17" saw over a 14" saw with a riser block. A basic saw like the G0513P has more power, more mass, and probably a stiffer frame than a high end 14"-plus-riser like the G0555X offers.

[Prashun Patel]

Honestly, though, I haven't heard many bad reviews of either the G0555 or the G0555x or their larger brothers, the 513 series. In the end, I believe if you are an avid hobbyist, you will be happy with any of these saws.

[Neil Brooks]

I have no experience with the 555, but a fair bit of experience with my 555X, upgraded with a Carter Ratchet Rod, King Coil Spring, and aftermarket Grizzly guide block mounts, fitted with Olson Cool Stops.

And I LOVE my saw. My primary blade is a 1/2" Wood Slicer. I say "primary" because -- with the exception of tight turns ... I never need to use any of my three other blades -- it cuts that well.

My gut tells me ... if you can afford MORE THAN the 555X, you'd have an exceptional saw, but that -- if you can only afford either the 555 or the 555X -- buy once, cry once :)

Good luck !

[Jared McMahon]

I have the G0555 with riser. It works fine. But there are occasions when I want more power. However, if I were to do it again, I'd just move up to a 17" saw. IMHO, the extra bells and whistles and extra 1/2hp wouldn't be worth it for me. If yr an occasional user, then the G0555 with riser will do you fine. It's a pretty good basic saw. Invest the $275 you save into high quality blades.

I second this. I have the G0555 w/ riser and am pleased with it, but find myself wanting more capacity. If this bandsaw is going to be a primary machine in your shop, I would check out the beefier options. Otherwise you'll likely be perfectly satisfied with the G0555. I do some simple resawing on mine using the stock fence and Timberwolf blades with very solid results.

[Karl Card]

I think grizzly has the 17 inch 2 hp bandsaw for 698. I myself would prefer that over the 555 or the 555x for the price. But just depends on the room you have and personal taste.

[Prashun Patel]

Not to throw a wrench into this, and I know it's DOUBLE the price, but check this out:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/39476/awfs-tool-update-rikon-pours-its-best-bandsaw-features-into-a-super-saw

[Curt Harms]

A G0555X is $725. A riser kit is $72.75. Shipping is $94 for a total of $891.75. A Rikon 10-325 with 1.5 H.P. 13" resaw and built for that 13" of resaw without disassembling anything. $854, was recently on sale for $749 from Woodcraft. Highland Woodworking has the Rikon for $799, I don't know how much the shipping would be. If you have a local Woodcraft, I wonder if they'd match or come close to Highland Woodworking's price? I have a Rikon 10-325 and would buy it again. If you can make it work, take a long hard look at the G0513P 17" $795 & same shipping as the G0555X. It does require 230 volts but it seems like a lot more saw for the same $$
http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Bandsaw-Polar-Bear-Series-/G0513P