Derek Arita
01-16-2015, 9:13 PM
Well, I finally got it all squared away and working. I was originally looking at the Jet version, but after some research and comments online, I decided that the Griz might be a better choice for me. I've been known to get the better buy to start out with, only to finally end up with the top of the line in the end, with a lot less $ in my pocket anyways. I didn't want this to follow my past history, so I got the Griz to start out with, which to me, seemed like a heavier duty machine, with easier controls and a little more power, albeit about $600 more than the Jet.
So, the G0563 came very well crated on a pallet...probably better crated than any other machine I've ever received. http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010304_zps1ca0bfdc.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010304_zps1ca0bfdc.jpg.html)
Since this machine has to be able to move around my garage shop, I purchased the suggested Shop Fox base.http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010306_zps69006437.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010306_zps69006437.jpg.html)
I have to say, I've had HTC, Delta and Jet mobile bases on different machines. I know the G0563 is around 400lbs, but I find it kinda tough to roll around on this base. A few times when changing direction, one or the other front castors skid on the concrete, rather than swiveling to follow the direction of travel. Griz is sending a couple of new castors to try to solve the issue, however I suggest it may be the nature of these castors. I have an 800lb Drill Press that is heavy to move on it's Jet base, but it moves with no issues.
The oscillating movement of the belt is achieved via an eccentric cam on the outside of a gearbox that sits beneath the motor. The cam is attached to the motor mount with adjustable arms. Centering the oscillating belt is done by adjusting the length of the arms. As the cam rotates, the motor with spindle rocks, causing the sanding belt to oscillate.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010311_zps8e398168.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010311_zps8e398168.jpg.html)
One of the features I really like is the ability to raise and lower the table by way of a single crank that incorporates a folding handle...very handy when you have to store the machine against a wall to make room for a car, as I do.http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010310_zpsbfac3da7.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010310_zpsbfac3da7.jpg.html)
All in all, I'm very impressed with the G0563's solid, heavy duty feel and fit and finish, not to mention it's just a beautiful machine to look at. I was also impressed with the machine's operation right out of the box. That said, I can't give it a full 5 stars, only because the actual amount of oscillation is actually about 1/4", rather than the 3/4" as stated in the machines literature. In an effort to make sure my machine was up to spec, I contacted Grizzly techs a couple of times, however they were unsure as to whether or not there was an adjustment for oscillation amplitude. I finally emailed tech support and was promptly contacted by phone, by a very nice and helpful tech named Craig. Craig said he had read my email and my posts about this machine and decided to personally test one of their machines. As it turned out, their machine also only oscillates 1/4"+ and has no adjustment to increase that amount. I believe he's going to look into making that correction where its stated erroneously. I was impressed with his attention to the issue...kudos to Griz and Craig. It's also nice to know that these guys pay attention to our posts.
I had concerns that the spindle attachment would not sit dead center and might wobble, however my concerns were put to rest once I installed the spindle. Although I have yet to put it to task, I have no doubt that spindle sanding will go smoothly. Important to note here that the spindle is on the pulley opposite the drive drum and does not wobble nor oscillate. A very sturdy table and dust collection are provided.
Best part is, this machine works really well. It's smooth and not overly loud and it does the job well. Adjustments to the table height and belt angle are convenient and simple. I tested the G0563 by evening up some box jointed boxes. The belt moves slow enough to keep the sanding controllable, but fast enough to make quick work of anything put to it.
As for the 1/4" of travel...that amount seems to be plenty of oscillation to keep the sanding marks to a minimum. Truth is, I had to look really hard on the workpiece to see any marks at all. So, whether 1/4" or 3/4" of travel, the machine still does it's job and I'm satisfied with the surface this machine produces.
All in all, I'm very happy with this machine and it's operation and I'm happy with my purchase. Hope this helps those considering this machine. Any questions...I'll try to answer. Thanks for looking.
So, the G0563 came very well crated on a pallet...probably better crated than any other machine I've ever received. http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010304_zps1ca0bfdc.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010304_zps1ca0bfdc.jpg.html)
Since this machine has to be able to move around my garage shop, I purchased the suggested Shop Fox base.http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010306_zps69006437.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010306_zps69006437.jpg.html)
I have to say, I've had HTC, Delta and Jet mobile bases on different machines. I know the G0563 is around 400lbs, but I find it kinda tough to roll around on this base. A few times when changing direction, one or the other front castors skid on the concrete, rather than swiveling to follow the direction of travel. Griz is sending a couple of new castors to try to solve the issue, however I suggest it may be the nature of these castors. I have an 800lb Drill Press that is heavy to move on it's Jet base, but it moves with no issues.
The oscillating movement of the belt is achieved via an eccentric cam on the outside of a gearbox that sits beneath the motor. The cam is attached to the motor mount with adjustable arms. Centering the oscillating belt is done by adjusting the length of the arms. As the cam rotates, the motor with spindle rocks, causing the sanding belt to oscillate.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010311_zps8e398168.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010311_zps8e398168.jpg.html)
One of the features I really like is the ability to raise and lower the table by way of a single crank that incorporates a folding handle...very handy when you have to store the machine against a wall to make room for a car, as I do.http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/derekarita1/P1010310_zpsbfac3da7.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/derekarita1/media/P1010310_zpsbfac3da7.jpg.html)
All in all, I'm very impressed with the G0563's solid, heavy duty feel and fit and finish, not to mention it's just a beautiful machine to look at. I was also impressed with the machine's operation right out of the box. That said, I can't give it a full 5 stars, only because the actual amount of oscillation is actually about 1/4", rather than the 3/4" as stated in the machines literature. In an effort to make sure my machine was up to spec, I contacted Grizzly techs a couple of times, however they were unsure as to whether or not there was an adjustment for oscillation amplitude. I finally emailed tech support and was promptly contacted by phone, by a very nice and helpful tech named Craig. Craig said he had read my email and my posts about this machine and decided to personally test one of their machines. As it turned out, their machine also only oscillates 1/4"+ and has no adjustment to increase that amount. I believe he's going to look into making that correction where its stated erroneously. I was impressed with his attention to the issue...kudos to Griz and Craig. It's also nice to know that these guys pay attention to our posts.
I had concerns that the spindle attachment would not sit dead center and might wobble, however my concerns were put to rest once I installed the spindle. Although I have yet to put it to task, I have no doubt that spindle sanding will go smoothly. Important to note here that the spindle is on the pulley opposite the drive drum and does not wobble nor oscillate. A very sturdy table and dust collection are provided.
Best part is, this machine works really well. It's smooth and not overly loud and it does the job well. Adjustments to the table height and belt angle are convenient and simple. I tested the G0563 by evening up some box jointed boxes. The belt moves slow enough to keep the sanding controllable, but fast enough to make quick work of anything put to it.
As for the 1/4" of travel...that amount seems to be plenty of oscillation to keep the sanding marks to a minimum. Truth is, I had to look really hard on the workpiece to see any marks at all. So, whether 1/4" or 3/4" of travel, the machine still does it's job and I'm satisfied with the surface this machine produces.
All in all, I'm very happy with this machine and it's operation and I'm happy with my purchase. Hope this helps those considering this machine. Any questions...I'll try to answer. Thanks for looking.