Grizzly G0817

[Ian Lerew]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a new bandsaw to upgrade my 14” cast iron Jet. I really would like a Laguna 14BX but the only problem is they are on back order until the middle of January. I’ve come across the Grizzly G0817 as the closest compromise but I haven’t found a lot of reviews. The grizzly is only a 2hp compared to 2.5 for the BX but that is not a total dealbreaker for me because I am just a hobbyist. Does anyone have any experience with this machine and will I be disappointed? I really don’t want to wait over 2 months for the Laguna.

[Sam Force]

I don't have that particular saw, but I and very pleased with the G0513ANV bandsaw. In my opinion that is a better deal and it is also in stock. I have resawed some hard maple with no problems at all. Definitely worth a look at

[glenn bradley]

All makers have their good products, their bad products and the rest of their products. There would have to be something really compelling on the G0817 before I would choose it over the long-loved G0513 series. You are in the price ballpark even if you go with the Extreme model that includes the foot brake. I'm not saying the G0817 isn't good. I'm just saying the G0513 series has a long run of very happy owners in all of its personalities.

[Ian Lerew]

All makers have their good products, their bad products and the rest of their products. There would have to be something really compelling on the G0817 before I would choose it over the long-loved G0513 series. You are in the price ballpark even if you go with the Extreme model that includes the foot brake. I'm not saying the G0817 isn't good. I'm just saying the G0513 series has a long run of very happy owners in all of its personalities.

I totally agree and that is why I’m hesitant with the G0817 without seeing more feedback from real world users. The G0513X2BF is about $150 more and it is definitely a beefier machine. Benefits would be the ability to use a 1” blade while loosing 1 7/8” of resaw opposed to the G0817. The extra throat is also a benefit but I don’t plan on using it for curved work.

[Earl McLain]

I went from a 14" Ridgid (well tuned and functional)--which is a pretty standard 14" saw--to an older 14" Bulgarian-made Laguna welded frame about 5 years ago now. Not the same saws you mention, but a very similar upgrade. Been happy with the beefy upgrade--but in retrospect probably would have been better served with a move up to 17" or even 19". Got my 12" of resaw height--but with 14" wheels the Laguna kind of tops out at 3/4" blades--but the saw seems to like 1/2" better. If i ever move up in size i'll keep the old Laguna as it's a great saw--but it "normal" 14" to beefy 14" didn't really change the capabilities for me--just really made me appreciate a more burly bandsaw!!
earl

[Mike Kees]

Just buy the 17'' saw. As everyone else has said it is far more capable and a better spot to "land" in a one bandsaw shop. I would also recommend getting one with a foot brake.

[Ian Lerew]

Just buy the 17'' saw. As everyone else has said it is far more capable and a better spot to "land" in a one bandsaw shop. I would also recommend getting one with a foot brake.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m 95% decided on the G0513X2BF. Now do I order it now with a 5% off code or do I wait until Black Friday to see if I can get a better deal🤔

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Look at the Rikon Professional 3hp 14” saw. It is a workhorse. I use it to resaw raw mahogany logs as big as I can fit. It has a foot brake as well.

[Dave Cav]

You can run a 1" Woodmaster CT on a 513, just barely.

[Ian Lerew]

I found a couple used options I am considering.

Option 1 is a 6 month old Grizzly 0531B for $2000. 14 1/2” Resaw and 5 hp.

Option 2 is a Powermatic model 81 for $1900. 12 1/2” Resaw and 2 hp.

I’m learning towards the grizzly if I can get it. I think it’s a no brainer although the powermatic looks like it’s in really nice shape and it’s around the same age as my model 100 planet, early 80’s. Any opinions of the 0563B? It looks like a big version of the 0513 from what I can tell.

[Earl McLain]

Ian--did you mean the G0531B? G0563 is an edge sander.
Whichever 5hp Grizzly--looks like it would take a 30 amp circuit, with probably 10 gauge wire. Changing a breaker is not too bad, pulling new wire is tougher if you're inside walls.
earl

[Ian Lerew]

Ian--did you mean the G0531B? G0563 is an edge sander.
Whichever 5hp Grizzly--looks like it would take a 30 amp circuit, with probably 10 gauge wire. Changing a breaker is not too bad, pulling new wire is tougher if you're inside walls.
earl

Yes, my mistake it is the 0531B. I am an electrical contractor so the wiring is not an issue. I have the material laying around, it’s just a matter of a couple hours of my time to run a new circuit.

[Tom Trees]

I had a look at all these models and am quite confused:confused:
The list price for the Extreme 17" model is only $1550 and would be my choice over any 14" saw,
Its only a few quid more for that 200kg saw
(if the shipping weight weighs little, that is)

I have seen real good results on this thread regarding the ultimate 17" machine which sells for $2795,
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?280590-The-Incredible-Woodmaster-CT

And that 21" machine is listed @ $2295 new, so quite a bit cheaper than that machine in the Woodmaster CT thread
It's still 300kg compared to the super stout wee 350kg one

For resawing I would go with your secondhand option 1
Maybe there's some blades with it, as 295 quid isn't much of a discount, if there isn't and maybe for hagglers sake...
It's not much of a discount as the warranty is half over, (which is only a year anyways, seems like Grizzly are quite good at recent times for their feedback,
I would hope they are as good with folks and their second hand equipment.)

Not much to go wrong with a stout bandsaw like that though, its a super nice size IMO
and won't eat thrust guides like a 14" saw would, and be quieter in use to boot.

I'd agree with Dave Cav and say your pushing it running an inch blade with the 200kg 17" saw, aswell as the 19" which weighs the same.
The next 19" up from that looks about 230kg and probably a starting point if one had to compare.within the price of the 21" used.

I had a 20" machine before the 24" I have now, and think 21" or 22" to be the sweet spot in footprint.
The table is small on all these machines, so I guess it wouldn't be much difference in floorspace compared to the wee 14".

Good luck
Tom

[Earl McLain]

Yes, my mistake it is the 0531B. I am an electrical contractor so the wiring is not an issue. I have the material laying around, it’s just a matter of a couple hours of my time to run a new circuit.

Great news on the electrical front--opens the world in tool-shopping.
To Tom Tree's point--the $300 saved versus new is good on the surface, but if new there's another $200 in savings on shipping (that may be balanced depending on how far one drives to pick up the used one), and in my state another $160 saved in sales tax. And, at least for me, somebody else cleaning the cosmoline/shipping grease is a positive.
earl

[Ian Lerew]

Great news on the electrical front--opens the world in tool-shopping.
To Tom Tree's point--the $300 saved versus new is good on the surface, but if new there's another $200 in savings on shipping (that may be balanced depending on how far one drives to pick up the used one), and in my state another $160 saved in sales tax. And, at least for me, somebody else cleaning the cosmoline/shipping grease is a positive.
earl

If I were to buy it new right now with the 5% it would be about $2553 after shipping, liftgate service and tax. It’s going to cost me about $70 in fuel to go get it, so I figure I’m saving about $480 give or take a few dollars.

I talked to the guy today. The saw is practically brand new, still has the original blade on it. He basically said it’s more saw than he needs and he’d rather have the money to upgrade his cnc. So I’m going to get it on Sunday morning.

I ran the conduit today and I’ll pull wire in tomorrow and grab a receptacle on my way home Sunday since I’m not sure what the plug configuration is. It is very nice being able to do that myself. All the material is surplus that I didn’t have to pay for except maybe $30 for the breaker and a few miscellaneous things.

[Alex Zeller]

Do yourself a favor and get new blades for it (unless it comes with spare blades). The blade that came with the saw new is really not a very good blade. It works well to set up the saw but that's about it. The blade that came with my 19" Grizzly is just collecting dust. I didn't want to invest in a carbide tooth blade when I first bought the saw so I got two Lenox blades. A 3 TPI 1/2" Diemaster 2 blade for cutting curved turning blanks and a 1" 1.3 TPI Woodmaster B blade. That was about 2 years ago and both have seen heavy use. So far they have both remained sharp. Much better than the carbon steel blades I was using on my old 14" bandsaw.

[John C Bush]

I've had the 531B for several years and it is a great saw. I keep a Lenox Woodmaster CT on it for resawing 99% of the time and 14 1/4" capacity is plenty for me. I upgraded the guide bearings to a better sealed type when the first set clogged after a couple of years but no other issues at all. Congrats on a good score.

[Ian Lerew]

Do yourself a favor and get new blades for it (unless it comes with spare blades). The blade that came with the saw new is really not a very good blade. It works well to set up the saw but that's about it. The blade that came with my 19" Grizzly is just collecting dust. I didn't want to invest in a carbide tooth blade when I first bought the saw so I got two Lenox blades. A 3 TPI 1/2" Diemaster 2 blade for cutting curved turning blanks and a 1" 1.3 TPI Woodmaster B blade. That was about 2 years ago and both have seen heavy use. So far they have both remained sharp. Much better than the carbon steel blades I was using on my old 14" bandsaw.

I think I’m going to order a 1” 1.3 TPI Woodmaster B for now. Im going to keep the 14” saw so I won’t be doing much blade changing. Once I wear out the B I’ll probably replace it with a CT.


I've had the 531B for several years and it is a great saw. I keep a Lenox Woodmaster CT on it for resawing 99% of the time and 14 1/4" capacity is plenty for me. I upgraded the guide bearings to a better sealed type when the first set clogged after a couple of years but no other issues at all. Congrats on a good score.

Thank you. I got the saw home yesterday and it’s sitting on my trailer in the shop. I ordered a mobile base that should be here today. The plan is to lift it off the trailer with a chain hoist, pull the trailer out of the way and drop it right onto the mobile base. I’m really happy with it, looks to be a well made machine and like new.