My G0490 story

[Jeff Watson]

Hi all,
I was going to post this a week ago, but kids and a job got in the way. Got my G0490 February 20. I thought I would post a few pictures for those who may be waiting on one or are just curious. I am very pleased with my selection. I think it is a great value for the money. Had no major problems with assembly, although I did have a few obstacles to overcome.

Here is a shot of the base in it's box. There was a gash down the side, so I was pretty worried that I would have the same problem as few others have had with the motor mounts. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0065&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php after opening I discovered no such problems. I was relieved. The only thing that was wrong with the base was that the front panel was slight bowed from top to bottom. It did not sit flush with the side panels. That was easily corrected using just my hands, I managed to straighten it. I opened the box to discovered that the base was packed upside down. This enabled me to install the end wheel and examine the inside. The on/off post was tie wrapped to the inside. I discovered that the stop button had been damage. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0074&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php Doesn't effect operations, but it looks bad. I think I read someone else with this problem. They need to stabilize that post better when shipping. Here is a shot of the damage. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0080&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php No big deal, but I called Grizzley and they are sending me a new switch. Here is a shot of the base after I got it out of the packing and with the front wheel attached. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0078&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php

Before Overnight Freight made the delivery, they called me to set up a time. The dispatcher never asked me if I needed lift gate service, so I just assumed that they would have it. Wrong. The truck showed up with no lift gate, however the driver was great. Never hesitated to help, very friendly. He helped me lower both boxes to the ground and we used his dolly to get the boxes to the garage. I would have had a problem if it was a bandsaw or something heavier. I was a bit nervious about putting the jointer bed up on end, but I had no choice. We were very careful and the two bolts held the bed firmly to the pallet. Here is a shot of the bed with the box top removed. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0067&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php That was all I did the first evening.

The second evening I cleaned the gunk off the bed with WD-40. Broke the sides of the box down and got ready to attach the bed to the base. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0084&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php My wife helped me get the base on the stand and attached. I replaced that regular belt with a link belt. I had to adjust the belt twice to get it tight and I am still having a problem with the belt brushing the base opening when I first start the machine. I am going to try to tighten the belt again this evening. I also had to replaced one of the washers that attach the fence to the bed with a smaller diameter. It was also brushing the belt.

I replaced the regular cord with short piece of 12 gauge wire and a twist lock. No problems. Here are a couple of shots one with the side panels off and one fully assembled. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0093&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0101&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php

I have only had a chance to run a couple of pieces of hard maple through it. They went through like butter. So far, I am really happy. Good investment I think. Here is the jointer with a soon to be famous model. http://woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=albvc69&id=EPSN0104&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&sid=0089b79ce8863305d17713cce871f90d&include=view_photo.php Thanks for reading. I really appreciate all the knowledge I gain from everyone here.

Jeff W.

[Russ Massery]

Nice write up Jeff. Glad to see yours arrrived ok. ( except for the switch). Was you motor blocked inside the cabinet during shipping? I just put a link belt on mine. I'd have to say the it's noticeably smooth than with the stock belt.

[Allen Bookout]

Boy----are you going to have your hands full. No, I do not mean with your new GO490 but with that great looking blond standing in front of it.

Congratulations on both!!!

Allen

[Jeff Watson]

Russ,
No blocks. I think I was one of the first ones out of MO. Did you have any trouble with the link belt clearance?

[Jim O'Dell]

Jeff, thanks for some grat pictures. Do you have one that shows the 2 stationary wheels? If so, could you pm it to me? I'd appreciate it!! Jim.

[Russ Massery]

Jeff, Yes, I had to sand a small flat on one side of the washer to clear the belt. Just for the link belt only because it rides up a little more than the stock belt.

[Jeff Watson]

Allen,
You are not kidding. She is already a handful. But she is only half of the equation, she has a big sister who is 8 and just as blond. They keep me very busy.