Grizz vs JET [Archive] - Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community

Nathan Hoffman

11-18-2003, 12:34 PM

John Miliunas

11-18-2003, 2:00 PM

Nathan, just MHO but, I don't think it's necessary to be a one-brand shop. Research ALL of your options before making a generalized decision. For instance, I recently did some pretty extensive research on table saws. Looked at both, the Jet and Grizz. I bought a Bridgewood from Wilke Machinery. Absolutely no regrets and the thing is built every bit as well as a comparable Powermatic! Back when I bought my little 6" jointer (didn't have room for larger), I picked the Grizz. Works just fine, though I'm really Jones'ing for something larger. I'm sure many of the other fine folks here could continue this argument much, much further. Point being, especially as to how there's already a $400.00 difference, I would look and research very closely the positives and negatives of each individual machine before giving a single vendor all of your hard-earned $$$. That'd be my $00.02.... Have fun making your choices! :cool:

Mike Sweat

11-18-2003, 2:16 PM

I have a Grizzly G1023ZX tablesaw (2 years) G0500 jointer (7 months) and a G0555 14" bandsaw (5 months) and have yet to have any problems with them. I have no experience with jet.

<img src="http://www.mandswoodworks.com/assets/images/db_images/db_IMGP00481.jpg">

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<img src="http://www.mandswoodworks.com/assets/images/db_images/db_IMGP00461.jpg">

When I received my tablesaw, the box the fence was in had opened and was missing some parts. Called Grizzly and had replacements two days later.

Bob_Hammond

11-18-2003, 2:44 PM

I would agree that you shouldn't feel like you have to get everything from one vendor unless you are getting a really good deal. How does the Jet price compare to buying the items separately from Amazon? Decide what individual tools are best, get a price quote on each and then decide if going all Jet orGrizzly saves enough money to make it worthwhile.

Bob

Dennis McDonaugh

11-18-2003, 3:08 PM

Nathan, I'm a big believer in you get what you pay for. I think Jet is a better brand than Grizzly. That doesn't mean that I'd buy Jet over Grizzly in every case. Just that overall I think Jet equipment is better than Grizzzly. Some Grizzly tools have a good reputation and some don't.

I have a Jet cabinet saw, 17" drill press, and 15" planer and a Grizzly 8" jointer. In each case I looked at the equipment from each manufacturer and decided which I preferred based on the features of each item, cost, and manufacturers reputation or my experience with the brand. I agree with the others that you don't need or even want all of your equipment to come from one manufacturer. Features, capability and reliability should drive your tool purchaces, not paint the job.

Paul Kunkel

11-18-2003, 3:29 PM

I won't argue in this thread, but I will say that in the 11 years I've been using Griz tools commercially in my shop, I feel I've more than got my $$ worth. Minimal break downs, service, precision, and low initial cost. I couldn't ask for more.

Gene Collison

11-18-2003, 3:54 PM

A while back I asked for comments and advice regarding what tools to purchase in setting up a new shop. After all of the good feedback, I decided I really need a good cabinet saw, a jointer, a planer/molder, and a decent dust collector. I received a quote for JET equipment (saw- JTAS-10XL, planer molder- JPM-13CS, jointer - JJ-6CS, and dust collector DC-1100) for a delivered price of $2800. The similar machines from Grizzly (saw-G1023SL, planer molder- G1037, jointer -G1182Z, and dust collector - G1028Z) come in at about $2400 delivered. Is the JET worth the extra $400?
I also read with interest the shop layout discussion recently because my new shop, AKA basement, has just been built. LOML says I have to wait until the rest of the house is done before I can start setting up shop. I did, however, bite at the $135 Hitachi router this week, so now I’ll have to make a table. I know opinions are like belly buttons, but what’s the best router table plan out there? As always, thanks for the input.

Nathan,

IMHO, Jet, Delta, Wilke, Grizz and the rest of the people selling Taiwan made tools all use a common supplier. For example, the saw I recently purchased, a Shopfox 1677 appears to be identical to the Grizzly 1023SL except for the paint job. I would mix and match as necessary for the best price and aftermarket service. I don't think Jet is worht $400 more than Grizz because the product could have and most likely did come from the same source. Jet is going through distributors and Grizz is selling direct, advantage Grizz.

Gene

John Weber

11-18-2003, 4:51 PM

Nathan,

Congrats on your soon to be gloat. It's tough to pick just one brand, but of the 2 you mentioned I would likely spend the extra money for Jet. I think Jet has typically been better reviewed then Grizzly, I believe Jet has a better warranty, and likely a local dealer or source for repair. That said, I think you are better off to buy the best tools you can afford. I would look toward a Unisaw, I believe Woodworkers Supply still has some Unisaws for $1300 delivered, add a portable planer (Delta or DeWalt are about the best for another $450). A dust collector is a good choice especially with the tools you are looking at. Most all are imported, key feature is low micron bags and for $300 pick your color. That is about $2050, you can pick up a 6" jointer, but I'd save a bit longer for a Delta DJ-20. It's the best 8" jointer available and a real pleasure to use. I think a non-X-5 DJ-20 is $1200 - $1300. Again congrats on your upcoming gloat, and enjoy shopping.

John

Dave Avery

11-18-2003, 6:44 PM

Kirk (KC) Constable

11-18-2003, 7:54 PM

Like some others have said, you don't necessarily need to lock yourself in to one manufacturer. As a user of both Grizzly and JET equipment, if you decide you DO only want one brand, I'd go with JET...simply because I think the Xacta saw is worth $400 dollars more than the Grizzly saw. I'll qualify that by saying we had a 1023ZX, and it was a four year old machine...so the quality may have improved dramatically.

If buying a dust collector today, I'd buy the Grizzly over the JET to save a buck...plus I think it sucks better than my JET (1029 vs JET 1100). If buying a planer, I'd buy the Grizzly because we've beat ours (20" 1033)to death and it's hung right in there, and it's cheaper than the JET cousin. We're beginning to have issues with the 8" jointer, but we've run that to death, too...so even if we have to replace it, it was a helluva deal.

You pays your money and takes your chances...

KC

David Blangger

11-18-2003, 9:45 PM

I won't argue in this post either. However, Paul has proof in the pudding.

My Dad wouldn't take anything for his Lie-Nelson planes but admits I do fine with Veritas.......just a thought.

Nathan Hoffman

11-19-2003, 9:09 AM

Nathan,

Excellent advice so far, not too much to add. Be aware that Coastal Tool in West Hartford has Delta, Jet, and Powermatic machines on display for you to actually touch. You should at least see the machine you're going to buy before doing so. CT state sales tax notwithstanding, Coastal has excellent prices, too, and they would probably cut you an even better deal if you're buying multiple machines.

Also, did you ever check out that sawmill in East Haddam that claimed to have locust. If so, what were your impressions? Dave.

Thanks for all of the input – I knew I could count on you guys! The reason for getting all of one manufacturer was to get a little better price, at least on the JET stuff. I think I will, though, look more at each machine and decide that way. I don’t really intend to use the equipment hard in a commercial sense, but I do want good, reliable stuff and I'm impressed with my buddy's Shop Fox 20" planer.
Dave, I checked into that sawmill a little, but the project I wanted the locust for is on hold for a while until the house is done. I don’t know why I didn’t think of Coastal – I work about 1 mile from them. Thanks for the tip.

Charles McKinley

11-19-2003, 10:39 AM

Hi Nathan,

I would buy one tool at a time and set it up and tune it before I bought the next one.

Unless you have to order all of it at once to det a better deal or got a discount on shipping etc. That way you know that it works well and the sale is still fresh in the dealer's mind.

Also I would suggest the A DC be high on your list. With all of that great equipment you will want to enjoy it for a long time.

Perry Schmidt

11-19-2003, 1:29 PM

Well my 2 cents. IF you were pricing the Jet via a local deal - e.g. Woodcraft - then I might lean towards the Jet. I have mostly Grizzly tools and I'm quite happy w/ them. I'd buy them again. Service has been great. But there's something to be said about being able to drive to a store, and talk to the dealers directly for service, questions, etc. Although $400 is a lot of $$$ for that service, when buying that many tools it could be big payoff when you have problems. My dad pays the extra $$$ for Delta/Jet tools from a local HW store and has more than made up for that cost w/ the wonderful direct customer service he's gotten. Granted it's also a very good store.

Something to consider. Now of course having said that I'd personally stil probably go w/ the Grizzly - $400 is a 'whole tool' difference. :)

Perry

Jay Albrandt

11-19-2003, 8:34 PM

Hi Nathan,

Jet is worth the extra $400.00 hands down. Others will tell you that since most hobbiest tools are made in the same country and in some cases, even the same factory, that all tools are really identical with some minor differences. Each manufacturer has their own specs and tolerances and these ultimately affect the fit, finish, and quality of the tools.

The main consideration is the customer service you will receive when you have a problem, or just need tech support. Jet customer service is legendary! Do your research and you will find that Grizzly has more negative comments about it's tools and customer service than any other manufacturer. I am not saying that you won't find negative comments about Jet and Delta. I'm just saying that Grizzly, when compared to Jet, makes a few decent tools, their other ones are marginal at best.

When I was researching for a jointer purchase, I discovered even a few bad comments about the Delta DJ-20, which some consider the standard for 8" jointers. I decided on the Grizzly 8" jointer and was very disappointed after discovering a small problem that after 4 trys and 4 months the company wasn't able to fix. I ended sending the machine back and getting my money back. I promptly bought the Jet without looking at it and it is twice the machine that the Grizzly was. Sure it was more expensive, but when it comes to tool purchases, buy the best you can afford and you won't regret it.

I also second others comments at looking at other brands.. but Jet is a good tool with good customer service. So, if the price is right, bite

Hope this helps.

Jay

Dennis McDonaugh

11-19-2003, 8:49 PM

scott spencer

11-19-2003, 9:24 PM

Nathan - I agree with the others who've suggested looking at multiple brands. It's not a matter of brand diversity, but a matter of knowledge gained by doing the research individually. The object should be to buy the best tool you can afford that will suit your needs....whether they be from Grizzly, Bridgewood, Shop Fox, Jet, Delta, General/GI, PM, or Sunhill. Pay more attention to the most critical machines, and compare everything you can think of. You may find that neither Jet or Griz will come out on top in every case.

scott spencer

11-19-2003, 9:27 PM

[QUOTE=Jay Albrandt]Do your research and you will find that Grizzly has more negative comments about it's tools and customer service than any other manufacturer. ]

Jay - I'd really like to see the data supporting that statement. Seems subjectively "gung ho for the Jets....Grizzly sucks" to me.

Mike Sweat

11-20-2003, 12:59 AM

Contradictory to Jay's post, the ONE time I had a customer service issue it was resolved in a timley, courteous, and professional manner. As I mentioned earlier, I have no Jet experience, but I do have a Delta horror story.

scott spencer

11-20-2003, 5:44 PM

The same factory argument comes up from time to time when discussing different manufacturers. Sometimes its valid, other times maybe not. In this case, Jet tools are made in Taiwan. Aren't Grizzly tools made in China?

I think it varies from tool to tool, and may have even changed mfg locations. My Griz jointer and DC are both from Taiwan....~ 2 yrs old.

Kevin Post

11-24-2003, 4:27 PM

<snip>
I decided I really need a good cabinet saw, a jointer, a planer/molder, and a decent dust collector. I received a quote for JET equipment (saw- JTAS-10XL, planer molder- JPM-13CS, jointer - JJ-6CS, and dust collector DC-1100) for a delivered price of $2800. The similar machines from Grizzly (saw-G1023SL, planer molder- G1037, jointer -G1182Z, and dust collector - G1028Z) come in at about $2400 delivered. Is the JET worth the extra $400?

Nathan:

Sorry for the delayed response. I don't have as much time to spend on the forums during fall and winter. 'Tis the season for hockey, woodworking, holidays, etc. Not much time to spend surfing the forums.

The only experience I almost had with Grizzly is the shaper I ordered but never received. I cancelled it after an extended backorder. So I can't really comment on Grizzly versus Jet question you've asked other than to say I'm happy with the Jet equipment I currently own.

I can offer some advice on the JPM-13 planer/molder. I had one of these and experienced numerous problems with the gearbox. I would avoid it... Jet serviced it under warranty but I was still without a planer AND a molder while it was being repaired. I'm told the gearbox has been redesigned to correct the problems with early models but...

My advice would be to buy a separate planer and molder. I currently own a Jet 15" planer and a Williams and Hussey molder. The nice thing about having separate machines is you can run molding without messing up the planer setup and changing out the knives. The bad thing is the extra space required...

Lynn Sonier

11-24-2003, 5:27 PM

If you're looking for a good table saw at an excellent price, the Ryobi 3100 for $269 can't be beat. I have used mine heavily for 2 years now with no problems. I truly love the sliding miter table and the stable fence. If you want to read up, go to:

http://www.bt3central.com/

And the BT3100 has its own discussion forum which is a sort of cult affair. There's a whole bunch of buys who use this saw and are very satisfied with it. You can see this at:

http://www.ryobitools.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID24&conf=DCConfID1

Lynn

Nathan Hoffman

11-25-2003, 7:16 AM

Nathan:

I can offer some advice on the JPM-13 planer/molder. I had one of these and experienced numerous problems with the gearbox. I would avoid it... Jet serviced it under warranty but I was still without a planer AND a molder while it was being repaired. I'm told the gearbox has been redesigned to correct the problems with early models but...

My advice would be to buy a separate planer and molder. I currently own a Jet 15" planer and a Williams and Hussey molder. The nice thing about having separate machines is you can run molding without messing up the planer setup and changing out the knives. The bad thing is the extra space required...

My reason for the planer/molder was to get both functions for the price of one machine. The W&H is a nice molder, but a little out of my budget. How old was your JPM-13? I'd like to find out about the gearbox issue and whether new ones have that problem or not.

Kevin Post

11-25-2003, 9:12 AM

My reason for the planer/molder was to get both functions for the price of one machine.

That was my thought as well...

It was probably 7 years ago that I got rid of it. It was before they went to the white paint.

I bought a used W&H because I couldn't swing the price of a new one. I just kept my eyes peeled and watched auctions and classified ads until I found one.

Ken Salisbury

11-25-2003, 11:03 AM

See my long - long response on a new thread:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?threadid=5060

aurelio alarcon

11-25-2003, 11:09 AM

Nathan,

IMHO, Jet, Delta, Wilke, Grizz and the rest of the people selling Taiwan made tools all use a common supplier. For example, the saw I recently purchased, a Shopfox 1677 appears to be identical to the Grizzly 1023SL except for the paint job. I would mix and match as necessary for the best price and aftermarket service. I don't think Jet is worht $400 more than Grizz because the product could have and most likely did come from the same source. Jet is going through distributors and Grizz is selling direct, advantage Grizz.

Gene
agree with you more! I have done extensive research on many of the tools and brands associated with woodworking prior to buying. Like when I was first researching when I was going to buy a miter saw. I was looking to buy U.S. made thinking that it would be better in quality. Not to mention I would be helping to keep U.S. workers working. But I found out that all the brands that I was interested in buying were made in Taiwan! Not only were all the saws comparable in quality and price, but they were made in the same place. I realize that each company has their own specs. But I tested some of these "buy what you pay for saws" and found no difference. It is becoming more and more obvious that many of the woodworkers that swear by a particular brand that I have encountered are not too different than many of the women who buy trendy, in fasihon, brand names. I'm not saying that their purchases are not a quality tool, I'm sure they are. But obviously there are "non" professional quality tools out there. And it is so obvious when you encounter one of these that you'll know it right away. I don't have a great deal of experience with woodworking tools in particular, but I did construction work as a professional plumber for about three years building homes and know enough about a tool to know whether it is quality or not (one need not be a genius). If your buying two comparable saws, just how much difference can there be if they're comparable in the first place? Some people will swear that the one they bought is the best in quality and defend spending more, but how many people do you know will admit to the fact that they spent an additional 400 dollars and basically got the same product, made in the same place with, for the most part, the same specs. No one I know wants to look naive afterall! I believe Gene makes a good point "aftermarket service" is good to consider. Now all you'll have to decide on is the color and decal logo you like best. I mean c'mon...Of course there will be people that disagree with me, but those are usually the people who spent the extra 400 dollars. Taiwan v China, why split hairs.

Phil Phelps

11-25-2003, 4:28 PM

....I've studied this for years. There is no question about it...."color" matters. The machine is secondary. choose the color first, then buy. Your welcome.

aurelio alarcon

11-25-2003, 7:53 PM

I was under the impression that the list had already been narrowed down according to the quality of the tool --Grizzley V. Jet-- and that the results were comparable in quality. Did I miss something? Having dispensed with that and finding that they are comparable, what is left to decide--personal preference? Why not? Go ahead and choose your favorite color!

John Miliunas

11-25-2003, 9:34 PM

--personal preference? Why not? Go ahead and choose your favorite color!

Not trying to make waves, but green has never been a real favorite of mine. BUT, I still have a Grizz jointer and a Bridgewood saw! And, having said that, I also like the green left in my pocket after the purchase of these quality tools! :cool:

aurelio alarcon

11-26-2003, 12:41 AM

Not trying to make waves, but green has never been a real favorite of mine. BUT, I still have a Grizz jointer and a Bridgewood saw! And, having said that, I also like the green left in my pocket after the purchase of these quality tools! :cool:
Your a wise man ! Yes indeed, a wiseman indeed!

Dominic Greco

11-26-2003, 7:55 AM

Nathan,
This is coming from a guy whose shop used to be wall to wall old Craftsman tools. And when I say old, I mean 40 years or more. So I've had a chance or two to upgrade over the past couple years. I didn't do it all at once. Rather, it was slow and methodical.

My mentality with tool buying is the same as when I was 10 or 12 and building model airplanes. Since all my "income" came from odd jobs and a paper route, I really didn't have the cash to waste on a shoddy product. So I would end up researching my options to death until I choose one within my price range. With a goal in mind, I started saving. And saving. (It seemed like months and years would go by!) But in the end, I walked away with a quality item. It took me a bit longer, but it was sure worth it.

My shop now is a mix of primarily Jet tools, a couple Delta, and one Grizzly sanding station (bought used). When I'm in the market for a new tool, I read the reviews, check out what others have to say, then try to take my prospective tool for a "test drive". Unfortunately, you can't do this with Grizzly tools unless you know someone with that particular tool, or want to drive to Muncy PA (4 or 5 hours away).

When I was searching for my next lathe, it came down to a choice between the 16" Delta and Jet 1642. I chose the Jet because of it's features and overall performance.

I also like being able to talk face to face to a salesman (from the place I bought the tool) when, and if a problem arises. That also rules out Grizzly. But don't get me wrong! I like their 1023Z and the 8" jointer they make. They both look like quality tools. But given the choice, I'd pay the extra dough to have the ability to walk right into the store where I bought it and complain (if the need arises).

There are also several service centers around me that take care of Jet and Delta tools. I understand that Grizzly doesn't have that.

Then there is the issue of customer service. Jet has treated me so well I can say enough good things about them. When issues arose with my Jet tools, they came through like the Pony Express (and just as fast too) And the people at Delta's service center are the best. I've gotten more good input and service from them than you'd believe.

This is just my 2 cents. I don't have an axe to grind when it come to Grizzly tools. I know a good amount of fine people who use them and are very happy.

Dominic

aurelio alarcon

11-26-2003, 9:49 AM

Nathan,
This is coming from a guy whose shop used to be wall to wall old Craftsman tools. And when I say old, I mean 40 years or more. So I've had a chance or two to upgrade over the past couple years. I didn't do it all at once. Rather, it was slow and methodical.

My mentality with tool buying is the same as when I was 10 or 12 and building model airplanes. Since all my "income" came from odd jobs and a paper route, I really didn't have the cash to waste on a shoddy product. So I would end up researching my options to death until I choose one within my price range. With a goal in mind, I started saving. And saving. (It seemed like months and years would go by!) But in the end, I walked away with a quality item. It took me a bit longer, but it was sure worth it.

My shop now is a mix of primarily Jet tools, a couple Delta, and one Grizzly sanding station (bought used). When I'm in the market for a new tool, I read the reviews, check out what others have to say, then try to take my prospective tool for a "test drive". Unfortunately, you can't do this with Grizzly tool s unless you know someone with that particular tool, or want to drive to Muncy PA (4 or 5 hours away).

When I was searching for my next lathe, it came down to a choice between the 16" Delta and Jet 1642. I chose the Jet because of it's features and overall performance.

I also like being able to talk face to face to a salesman (from the place I bought the tool) when, and if a problem arises. That also rules out Grizzly. But don't get me wrong! I like their 1023Z and the 8" jointer they make. They both look like quality tools. But given the choice, I'd pay the extra dough to have the ability to walk right into the store where I bought it and complain (if the need arises).

There are also several service centers around me that take care of Jet and Delta tools. I understand that Grizzly doesn't have that.

Then there is the issue of customer service. Jet has treated me so well I can say enough good things about them. When issues arose with my Jet tools, they came through like the Pony Express (and just as fast too) And the people at Delta's service center are the best. I've gotten more good input and service from them than you'd believe.

This is just my 2 cents. I don't have an axe to grind when it come to Grizzly tools. I know a good amount of fine people who use them and are very happy.

Dominic
You bring up some excellent points Dominic. And you echo what Gene has to say concerning after market service. I couldn't agree with you more when it comes to appreciating the accessibility to someone who can help you should the need arise. Preferably "face to face". I will definetly consider the points that you bring up when I go to upgrade myself. Until then, I will enjoy the Craftsman tools that I own and, for the most part, are satisfied with.

Dennis McDonaugh

11-26-2003, 12:19 PM

I've started to respond to several posts in this thread, but I haven't been able to put what I'm thinking in words in the context of one reply/post. So, at risk of offending someone I'm doing it all at once. Remember, this is my opinion based on my experience with different manufacturers.

Overall, all manufacturers have pretty good customer service, but sometimes they drop the ball for whatever reason. I think only a small percentage of customers experience these problems, but they are very large for them and taint their feelings about the company.

There is a difference between manufacturers and I can tell the difference when I use their equipment. Sometimes it makes a difference in choosing a tool and sometimes it doesn't. I've used both Grizzly and Jet cabinet saws and I decided to spend the extra bucks and buy the Jet. I've used both the Jet and Grizzly 8" jointers and decided the price difference wasn't worth buying the Jet and I went with the Grizzly.

The Jet table saw was much smoother than the Grizzly and the fence worked a lot better. The Jet jointer ran smoother than the Grizzly, but it cost over $400 dollars more and there wasn't $400 worth of vibration so I went with the Grizzly.

Bottom line: there was a difference between the equipment besides the extra money in my pocket. When I bought the Grizzly, I gave up something in feel and performance. I was willing to live with it in one tool, but not the other.

I don't think you can make an informed decision, or have a valid opinion of the performance of one tool over another until you have actually made sawdust with both.

I think a good analogy is buying a car. Toyota has a good reputation, but I know people who got a lemon and wouldn't buy another.

I drive a one ton truck with a diesel because it feels and performs better when its loaded down than a gas engined truck would. The diesel was worth the premium I paid for it. But, I drove both gas and diesels before making that decision and I still have a couple of gas trucks and can state from experience that one is better than the other.

To some people, its about the money (by budget or by choice) and they're okay with that. With others, its about performance, feel and pride of ownership and they're okay with that. Most of us aren't at one end of the spectrum, but vary between the two for every purchase decision we make.

Dominic Greco

11-26-2003, 1:06 PM

Bottom line: there was a difference between the equipment besides the extra money in my pocket. When I bought the Grizzly, I gave up something in feel and performance. I was willing to live with it in one tool, but not the other.

You pretty much summed up my feeling exactly Dennis.

Dominic

Steve Rybicki

11-26-2003, 2:17 PM

Bottom line: there was a difference between the equipment besides the extra money in my pocket. When I bought the Grizzly, I gave up something in feel and performance.

Dennis, I'm making some of these same decisions at this time, and would like to get it right. I understand what you're talking about when you say the "feel" was different. Things like smoother turning hand wheels and less vibration can be felt, even though that is a bit subjective. Performance is something that should be easily measured. Exactly what did you gain in performance? Is the Jet more powerful? Does it have less runout at the arbor? Is the top flatter or smoother? How does it perform better? Thanks,

Gene Collison

11-26-2003, 2:48 PM

To some people, its about the money (by budget or by choice) and they're okay with that. With others, its about performance, feel and pride of ownership and they're okay with that. Most of us aren't at one end of the spectrum, but vary between the two for every purchase decision we make.I would tend to think that cost is the main ingredient of our decision making process in buying a tool such as a Grizzly or Jet or whatever. These may be cold harsh words but there is not much pride of ownership in one of these Taiwanese boutique saws if you will let me call it that...... and I am the owner of one too. I hope I didn't offend anyone on that one! I mean....... we all like to cheat a little bit, we buy these things because we like to think we are getting a Unisaw for $800.
I am suspicious of the claim that Jet or Grizzly is better than because of this quality and that quality. It may be true for this lot number but the next lot may have a different motor or the manufacturer had to substitute another pulley because they all went to Grizzly or something and now the tool isn't as smooth. Or Grizz/Jet found yet another supplier that could do it cheaper. This is evidenced by Delta for example who has had umpteen different miter saws in the last two years all different!
I personally bought a ShopFox cabinet saw. My reason was that I could look the seller in the eye, the price was all I could justify for my level of involvement in the hobby and the seller is known for good service. Besides, my machine tool backround told me it was a quality product. I justified the purchase in my own mind by convincing myself that I was getting that Unisaw for $1000. Big LOL!! Now, if I was after pride of ownership, it would have been a PM66, Unisaw or Rojek. I do the same thing with cars, my wife drives a Toyota Highlander. Our purchase decision was somewhat based on it being made in the same factory as the Lexus RX with mostly the same parts. if I wasn't watching the bucks, it would have been a Lexus, but no, I got the same thing for 6 grand less right? Wrong!
I think you have to keep focused on the fact that Mr. Balolia and Mr. WMH are all in business to make a lot of money. Not to say their not selling good stuff, they are! But, I question if their equipment is made to spec other than the colors and badges. I'm thinking it's pretty much off the shelf stuff. If they see the stuff and they like it they import it. This is even stated in the Grizz.catalog. There just resellers, no real design staff or engineering staff. Call these guys and see if you can find a design engineer. Take a look at the new Jet Supersaw. Grab the fence at the rear and put some pressure on it. Moved on yuh, didn't it? Yet they still keep selling them without a fix! In spec or out of spec?
I'll get off my soapbox now, hope I didn't offend anyone.

Gene

Dennis McDonaugh

11-26-2003, 3:02 PM

Steve,

I was lucky enough to have one friend with a Jet and another with a Grizzly so I got to see and touch both before I made a decision. The Jet was noticeably smoother when it was running, but both passed the nickel test so we're not talking a lot of vibration here. The fit and finish was good for both, but the wings on the Jet fit better right out of the box. The fence was the big issue with me. The Grizzly fence was balky and didn't always line up parallel to the blade when you moved it from one position to another. The Jet had the Biesmeyer fence and worked flawlessly. Grizzly has newer fences available and they may be better in that regard, but at the time I made my decision it was a big factor.