more bandsaw stuff..

[brent]

Hi guys, sorry I have not been around much. I had a question about bandsaws and figured you guys would know the answer so here we go...
I think I am finally going to get a decent bandsaw. I have a toy bandsaw that I got when I first started out that I use when I need to cut a 1/4" dowel but that is about it.
I think that I want a Griz G0513. I am pretty sure that it is more saw then I will probably need, but have decided that I will never buy another tool that I will outgrow. I have done that over and over again. I want it to do the usual bandsaw things and some re-sawing.
I am pretty sure that this is what I want to get but would like any input. I was also wondering about the cast iron trunnion version that is $70 more. Any thoughts on that?
I have put off getting a bandsaw for a few years because I did not want to regret pulling the trigger too soon. I came across an rare opportunity to spend some cash and so this is my shot at bandsaw glory. Either one of these saws is pretty much pushing the upper limit of my spending and I am okay with that if it is going work well for a very long time.
Thanks!
Brent

[Beamer]

Brent - if you go that route, get the G0513x2b - it's got a few VALUABLE things: Iron wheels and an electronic motor brake. Them iron wheels take a LONG time to spin down, and that brake really helps. If yer gonna do any resawing, you want them cast iron wheels for inertia and vibration dampening for sure.

I love mine! I think Leo loves his and I believe Rich and some others have similar models

We're all big fans

GET THE G0513x2b

[Ruffnek]

Brent,

I have the GO513 and it's been a great saw, However, if the GO513X2 had been available then, that's the one I would have gotten since it's only $70 more than the 513 and has the cast iron wheels.

If you are an impatient sort and don't want to wait for the blade to stop on it's own, then the GO513X2B that Jason referenced is the cat's meow. However, it is a $225 increase.

I believe any of the three will serve you very well, but for your last BS, you might want to spend the extra bucks and get the best one...the GO513X2B.

[rrich]

I have the G0514x2. The band saw requires 240 Volts, single phase. It is a 19" model. All I can say is WOW!

I had a Delta 14" and I've used a large model very old Oliver and a relatively new large Laguna. Of these three, the Oliver is the best however none compare to the Grizzly.

I guess the way to put it is, "It is so nice to use a power tool that works exactly the way that was intended." Cut curves? Not a problem. Re-saw 8"-10" wide? Not a problem. Yesterday I used the saw to taper some table legs w/o any issues. The Grizzly band saw is an absolute joy to use.

[brent]

Well I am waiting on the guy to come over and buy my shaper that I am selling to partially fund this venture. I was all set to pull the trigger on the cast iron version based on what you guys said. So while I am waiting I looked on the website and today there is a new version of the saw. The "polar bear" series. They claim that it is the same as the 513 but all white. I looked and they have the same shipping weight listed. It is quite a bit cheaper then the 513 and makes the difference between the polar bear and the cast iron a fair amount of money. I think it was a couple of hundred dollars. Their website is SO slow right now, but when I got to it, the polar bear was not listed. I was viewing it on my phone earlier and I can see it there so I will mail the link here and post it. How odd is that process? www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Bandsaw-Polar-Bear-Series/G0513P
It looks like the polar is about $700. That changes things.
Now I really don't know what to do. If that really is the same saw as the 513 and it is 125 cheaper then I am tempted, but I am kind of scared about getting anything major (for me) that has not been tried out.
Sorry I am so indecisive. This is a big leap for me and kind of a one shot deal. Any input would be appreciated.
Brent
EDIT: my math sucks.

[Ruffnek]

If it is that much cheaper than the 513, there's a reason for it. I'd find out what that reason is and see if you can live with it.

[Beamer]

Yeah - lacking the cast iron wheels just turns me off, honestly. That extra mass is really really helpful when resawing

I hold with my original G0513x2b suggestion (or the G0513x2 if you're patienter than me )

[brent]

I am still waiting for the boss to get home to get final approval on this, but I am going to hold out for the cast iron. Just trying to decide what blades to order with it if I do go for it. I have read Timberwolf from you guys for years, just trying to decide which would be good for resawing.
I am also trying to figure out how I am going to get this monster downstairs if it does come to my door.
Thanks, as always, for the great input. Wish me luck with the boss. I have 2/3 of it paid for, and am going to play the father's day/birthday card for the rest of it.

[Beamer]

Get the variable pitch 3/4" timberwolf - it works real well. I've also heard good things about the woodslicer but haven't tried it just yet.

[Ruffnek]

I'll have to suggest the Woodslicer for re-sawing. I got my first one a while back after using Timberwolf blades exclusively on my GO513 for about 3 years. The Woodslicer outperformed the Timberwolf in every measurable...and particularly in tracking and retaining sharpness.

Timberwolf blades cut very well when new but in my experience, they dull too quickly. I don't buy that "low tension" business, either. The welds are often not square, either. I didn't recognize that for what it was until I read it on another forum. I had noticed that the blades frequently had a back and forth movement and I had seen that movement on several of mine. It's caused by the blade ends not being welded perfectly square to each other.

I'll stay with the Woodslicer for re-sawing...for now... but for other tasks, I've gone to Lenox bi-metal blades. They are about a third more $$ than a Timberwolf but I've got a 3/8" Lenox on the saw now that is still sharp after cutting several bowl blanks, sawing spalted Hackberry logs into lumber and even cutting through a nail...twice! (It was in a bowl blank) That was the final convincer for me.

I touted Timberwolf for a long time but IMHO there are better, longer lasting blades available. They are just a little pricier initially.

[woodmannie]

Just did a quick check on the polar bear. The table is smaller. May want to check the other specs too.

Tom