Grizzly metal bandsaw

[burlybrute]

Gonna buy a bandsaw and was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the Grizzly metal bandsaws. I know there woodworking machines seem to be of pretty good quality, but not sure on the metal side of there company. Don't wanna drop a pile of cash for a saw I'm gonna regret buying. Been also looking at used bandsaws but it seems when there fairly close, under 300 mile drive one way they look well past used up
This is the saw I'm leaning towards
http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-x-12-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G0561

 

[metaleltr]

Old USA made may surprise you even the ones that are "used up" can keep on kicking. We have one at school that the down control is broken on-all gravity all the time-it still cuts like a dream. Granted you have to use a c-clamp on the vise and it sounds like hell but it cuts pretty well.

 

[plinker]

I am considering buying one when funds permit.

Some of their upper end machines are made in Taiwan, which is a big plus.
Their woodworking stuff is pretty popular, so the metal working tools ought to be on par. I'm sure overall they are not quite "old USA quality" but should be decent tools to use.

I have been fairly happy with the things I've gotten from Grizzly.

 

[darkzero]

Like the 4x6 the 7x12 is also a popular design that many tool suppliers offer. When my 4x6 dies the 7x12 is what I’d like to upgrade to.

The basic model is based off the Rong Fu 712N & there are a couple of other variations of the 7x12 (gearhead drive, swivel base/vise).

I’m looking to get the MSC version since I have a local MSC outlet so if I order it I won’t have to pay shipping. You should check if you might have a MSC location closer to you than Grizzly.

Some say Grizzly has better QC than others & have better support along with parts availability. Since many suppliers use this design, parts should not be an issue.

Here are some other variations of the Rong Fu 712N:

Rong Fu 712N ($963)

MSC/Vectrax 7x12 (often on sale at MSC for $849 & currently is)

Jet 7x10/12 (currently on sale at MSC for $1199)

Enco 7x12 (on sale for $779.95)

Turn Pro 7x12 (on sale at Enco for $935)

WT 7x12 ($995)

Shop Fox 7x12 ($1189)

KBC 7x12 ($965)

Harbor Freight 7x12 ($799, maybe you can use the 20% off coupon?)

Craftsman 7x12 (not sure if it’s still sold?)

Wilton 7x12


I’m sure there are plenty others that I have not heard of.

There’s also the gearhead model based off the Rong Fu RF-712G that costs slightly more.

Grizzly 7x12 Gearhead ($1950)

MSC/Vectrax 7x12 Gearhead (currently on sale at MSC for $1149)

Turn Pro 7x12 Gearhead (on sale at Enco for $999)

 

[BWS]

7X12 Grizz gearhead here.It has been a workhorse.Would love to have a bigger saw.....but there just isn't any point.This size fits our cutting requirements exactly.

As posted above,the "pattern" for these 7X's are all pretty much the same.Just different badges and paint.They are a little small when looking for deals on older US iron.IOWs,if you could use/fit a bigger footprint saw,then buying used US...and rehabbing would make a little more sense.This size saw is about the most,garage guys want so the demand keeps used prices up....jump up a few sizes and price drops a bit.Good luck,BW

 

[burlybrute]

Just going to be a home use saw, not production of any kind. That being said is it worth the $$ to get the gearhead version or is belt just fine? Darkzero, thanks for the info, Where I live there is nothing close to me so shipping is in the picture no matter what. Closest used saw I found was a Carolina hd10 for $600 picked up 235 miles away.

 

[HAP]

I have that exact saw. You will not be disappointed. Cuts very nice. I did a mod to the vert mode table for better use. Just get yourself a few quality bi-metal blades, Lenox makes some of the best ones.

R,
HAP

 

[BD1]

hi, have you considered a swivel head band saw ??? More money but could really make a difference. Here's some good input from another site.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=30799&highlight=band

 

[PT Doc]

The shop fox was $920 just 1 month ago on amazon.

 

[burlybrute]

Bought a saw on a online auction this week!!!A Dake Johnson JH10 that just needs a good cleaning up!!! Also got a 1/4 jib crane WITH a 1000lb air powered chain fall hoist, and a Southworth LS-48 hydrolic work table, 6000lb capacity. Will try to figure out how to post pics when the wife gets home. All this for $300 each plus my drive 450 miles round trip!

 

[Outlawmws]

Gonna buy a bandsaw and was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the Grizzly metal bandsaws. I know there woodworking machines seem to be of pretty good quality, but not sure on the metal side of there company. Don't wanna drop a pile of cash for a saw I'm gonna regret buying. Been also looking at used bandsaws but it seems when there fairly close, under 300 mile drive one way they look well past used up
This is the saw I'm leaning towards
http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-x-12-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G0561

Horizontal cut off saws are normally used in Fab shops, and usually look beat to hell because it's a messy environment. That does not necessarily mean that they are worn out, just that it need at least a good cleanup. Without a hands on inspection you don't know.

If its a long trip ask questions before going, and don't be afraid to ask "why are you selling?" They may lie through there teeth, but I've found most people are reasonably up front about questions to the best of their knowledge. (often they have no clue, inherited tools and such...)

 

[A_Pmech]

Bought a saw on a online auction this week!!!A Bob Drake JH10 that just needs a good cleaning up!!! Also got a 1/4 jib crane WITH a 1000lb air powered chain fall hoist, and a Southworth LS-48 hydrolic work table, 6000lb capacity. Will try to figure out how to post pics when the wife gets home. All this for $300 each plus my drive 450 miles round trip!

Sounds good.

 

[burlybrute]

It all came out of a sawmill that built custom log homes, bandsaw out of their maintenance shop. Jib Crane and hydraulic lift table came out of the "mill" shop building. From what I was told at the auction the place has been closed for awhile now. Wish I had a bigger trailer, some really good deals on stuff there! Table had 4 rollers that are 6"x47" on pillow block bearings, Don't have a clue what to do with them.