They are all basically the same machine. If you get one I would say go for the cheapest available, likely the Grizzly. I have had the Northern Tool version for several years now. For what it costs, it’s not that bad. I don’t think Northern still sells them though.
It cut pretty square out of the box once I installed a die master 2 blade on it, little adjusting and it suits my needs.
Not long after buying it though I had the threaded holes in the base that hold the vise down strip out on two of the four holes and the vise nut would slip rather than tighten. I used a clamp instead. These two issues had me disgusted with it after using it for several years that way.
I ended up buying a used Ellis 2000, not realizing how big it was. Honestly, after owning one, it dosent make me a sandwich like most others claim it will. It’s a fine saw, but not the heartthrob others claim imo.
After getting the Ellis I fixed up the Northern unit by installing heli-coils in the casting and adding a set screw to the vice that keeps the vise nut engaged all the time. After doing this I started using the Northern saw more than the Ellis.
This is tool forum blasphemy, but I now plan on selling the Ellis and holding onto the Northern unit, at least until I can find a good deal on a hyd mech dm8. The Ellis I have is bigger than I need and not as easy to use as the smaller saw.
If I can’t find a decent dm8 or dm6 I might just grab a Grizzly 613 or 614, which is a knock off of the hyd mech style.
