Help me pick, please!

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maxwell_smart007

maxwell_smart007

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Aug 4, 2007
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Location
middle of nowhere in the great, white North
555 vs 555LX...both seem great. Only huge difference I see is in the wheels - but the LX is cheaper than the 555 so I thought I'd see if I'm missing something...

G0555
The Ultimate 14" Bandsaw
$555.00
Sale: $555.00
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Catalog
G0555LX
14" Deluxe Bandsaw
[x]
$545.00
Sale: $545.00
View Item
Catalog
Choose Model
Choose Model

G0555

G0555LX


Main Specifications

Bandsaw Size
14 in. 14 in.

Max Cutting Width (Left of Blade)
13-1/2 in. 13-1/2 in.

Max Cutting Width (Left of Blade) w/Fence
11-7/8 in. 11-7/8 in.

Max Cutting Height (Resaw Height)
6 in. 6 in.

Blade Speeds
1500, 3200 FPM 1800, 3100 FPM
Blade Information

Standard Blade Length
93-1/2 in. 93-1/2 in.

Blade Length Range
92-1/2 – 93-1/2 in. 92-1/2 – 93-1/2 in.

Blade Width Range
1/8 – 3/4 in. 1/8 – 3/4 in.

Type of Blade Guides
Ball Bearing Ball Bearing

Guide Post Adjustment Type
Manual Manual

Has Quick-Release
Yes Yes
Table Information

Table Length
14 in. 14 in.

Table Width
14 in. 14 in.

Table Thickness
1-1/2 in. 1-1/2 in.

Table Tilt
Left 15, Right 45 deg. Left 10, Right 45 deg.

Table Tilt Adjustment Type
Manual Manual

Floor-to-Table Height
43-5/16 in. 43 in.

Fence Locking Position
Front Front

Fence is Adjustable for Blade Lead
Yes Yes

Resaw Fence Attachment Included
No No

Miter Gauge Included
Yes Yes
Construction Materials

Table
Precision Ground Cast Iron Precision Ground Cast Iron

Trunnion
Aluminum Aluminum

Fence
Deluxe Extruded Aluminum Extruded Aluminum and Cast Iron

Base/Stand
Pre-Formed Steel Pre-Formed Steel

Frame/Body
Cast Iron Cast Iron

Wheels
Computer-Balanced Cast Aluminum Computer-Balanced Cast Iron

Tire
Rubber Rubber

Wheel Cover
Pre-Formed Steel Pre-Formed Steel

Paint Type/Finish
Powder Coating & Ure Powder Coating & Ure
Other Related Information

Wheel Diameter
13-3/4 in. 13-3/4 in.

Wheel Width
1-3/16 in. 1-3/16 in.

Number of Dust Ports
1 1

Dust Port Size
4 in. 4 in.

Compatible Mobile Base
D2057A D3757
 
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There is a post on another forum about this saw that started this week. First one he got had several problems, even the Grizzly badge was on upside down. He returned it and got a second one. He talked to customer service today and is returning that one as well. 0 for 2 on that Chinese machine for him. Beware!
 
I also bought the 555 about 5 years ago. I added the riser block a few months later. I've never used any other bandsaw and new nothing about them so I had to do some research. It was very easy to set up. Adding the riser was easy once I borrowed the right size wrenches. It has worked flawlessly.

When I went to Grizzly to make my purchase I also looked at the model that was a little less expensive. I don't remember what model it was. There was definitely a quality difference between the 555 and the slightly less expensive one. Even my wife could see the difference and said to get the 555.
 
I think the other one I looked at was the 580 that is only $425. Don't get the 580. You may want to call Grizzly and ask what the difference is between all the 555 versions. I don't think that had all the 555 versions when I purchased mine.
 
maxwell_smart007 said:
The 555lx is made in a regular factory, the 555 in an iso-90001 factory - is that any indication of quality control?
Click to expand...

I'd say that it depends on the factory itself.
Being ISO-certified is no guarantee of how well the factory actually follows & adheres to its supposed practices.
Our shop is not ISO certified, but I'll put our products up against any of our competitors who do run ISO shops.
 
Thanks, Janster! My only reservation now is that someone posted on Sawmill Creek that they had to return three in a row of the 555LX due to quality control issues...

So I don't know how big of a deal that is, or if it's just a fluke or a bad batch...
 
maxwell_smart007 said:
Thanks, Janster! My only reservation now is that someone posted on Sawmill Creek that they had to return three in a row of the 555LX due to quality control issues...

So I don't know how big of a deal that is, or if it's just a fluke or a bad batch...
Click to expand...

Mine came perfect. I did add the riser block and am more than pleased. Smooth, quite and dependable for me!
 
I don't see any great difference in either specs or features. Hence the differences could be in the cosmetics - who knows. See both of them if at all possible, and ask the factory rep what makes the costlier one worth more. And read as much as you can...I think with the negative reviews about needing to get two or three to get one right would kind of turn me off altoghther and get me looking at something else.
 
I have a G0555X that I have been using for about 5 years. I have been quite pleased with it until I started cutting large bowl blanks. Rather than get the riser I decided to get a larger saw and sell the G0555X. A couple weeks ago I bought a new G0513X2. When I have it all set up I'll be selling the G0555X. To bad you were not closer :)
 
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