Grizzly Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are looking at a Grizzly band saw and you want to know if it is worth buying. Grizzly makes several band saw models ranging from 9-inch benchtop saws to 14-inch floor-standing saws and larger industrial models. You need to know what to look for, what to avoid, and what it takes to get one running well.
Grizzly Industrial makes a range of band saws for woodworking and metalworking. Their saws are popular in home shops and small professional shops because they offer good value for money. The most popular model is the G0555 14-inch band saw.
Model Identification
Grizzly G0555 (14-Inch Band Saw)
The most popular Grizzly band saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | G0555 |
| Throat | 13-1/2 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 6 inches |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/4 inch |
| Motor | 1 HP, 120V |
| Speed | 1500 or 3200 FPM (two speed) |
| Table | Cast iron, 15-3/4 x 19-3/4 inches |
| Fence | Extruded aluminum |
| Weight | ~220 pounds |
Grizzly G0555LX
Deluxe version with cast iron wheels and a riser block included.
Grizzly G0513 (17-Inch Band Saw)
A larger floor-standing saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | G0513 |
| Throat | 17 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 124 inches |
| Motor | 1-1/2 HP, 120V |
Grizzly G0613 (5x6 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting)
A combination horizontal/vertical metal cutting saw.
Grizzly G9713 (9-Inch Benchtop)
A compact benchtop woodworking saw.
How to Identify Your Grizzly Saw
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length.
- Check the throat (distance from blade to frame).
- Look up the model number on the Grizzly website.
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Frame and Wheels
Check the frame for cracks. Check the wheels for cracks, chips, and wobble. Spin both wheels by hand and feel for bearing roughness.
Red flags: Cracks in the frame, cracked or chipped wheels, wobbly wheels.
2. Tires
Check the rubber tires on both wheels. The tires should be smooth and flexible. If they are cracked or hardened, they need replacement.
Cost to replace: 15 to 35 dollars per pair.
3. Blade Guides
The G0555 comes with metal guide blocks as standard. Some may have been upgraded to Cool Blocks or Carter bearing guides. Check the condition of whatever is installed.
Cost to replace: 15 to 80 dollars depending on the upgrade.
4. Table
Check the cast iron table for flatness and cracks. Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
Red flags: Warped or cracked table, table that does not tilt.
5. Motor
Run the motor if possible. Listen for bearing noise, humming, or smoking.
Red flags: Motor that hums but does not start, bearing noise, smoking.
6. Fence and Miter Gauge
Check if the fence and miter gauge are included. The Grizzly extruded aluminum fence is a decent factory fence.
7. Quick-Release Tensioner
The G0555 has a quick-release blade tensioner. Check that it works properly.
8. Dust Collection
The G0555 has a 4-inch dust port. Check that the port is intact and not clogged.
9. Riser Block
Some G0555 saws have a riser block installed, which increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches. If a riser is installed, the blade length changes from 93-1/2 to 105 inches.
Common Repairs
Replacing the Tires
The most common repair. Rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years.
Replacement: Urethane tires for 14-inch wheels. Soak in hot water before installation. Cost: 15 to 35 dollars per pair.
Upgrading the Blade Guides
The stock metal guide blocks can be upgraded to Cool Blocks (15 to 20 dollars) or Carter bearing guides (50 to 80 dollars).
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Start capacitor: 10 to 20 dollars
- Motor bearings: 15 to 30 dollars
- Motor replacement: 100 to 200 dollars
Switch Replacement
Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
Blade Selection
The G0555 uses a 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with riser block).
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: about 25 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars.
Grizzly vs Jet vs RIDGID (14-Inch Comparison)
| Feature | Grizzly G0555 | Jet JWBS-14 | RIDGID BS14002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1 HP | 3/4 HP | 1 HP |
| Throat | 13-1/2 inches | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Resaw | 6 inches | 6 inches | 6 inches |
| Speed | Two speed | Single speed | Single speed |
| Table | Cast iron | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Fence | Extruded aluminum | Basic | Basic |
| Quick-release | Yes | No | No |
| Dust port | 4-inch | 4-inch | 4-inch |
Which to choose: The Grizzly G0555 offers the best value with a more powerful motor, two-speed operation, and a quick-release tensioner. The Jet is a solid alternative. The RIDGID is comparable but less commonly available used.
Is a Used Grizzly Worth Buying?
Yes if:
- The frame and wheels are sound
- The motor runs smoothly
- The price is 50 to 70 percent of new
- You are willing to do basic repairs
Typical restoration cost: 50 to 150 dollars for tires, blade, guides, belt, and switch.
FAQ
What blade does the Grizzly G0555 use?
A 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with riser block). Available in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch.
Is the Grizzly G0555 a good band saw?
Yes. It is one of the best value 14-inch band saws on the market. With a good blade and properly adjusted guides, it produces excellent results for hobby and light professional work.
Where can I find parts for my Grizzly band saw?
Grizzly Industrial is the primary source for OEM parts. Their website has parts diagrams and online ordering. Aftermarket suppliers sell blades, tires, and guide upgrades.
What should I check before buying a used Grizzly band saw?
Check the frame for cracks, the wheels for wobble, the tires for wear, the motor for smooth running, the table for flatness, and the quick-release tensioner for proper operation.
Does the Grizzly G0555 have a riser block?
The G0555LX includes a riser block. The standard G0555 does not. A riser block can be added (Grizzly part H3051) to increase resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches. With a riser, the blade length changes to 105 inches.
References
- Grizzly Industrial. “G0555 14-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Grizzly Industrial.
- Grizzly Industrial. “Parts Diagrams for Grizzly Band Saws.” Grizzly Industrial.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Comparison.” Taunton Press.
