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One of these popped up on my local Craigslist which I've been watching for a long time now for half the price new. Do you think 2HP motor is good enough to resaw 12in boards?

https://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-H ... es-/G0513P

I've got a 3/4 HP Delta bandsaw with the riser for resawing. I don't have any trouble with 10"+ maple, mahogany and walnut with a 3/4" Wood Slicer blade. I have cut 8"+ cocobolo and smaller (4" and under) African Blackwood boards. I just have to make sure it is set up properly and let the machine do the work (go slow). It isn't an ideal setup for resawing which is why I bought another bandsaw (MM20) and put a 1/4" blade on the Delta.

1/2 price for the Grizzly would be $450 - that's a good deal for a 2 HP saw with 12" capacity. That's less than what I put into the Delta after all the mods. I don't know anything about that particular model but everyone I talk with about Grizzly loves their bandsaws.

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John Lewis
Wannabe builder owned by 2 crazy dachshunds

That's good to know John. My Craftsman has a 1HP motor and I know what you mean by slow. That saw only has a 6in capacity. I've got a huge pile of wood in the 10 to 12 inch width that's been needing a good resaw for some time.

I don't know about that saw in particular, but I souped up my 14" Jet this summer after the 10 year old motor died on me. My mods included a 1-1/2HP Leeson motor from Amazon; and a set of high-speed Browning pulleys, urethane tires, a Power Twist V-belt, and a high-tension spring from Iturra Designs. The saw already had cast iron wheels.

I've cut up to 6" stock so far, and it cut like butter---like the saw wasn't even phased. I think a lot has to do with the higher blade speed from the pulley set and the powerful motor. I'd think a 2HP saw would be even better if you have 220 power to run it.

I had one of those in the cabinet shop, very good saw.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

James,

What year is your Jet? The one I bought around 2000 has aluminum wheels.

I've been wanting a larger saw for resawing. I hate having to change the setup to cut tight curves. However, I noticed that the new 14" models don't need the riser any more and have a reinforced neck joint.

It's time to rebuild my 14" again (all the bearings are shot). Last time I bought cheap bearings from VBX, but those didn't last a year. Can anyone suggest a source of reasonable priced, sealed bearings, or a particular brand/model?

I put urethane tires on a while back. I need a new spring too, perhaps with the tension release. Are you happy with the Iturra?

Thanks,
Glenn

Hey Glenn

I believe I got it in 2006. It was a 14" Deluxe model. I'm very happy with every upgrades I made and wouldn't mind doing a few more, but at this point they're more like putting red spark plug wires in a hot rod instead of black.

Search for the Iturra Bandsaw catalog on the web. I found a few links to zip files. He has a ton of different bearings, etc. The only thing I don't like about the spring is that I can't turn my tensioning handle enough to tension a 1/2" blade. I still need to call him about it.

I'll add my $.02. I don't have the grizzly but I do own a similar 16" Jet. The jet was a placeholder purchase while I rebuilt my Tannewitz 30 and Northfield 20. With the Tanny almost completely rebuilt, I must say that the 16" Jet has served me well. For luthier work, I'd say go for it if the price is right.

--Glenn, I spend alot of time working on and restoring old machines. When I'm shopping for bearings I'm always after something from Japan or USA. I do not buy Korean or Chinese bearings. Brands that I consider to be quality (in no specific order): Timken, NTN, Koyo, Nachi and SKF. You may have to reference a bearing interchange chart to figure out exactly what you need. Good luck, Bearings are fun. Feel free to pm and I'll give you my suppliers info, and attempt to answer any other questions you may have.