On Sat, 03 Dec 2005 22:30:37 GMT, "Frank Ketchum"
wrote:

Anyone out there own this beast? I am considering it and had a couple
questions.
It is a 12", 5hp, 220volt single phase, left tilt tablesaw on their website
for $1,729.25 delivered.

1) Are you happy with the saw itself? I currently have 2 grizzly tools, the
8 inch G500 jointer and the 14 inch G555 bandsaw. I am happy with both, but
I didn't take the plunge until I read alot about them from happy owners. As
far as this saw goes, there doesn't seem to be much info available in the
archives about it. I assume because most people probably opt for a 10 inch
model.

I own this beast and it is a beast. 4 feet of cast iron across the
top. It is a rock solid saw. I also own the Grizz 20" band saw, the
24" drum sander a 6" jointer and a Cyclone DC. All of them are great.

2) It has long rails to allow for a 50" rip capacity which I want. The
thing is, with their other saws that have the long rails, there appears to
be a surface that comes with the rails and goes in between them at least
according to the pictures. It just looks like a piece of melamine There
doesn't appear to be anything that comes with the 5959 that goes between the
rails. If that is the case, did you build something to install there and
was attaching it much of a chore?

Standard rail and a clone Bessy fence. All solid, heavy and straight.
There is no filler in the rails but easy enough to build and install.
There are holes for mounting the filler. The rails do have support
legs which do not show in the picture.

3) At 5hp the saw draws 27amps. The data sheet says to use a 30 amp
breaker. I believe for a machine of this size, you are not supposed to use
an extension cord, but rather hard pipe the power to it. Anyone know if
this is true?

A short cord to a 30 amp twist lock is fine. I run a 3 ft. cord to a
floor plug. No problems.

4) The shipping weight of the main carton with the saw in it is 551lbs. How
did you unload it? 4 guys?
I unloaded it with an off road stick boom fork fork lift I had on site
since I was building the shop to house this thing at the time. We got
the roof up and set this and the rest of the equipment in with the
fork lift. I do not advise anyone considering this saw to attempt
unloading it by the tilt and slide method. The packing crate will NOT
allow it. It is just a thin shell crate attached to a pallet. This
must be kept level so only unload it with a lift gate or fork lift.

5) How did the assembly go?
Couldn't have been eaiser, I wish the DC was as simple. Attach the
wings, they are heavy and you will need 4 hands. Attach the rails,
they are heavy too... attach the fence system. All simple stuff.
Follow basic setup and alignment procedures as you would for any TS.
Took me about 2 hours as I recall.

Any other thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance for all replies.

Oh as you would expect in a saw of this type. It has no blade so be
prepared to spend a bunch more money for 12" monsters. I got a Frued
12" 96tooth atb for $100 at amazon. It will cut anything.

This is a monster, but it should be the last monster you ever need to
buy.

Hope that helps... if you buy this thing you will be a member of a
small faternity..

Larry


Frank