On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 16:21:19 -0700, "TeamCasa"
wrote:

I learned long ago, cheap tools are cheap for a reason. If Grizzly is
making a high quality tool now, then fine, go for it. But from what I have
seen first hand, they still have a few more steps to go.


FWIW, I don't think Grizzly tools are all THAT cheap. G

The $375 + $55 band saw compares to band saws in the $400-500 range,
not $850 saws. Since you have no dealer support, are jumping through
hoops to deal with truckers, and are buying it sight unseen, a premium
has to be offered to the buyer. A good dealer has value, true value
isn't free.

Many of the "free" accessories I've seen that were included with any
brand of Chiwanese machine tool are Harbor Freight quality.

There are other Chiwanese brands, like Woodtek and Sunhill that sell
Grizzly quality at the same price. Jet, General, Rigid, and Delta
sell imports at the midpoint to bottom of their lines that include
local dealer support.

FWIW, Grizzly may have the biggest advertising budget in the business,
EVERY magazine I have, including trades, like "Woodshop News", has
multiple ads. Grizzly usually buys back covers, inside front and back
covers, and sometimes centerfolds, all of which are the most expensive
ads in the issue.

While most of these Chiwanese tools are suitable for the tasks they
were designed for, overall you do get what you pay for. Every time
I've thought of ordering a Grizzly tool, with the exception of the
spindle / disc combo sander, I've found an almost identical tool, at
nearly the same price, locally.

Barry