Yeah - incoming!

William:
When is the last time you actually touched or operated a Grizzly machine
like the 1023s cabinet saw? When I started the selection process to upgrade
to a cabinet saw about three years ago, I was pretty much predisposed to
Unisaw. I had used one in a college cabinetry class during the late 70's
and was very impressed. When I actually looked at one three years ago I was
very disappointed. Delta must have replaced some of their engineers with
accountants! Powermatic was nice, but out of reason for my home shop.

I will admit all manufacturers have dogs in their product lines. This goes
for Grizzly, Delta, Jet, etc. But, two years ago I removed my 1023s from
the carton, assembled it and dug out my measurement tools to set it up.
After about an hour of checking and measuring I put the tools back into the
cabinet - didn't need to change anything. I have repeated this a couple of
times during the past year or so - same result. My son in law had a similar
experience with his G0500 Jointer - a great looking machine.

1) The reason Griz can sell for less is they don't have three or four
levels of markup. They sell direct. They also offer a basic unit like the
1023s without extended rails, side table, mobile base and other equipment
that many do not want or have room for. If you subtract the cost of the
bric-brac the Griz and Unisaw prices are closer than you think.
2) If you look at the list of Griz users, it includes small, inexperienced
companies like Boeing, Raytheon, Toyota, General Electric, etc. It also
include manufacturer's of some of the best quality musical instruments in
the world like Gibson Musical - these folks demand accuracy in wood
manufacturing.
3) We might as well get over this Chinese offshore thing. We live in a
world market and the Chinese are starting to kick our machine-tool butts
like the Japaneese did with cars a couple of decades ago (This resulted in
much better American cars.).
4) Griz might be manufactured offshore but the employ a lot of people at
three locations in the US. By the way, they have a good reputation for
customer support. I have never had to call them about repair or parts; but
they had my saw, on dock, 36 hours after I place an internet order.

Suggestion for both William and Mike:
If you call the Grizzly product support line they will probably give you
names and phone numbers of two folks in your area that have recently bought
a 1023 or similar equipment. Go touch one, turn the cranks, talk to the
owner and use it a little. Then let us know if it is worth the $600 -
$1,100 premium you pay of Unisaw or Powermatic marketing.

There. I feel a hell of a lot better.

Ron

"William Wells" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I would suggest Powermatic if you can afford it. This is not disposable
equipment like Griz and does not so much to repair as Sears.
"LoboMike" wrote in message
link.net...
I have a unique opportunity with our current move; to build a purpose
built
work shop. I am starting with a 24' x 24' garage plan with stairs to
"loft"
storage. Building will be insulated and have heat pump HVAC.

Given a similar opportunity and from your experience what do you suggest
I
incorporate into this effort. It will include a quality TS (Griz or
maybe
the new Sears), drill press, jointer, etc. Quality wood working is the
objective.

TIA

--
LoboMike

The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with
watches you shave his face in the mirror every morning.