7x12 bandsaw, HF, Grizzly, or??

wap · Dec 7, 2013

After using a chop saw for years a buddy gave us (my dad and I) an old band saw that looks to be the same as the 4x6 HF. It wont cut straight and is wore out but man what an eye opener compared to the chop saw. So much quieter and cleaner.

I was considering getting the grizzly 7x12 but I saw HF has one that looks very similar for a lot less money. I have seen several threads on the 4x6's but not much on the bigger saws.

Is the HF the same saw as the grizzly?

For those of you that have spent the $ on the 7x12 from HF was it worth it?

I plan to check/change the gear oil and put on a good blade. Anything else I should look into before putting it to work?

I work on a farm so while we wont be using it like a fab shop it will get worked slightly more than a homeowner/hobbyist would use it.

Are there any other brands I should be looking at for my intended use?

Gozuki · Dec 7, 2013

Enco. My 7x12 is awesome.

billybob_81067 · Dec 7, 2013

I think basically all the 4x6 and the 7x12 saws that everyone sells are basically the same unit, just different colors and a few slight differences.

Rong fu, Enco, Jet, Grizzly, and HF all just re-badge them and paint them different colors.

D60 · Dec 7, 2013

billybob_81067 said:
I think basically all the 4x6 and the 7x12 saws that everyone sells are basically the same unit, just different colors and a few slight differences.

Rong fu, Enco, Jet, Grizzly, and HF all just re-badge them and paint them different colors.

I agree with this. I've looked at the Baleighs ($$$) and they appear identical to my Frejoth (which I picked up on a fluke of a deal for $500 delivered). There are arguments that the better brands pay more attention to little details and fit & finish, this may be very true.

I would say get one with the vertical downfeed cylinder, not the angled cylinder. I came across some compelling complaints about the angled cylinder on HSM, mostly that drops are more likely to fall on it and its more likely to be in the way for odd-shaped items.

wap · Dec 7, 2013

Thanks for the input. It was my understanding the 4x6's were the same/similar but like mentioned hadnt seen as much on the 7x12s.

I had not heard that about the cylinder but looking at HF, grizzly, northern and jet they all have angled cylinders. Or at least the ones in the price range I am looking at.

D60 · Dec 7, 2013

It's not the end of the world and the angled cylinder is supposed to be the new and improved design. Enco's Turn Pro still uses the "old" style however while their lesser model (which is not really that much lesser IMO) uses the angled cylinder.

In looking at the two designs I think it's strictly about ease of manufacturing; the angled design keeps the entire cutting assy more self-contained such that it can be bolted to any sheetmetal base more easily.

wap · Jan 23, 2014

Not that anyone cares but in case anyone searches in the future....

Got the HF 7x12 new years day for $600ish. It was $800 I think and I had the 25% off coupon. Havent used it a ton but made some 45* cuts today building a small 5x10 trailer and it cut pretty well. Actually it cuts great. I could probably true up the cut a little but its pretty dang straight. I also put on a good bimetal blade. the factory one cut ok but ripped some teeth off of it cutting some hard steel (A500 maybe) but already had 2 spares waiting.

I did check the gear box oil and it was full and it looked good and clean. I will change it out for some good 140 one day but so far so good. I'm sure a guy could do better finding a used saw for $600 or less but to be able to drive to the store and leave a band saw this size for $600, I'm pretty happy.

D60 · Jan 23, 2014

$600 for a 7x12 is great, it'll probably build a small city for you before it dies

Harold Phipps · Jan 25, 2014

Bought a used mitering head Ellis 1600 for $1000.00
Had a regular 7x10 before.
The mitering head saw was similar to going from a torch to the 7x10!
I am sure the Grizzley will be better than HF.

wap · Jan 25, 2014

Harold Phipps said:
Bought a used mitering head Ellis 1600 for $1000.00
Had a regular 7x10 before.
The mitering head saw was similar to going from a torch to the 7x10!
I am sure the Grizzley will be better than HF.

I would have liked to have found a good used mitering head saw like you did but no luck. So far so good with this little saw though. Also, I'm pretty sure the HF unit is made by grizzley so I doubt one is better than the other.

300sniper · Jan 26, 2014

wap said:
Also, I'm pretty sure the HF unit is made by grizzley so I doubt one is better than the other.

I doubt that. They are probably all built from the same plans but built to different quality specs, if not in a different factory all together.

Harold Phipps · Jan 26, 2014

I agree Sniper, but a waste of time trying to convince him. He wants a HF piece of shit and he is going to buy one.

billybob_81067 · Jan 26, 2014

They are all made in the same factories, just the ones that have a better fit and finish get the grizzly and or jet names on them whereas the rougher ones get the HF name on them. Doesn't mean you can't spend a little time adjusting and polishing up the HF one and get as good or better of a saw than the others.

wap · Jan 26, 2014

Harold Phipps said:
I agree Sniper, but a waste of time trying to convince him. He wants a HF piece of shit and he is going to buy one.

To late, I already did.

300sniper · Jan 27, 2014

billybob_81067 said:
They are all made in the same factories, just the ones that have a better fit and finish get the grizzly and or jet names on them whereas the rougher ones get the HF name on them. Doesn't mean you can't spend a little time adjusting and polishing up the HF one and get as good or better of a saw than the others.

What about ones made in Taiwan and ones made in China? Same factory? Have you been to this factory to confirm?

billybob_81067 · Jan 27, 2014

300sniper said:
What about ones made in Taiwan and ones made in China? Same factory? Have you been to this factory to confirm?

Jesus Christ... they're all made by squinty-eyed ************... Parts from one interchange with all the others. Same damn thing.

Gozuki · Jan 27, 2014

billybob_81067 said:
Jesus Christ... they're all made by squinty-eyed ************... Parts from one interchange with all the others. Same damn thing.

At least with the mini mills, the Taiwanese versions are far and away better quality units. I would guess band saws to be similar.

300sniper · Jan 27, 2014

Gozuki said:
At least with the mini mills, the Taiwanese versions are far and away better quality units. I would guess band saws to be similar.

Same with full size knee mils and engine lathes. I'd consider a used Taiwanese knee mill long before a new Chinese. I'm even seriously considering a used Taiwanese Hardinge HLV-H clone (Sharp).

But I did look at a HF 7X12 band saw this Saturday. There is no way it is anywhere near the same quality as the Turn-Pro I just got.

wap · Jan 27, 2014

300sniper said:
Same with full size knee mils and engine lathes. I'd consider a used Taiwanese knee mill long before a new Chinese. I'm even seriously considering a used Taiwanese Hardinge HLV-H clone (Sharp).

But I did look at a HF 7X12 band saw this Saturday. There is no way it is anywhere near the same quality as the Turn-Pro I just got.

Whats the going rate for a turnpro?

300sniper · Jan 27, 2014

wap said:
Whats the going rate for a turnpro?

I got mine for $855 delivered when Enco had their 20% off and free shipping sale a couple weeks back.

7x12 bandsaw, HF, Grizzly, or??

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D60

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D60

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D60

Harold Phipps

wap

300sniper

Harold Phipps

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300sniper

billybob_81067

Gozuki

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