Grizzly G0513X2 Bandsaw

The Grizzly G0513X2 is a 17″ bandsaw and the second rendition of the popular G0513 (thus the “X2″).  After experiencing two previous 14″ bandsaws, I was certain that the next upgrade would be to a more solid contender.  Since I already own a dedicated resaw bandsaw, the next would need to fulfill the need of general bandsaw activities (cutting curves and such).  After a fair amount of research, the G0513X2 seemed to fit the bill … both from a price, power, and feature standpoint.

The Grizzly G0513X2 is a full-featured bandsaw for sure.  With a 2HP motor (220v) and 12″ height cutting capacity, the G0513X2 is versitile.  Grizzly does a good job of packing features into a fairly priced machine without sacrificing much in the way of quality.  Some of the other features found on this bandsaw are:

• Large cast iron table (17″x17″)
• Sturdy solid piece frame (unlike many 14″ saws)
• Excellent capacity
  • 16 1/4″depth
  • 12 1/8″ height
• Two-way tilting table (10º left, 45º right)
• Quick-release blade tensioning
• Short/Tall Aluminum fence
• Two 4″ dust ports
• Cast aluminum wheels
• Euro-style ball bearing guide system

At the time of this writing the Grizzly G0513X2 has been in my shop for nearly a year and been used on virtually every project.  While I’ve not put it through “every” test, I would seem to think its seen its share of use.  From rounding timber to be used as bowl blanks for turning to intricate cuts involving smaller blades and a high level of attention, the bandsaw has performed well. Right out of the shipping crate the bandsaw seemed well tuned.  Minor tweaks were needed for blade alignment (as could be expected), but other than that it was ready to cut (minor assembly required to attach table and such).

The blade that comes with the saw is no good.  Use it for test cuts, then toss it out.  This is typically the case with machine manufacturers … they provide the cheapest blade they can.  The one sent with this saw was not horrible, but definitely the best you can get.  I used it to tune up the saw, then hung it on the wall for the day when I have no other (and it will be a hero).

Overall, this bandsaw is great.  It’s hard to find a flaw.  The oversized table, cast wheels, quality guide system, and powerful motor are all well made and solid.  Grizzly has done a great job with this machine … especially considering the bang for the buck.  If you can catch a “free shipping” promotion, or sale, you’d be hard pressed to find a true match with the closest that comes to mind being the 18″ Rikon.

The main complaint I have with this saw is the odd blade size.  Unfortunately the blade size (131 1/2″) is not a standard size.  This means that I either have to pre-order my blades, or run to the local saw & blade shop to have one custom made.  Typically this isn’t an issue, but the one time it is I probably won’t be too happy (that is, the day you break or ruin your only remaining blade and can’t get another for days … I’m spoiled because I could have usually gone to my local Woodcraft or Klingspor to get a blade)

A closer look:

The large cast iron table and fence, short-side down.

The fence, long-side up

The adjustment cranks.  They are plastic, which was an initial disappointment, but has not caused any functional issues.

The table adjustment is a solid cast iron design — which is nearly essential for a table this size.

The 2HP motor

The two 4″ dust collection ports

The tension gauge.

The quick-release tensioning system

And the very cool grizzly bear heads cast into the wheels!

More information about this machine available on Grizzly’s website.

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