Craftsman 14in vs Grizzly ultimate Bandsaw

[vtv010]

I am still looking for a bandsaw... Not in a big hurry... I heard Craftsman 14in will be on sale during Craftsman club days starting tomorrow for a week. Any views on this Bandsaw? How does it compare to Grizzly G0555 Ultimate. Has onyone had handson experience with both?

Thanks,
Tony

[coach]

I've thought long and hard on this one, and I say neither.

Since you live in Dallas, you need to get this:

http://www.woodstockinternational.com/w1706

You can order it from Elliot's Hardware on Motor and Maple. They offer it for $489. I don't think there is a better bargain out there when it comes to 14" band saws. Look at the feature, and fit and finish.

I have a 14" harbor freight. Although it has been getting me by for over a year now, I wish I had shelled out some more coin. I've considered getting the w1706 more than once, but I keep thinking I'll probably get a 17" instead.

[drumpriest]

I have the craftsman, and I havn't used the Griz, but I've used the 1hp delta, and I like the craftsman better. I have resawn 7+" hard maple on this saw, no problems. It cuts nice.

Things to note:
8" resaw is the max, can't riser it.
The guides are bearings, not blocks.
The blade length is 99 3/4", which isn't standard, so you'd need to get blades cut to length from places such as PS Wood's timberwolf blades.

Oh yeah, btw, I got it for under 400$

[Pappy]

It would be interesting to see the G0555 and the W1706 sitting side by side. Looking at the manual for the w1706, they are VERY similar!

[vtv010]

Yes, these two seem to have very similar features... Some differences i noticed - Craftsman has a blade cleaning brush, no detentioning device, larger resaw capacity, no raser block capability and it is a little lighter as opposed to Griz and Shop Fox. Otherwise, they are the same in terms of "features". Looking at pics, it seels to me that the Shop Fox de-tentioning device design is better.
The bit of struggle i have is in few areas - how important is that de-tentioning device? How often does one need greater than 6", or 8" resaw capacity in a "garage shop", I have no clue what the cost of ownership is for a bandsaw in terms of blades. What does one need, how often they get replaced, due to breakage, getting dull, etc... Any views would be greately appreciated. I realize that blade life-cycle is also a function of what one does to it... I am looging for general experiences.