Grizzly hybrid

[Boomer_01]

I am thinking about purchasing a G0478 2 HP Hybrid Cabinet Saw from Grizzly. Of all of the hybrids I have read about this one looks to be the one that I am most comfortable with for the price ($695.00 plus freight).

I would appreciate any comments the group might have about what I am considering.

I was probably one of the first to purchase a bt3k when they were introduced and I have used it extensively over the years to build a variety of furniture pieces and do extensive home improvement projects. I have never had any trouble with the saw except for the shims failing.

I was never very comfortable with the accuracy of the SMT but I managed to use it until recently, I just constantly checked and rechecked the set up. Now I use an Incra SE1000 miter jig with the Ryobi miter slot table on the left side of the blade and a panel sled. I like the set up a whole lot better than the SMT.

However, now I want a unit that I can set up once and not have to recheck every time I start a new project. That’s my main motivation for moving to a hybrid. I just want a cast iron deck and solid base. I am not worried about the 2 hp motor because the type of woodworking I do I have never needed any more power than the bt3k produced, so I think the Griz’ will be more than sufficient.

So any insight from the group would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.


John

[Knottscott]

I haven't had the pleasure of using one yet, but I like what I see and hear about it. It's got a very nice fence and even a decent stock miter gauge, which it sounds like you may not need. The one piece cast shroud between the trunnions is a more elegant solution to connecting the trunnions than the rods found on many. The trunnions are mounted to the table which will make them a bit tougher to reach for adjustment than the cabinet mounted style, but once adjusted should be fine.

The motor should have plenty of power. That motor does have a fairly high amp draw, and is something you might want to check into. If it ends up popping your 120v 20 amp breaker, you may need to convert to 220v. With good alignment and good blade choice you should be able to cut anything you need to.

FWIW, the Griz rated first in a recent comparison, although it was from a fairly obscure publication who emphasized ripping 2x4s as fast as possible. If I can find that link I'll post it...

You might also want to check into the new Jet Proshop hybrid. (10% off at Woodcraft this Saturday!)

Good luck.

[Popeye]

When Thom and I took a trip to the "Griz Toy Store" last summer I crawled all over that saw and came within a hairs breath of buying it. The only reason I didn't was at the time they were backordered and they couldn't give me a ship date I wanted to live with. That and I got spoiled by my BT's wide table set up.
Solid saw, nice fence, probably would have been all the saw I'd ever need. Unless you are looking for a full blown cabinet saw I don't think you could go wrong with it.
BTW...I didn't get out of the store scott free that day... I bought a 1023SLX Pat

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Like Pat I have looked it over pretty well at the Grizzly store. Seems like a solid saw. Having said that if you are not in the immediate need for a TS you may want to play a bit of waiting game. I think TS prices are going to bottom in the next 3-4 months as all the new products come out. Riving knifes are all the rage, along with increased capacities for lower prices.

However, if you feel that this saw will meet all your needs and you will not be looking for 3hp motor, 50" rails, etc in the next couple years then the Grizzly is a great buy.

[burrellski]

The Craftsman 22114 is on sale now for $650 with craftsman club. I have no experience with either, just another option to think over.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

The Craftsman 22114 is on sale now for $650 with craftsman club. I have no experience with either, just another option to think over.

Grizzly is much nicer. Well at least the fence is much nicer. The step down from the 22114 (steel wings instead of CI) is currently on clearance online for $264.97 but they jacked the shipping up to $250. No instore pick up. Funny thing is that the 22124, a much heavier saw is $150 to ship. Hmmmm. Wonder where they are trying to make their money?

Now if you could find a store with the 22104 in stock you MAY be able to do business.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

[Knottscott]

I just remembered seeing a pic of the Shop Fox hybrid. Looks like a Griz in white. If you've got a Shop Fox dealer maybe you can see one...

Amazon shows a model W1748 for $980, but you might find some local discounts. At the very least, if you can touch one, it'd be much like seeing the G0478.

[Boomer_01]

thanks for the input

Folks I appreciate all the feedback on this subject. I live in NE Oklahoma so if I get really serious I will take a drive to Springfield MO and look the saw over with my own blurry middle-aged eyes.

I have been saving up for a while so I am getting pretty close to pulling the trigger.

The comment about the set up of the trunnions from Dustmight was really helpful. I have seen a great deal of discussion about this on the web forums and it has always been confusing to me.....thanks for helping me understand the issue.

No matter what I do, I am going to keep the BT3K for a second saw and router table. I cant bear to part with it and I think I can still get many years of service out of it.

If I do take the plunge I will let you all know my thoughts after I get some time on it.

Thanks again.

John

[scorrpio]

I've had an eye on G1023SLW for some time. But I really want the riving knife...