Grizzly Hybrid vs. Craftsman 22124

[burrellski]

I thought I had settled on the Grizzly hybrid ($789 w/shipping) and then I see that the 22124 will be on Craftsman Club starting Sun for $899 (+tax = $962). I have looked at both saws quite a bit and am wondering if the upgrade is worth it. My biggest concern is that I have not seen the Grizzly in person. I like the larger motor on the grizzly, but the base mounted trunnions and the Bies are appealing on the 22124. Will the table mounted trunnion on the grizzly be an issue? Is the Leitz blade provided with the Craftsman decent? I will need to by a blade for the grizzly (and craftsman if the leitz won't do it). I think I'm still leaning towards the Grizzly for the $173 difference. Any one have any thoughts.

Thanks
Matt

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I had the 22124 for about a year. Loved it. Slightly taller than average saw which was great for me. The Leitz blade is a great combo blade. Alignment on the 22124 is a breeze and the Bies is just an awesome fence that makes the saw.

I upgraded to a Delta Uni X5 with 50" rails and another Bies fence. I felt I *needed* the 3 hp and the 50" rails. My work involves a lot of larger projects and the longer rails are great. I never had a lot of problems with the 22124 and HP issues IF I used the right blade for the job. I had a tendency to not change out from 40t combo to 24t TK ripping blade when dealing with wood > 6/4 which became a problem. If the majority of your work involves 3/4" material and you dont often rip wider than 30" then the 22124 is a great saw.

[Knottscott]

Hi Matt - It's not likely that you'll notice much power difference between those two saws. Alginment and blade selection will make a far bigger difference.

Maybe you could find a Shop Fox version of the Griz hybrid to look at in person to help you decide.

I'm a biased 22124 owner, but both of those saws should serve you well. The 22124 has a significant mass advantage, and the benefit of the cabinet mounted trunnions. It also has a 44" wide cast iron surface in addition to the 16" laminate extension. I've owned mine for 27 months now and continue to be impressed with it...so much so, that last Sunday I passed up a chance to buy a fine Griz 1023S 3hp cab saw for $500. There's literally been nothing that I've struggled to cut including 3" hard maple, white oak, and elm.