Shop Fox w1706 vs Grizzly g0555 | Which BandSaw Should Be Added To Your Workshop

Last updated on December 1st, 2022 at 09:21 am

Searching for a suitable band saw is as daunting as exciting. When choosing between the Shop Fox w1706 vs Grizzly g0555, you need to look at performance and functionality. You must ensure that the band saw you would be user-friendly and productive. What matters is not what worked for someone close to you but what meets your requirements.

Overview of the Shop Fox w1706 

It is a 14-inch bandsaw with cast iron wheels and a Deluxe Aluminum fence. It has one horsepower, 110/220Volt, 14 amp motor that produces 1,725 rotations per minute. The blade size is measured at 93-/2inch. The table tilts to 45 degrees on the right side and 10 degrees to the left. The throat cut goes up to 13-1/2 inches. The maximum cutting height is 6 inches. With an extension kit, it goes up to 12 inches. 

The cast iron blade wheels, frame, and table are highly durable. A complete package of a miter gauge, upper and lower ball bearing blade guides, and an aluminum fence and rail comes in a cabinet stand with wheels. The wheels make it easy to move around. The wheels have protective covers. The 4inch dust port ensures you are safe from diseases caused by sawdust. 

Pros

• Great value for the money
• Versatile
• Portable
• Durable wheels
• Stable

Cons

• The speeds are difficult to control
• You cannot use it on metal

Key Features of the Shop Fox w1706

Safety features

The cabinet has warning stickers about the precautions you must take when using the saw. The On/Off button is easy to access and more visible. The chances of making mistakes on the saw are low. The manual will help you take safety precautions and avoid cutting other materials that are not wood.

Blade size

The 93-1/2inch blade comes with an extension block of 105 inches. It has quick-release blade tension. The blade guide has a tri-bearing setup that is visible. Two are on the saw’s sides, and the third is behind the blade. The upper and lower ball-bearing blade guides you in cutting. They take care of the dangers that come with the tool. 

Max cutting depth

The maximum cutting height is 6 inches. The cutting capacity is 13-1/2inches. However, that is a limitation to the size that you can cut. You must buy a razor block kit to work on longer wood pieces.

Amp motor

The one-horsepower motor has 110 volts but can go up to 220 volts. It can make 1,725 rotations per minute. 

Rotations per minute

The blade runs at a speed of 1,500 and 3,200 FPM. 

Pinion fence rails

It comes with an aluminum fence and rails that are sturdy and durable. The fence is beautiful. It works better with the cast iron frame and table, bringing stability, sturdiness, and durability. The table has more space, measured at 14 x 14 x 1-1/2 inches. 

Dust collection

It comes with a 4inch dust port at the back of the saw. It collects dust while you are working. The enclosed cabinet reduces the production of sawdust. 

Overview of the Grizzly g0555

The Grizzly Industrial G0555 is a bandsaw with a deep throat depth of 13-1/2 inches. The heavy-duty bandsaw has a cutting height of 6 inches. It works on both wood and metal. 

The machine is durable due to the high-quality precision-ground cast iron table. It gives excellent bevelling. The table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 15 degrees to the left. That amounts to a versatile machine that works well on tricky angles. 

The spacious table measures up to 14 x 14 inches. You can use a 92-1/2inch or 93-1/2inch blade width of 1/8 up to ¾ of an inch. The robust machines have a one-horsepower motor that runs on 11 amps at 110 and 5.5 amps at 220 volts. You can connect it to a 110/220 Volt power source. 

It is a two-variable speed machine that produces 1500fpm and 3200fpm. However, the package comes with a 3/8-inch blade. That means you have more control as you can adjust your speeds. The quick-release blade tension helps you to keep the machine under control.

Pros

• Durable frame
• Powerful motor
• Versatile
• Balanced wheels
• Dual voltage

Cons

• No headlamp
• The parts need regular alignment

Key features of the Grizzly g0555

RPM Speed

The machine operates at two variable speeds: 1500 fpm and 3200 fpm. That gives you more control over the device as you can adjust it. The quick-release blade tension lever and the fence scale give you more control. That amounts to precision over cuts.

Cutting capacity

The Grizzly Industrial G0555 can work on both wood and metal pieces. It has a deep throat depth of 13 ½ inches, making it powerful to cut through metal. That tool allows you to cut up to 6 inches in depth.

Table

The spacious table is measured 14 x 14 inches. It has high-quality cast iron that makes the overall machine durable. That gives you an excellent bevelling experience. The table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 15 degrees to the left. The angular sawing activities are impressive.

Powerful motor

The powerful motor comes with one horsepower that runs on a dual voltage. You run it at 110Volts on 11 amps or 220Volts on 5.5amps. That is a rare feature of such an affordable tool.

Blade size

It is a matter of what works better for you. The saw uses blades measuring 92 ½ inches and 93 ½ inches. The width ranges from 1/8 inch to ¾ of an inch. However, the tool comes with a 3/8-inch blade inside the package. 

Similarities

• The bandsaws have the same construction. They have a precision-ground cast iron table that makes the machines durable. 
• They both come with iron wheels.
• The two tools work on dual voltage.
• The tables tilt up to 45 degrees on the right and 10 degrees on the left sides.
• The machines operate at two variable speeds, 1,500 fpm and 3,200 fpm.
• The deep throat depth of both machines is 13-1/2 inches.
• They are adjustable.

Differences between Shop Fox w1706 and Grizzly g0555

• The Shop Fox w1706 has an extension block that gives you a quick-release mechanism for the blade system. 
• The Grizzly g0555 works on metal and wood, whereas the Shop Fox w1706 works on wood only.
• The Grizzly g0555 is lighter than the w1706.

Cost 

Both tools are in the same price range. They are both under 800. However, the Shop Fox w1706 is more affordable than the Grizzly g0555.

Verdict

As for the price, both are in the same price range. If you choose the Shop Fox W1706, you will get a great band saw with additional features for band saws at higher prices. It is available at an affordable price. The tool has a compact size. The Grizzly g0555 has a sturdy frame, motor, and balanced wheels. However, it does not have a headlight, and the parts need to be aligned regularly.