Grizzly G0555 review: the 14 in bandsaw most shops start with
A 14 in bandsaw on a standard 110V plug, written from the specifications.
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Grizzly G0555 14 in 1 HP BandsawA 14 in bandsaw with a cast iron table, computer-balanced cast aluminum wheels, quick-release tension and an aluminum rip fence. Grizzly cites a Tool Digest award and a WOOD Magazine Best Value.
Who it is for
- A first stationary bandsaw for a garage shop, where curves, joinery blanks and small resawing are the main jobs.
- Anyone who wants to cut 4 to 6 in resaw stock without upgrading to the heavier 1-3/4 HP frame.
- Shops running on 110V that want to stay on 110V. The motor is prewired for 110V and switchable to 220V.
- Woodworkers who will buy a few good blades and tune the saw to them.
Who should skip it
- Anyone who knows they will resaw wide stock regularly. The G0555XH exists for 12 in resaw and costs more because of it.
- Production shops needing a bigger motor and larger frame.
- Metalworkers. A wood bandsaw is not a metal bandsaw; read our wood vs metal bandsaw comparison.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 1 HP, 110V/220V prewired for 110V, 11A/5.5A |
| Throat | 13-1/2 in |
| Resaw capacity | 6 in |
| Table | 14 x 14 in cast iron, tilts 15 left and 45 right |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 in, 1/8 to 3/4 in wide |
| Blade speeds | 1500 and 3200 FPM |
| Footprint | 24-1/2 x 17-1/2 in |
| Height | 66-1/2 in |
| Ship weight | 207 lb |
| Included | Miter gauge, 3/8 in blade, aluminum rip fence |
What the spec sheet does not tell you
Six inches of resaw is the number to understand. It lets you split a 6 in board or cut thick veneers from narrower stock, but a 12 in resaw machine is a different frame. If you want to bookmatch wide panels, the extra height and the 1-3/4 HP motor of the G0555XH are not luxuries. The two saws are compared in our G0555 vs G0555XH comparison and the XH is reviewed in its own review.
The two blade speeds, 1500 and 3200 FPM, are a quiet strength. The lower speed suits thicker and harder stock and some non-ferrous cutting with the right blade; the higher speed is the normal woodcutting speed. Changing speed means moving the belt, which takes a minute, not a menu. Blade width from 1/8 to 3/4 in covers tight curves up to straight cuts, but the saw will not do all of that with one blade, so budget for two or three.
At 11A on 110V, the saw is a sensible load for a 20A circuit. It is not the electrical project a 3 HP cyclone is, but a bandsaw on the same branch as a dust collector can trip a breaker, so give the pair separate circuits where possible.
The frame is cast iron and the saw ships at 207 lb, which is a freight delivery. At 66-1/2 in tall and 24-1/2 by 17-1/2 in at the base, it fits a small shop, but you need clearance around it for long boards because the saw has no side outfeed support built into the frame.
The honest weakness
The honest weakness is capacity and tension headroom. Six inches of resaw on a 1 HP motor is entry level, and wide hardwood resawing will be slow and may need a very sharp, wide, low-TPI blade. The stock blade is a starter blade, not a resaw blade. Dust collection on any bandsaw is also weak, and the G0555 is no exception.
Grizzly direct vs Amazon
Grizzly sells the G0555 direct and lists the manual and parts diagrams on the product page. If you cross-shop on Amazon, the closest comparable is a 14 in saw from another brand, below.
Pick the Grizzly when you want the specific G0555 specification and a direct warranty relationship. Pick the Amazon comparison when you prefer Amazon shipping on a heavy item. Compare resaw height, motor power and table size, because those are the specifications that decide the saw.
JET 14-Inch Woodworking Band Saw, 1 HP, 115/230V (JWBS-14CS)This is the nearest match we could find on Amazon in the same class. It is a different machine from the Grizzly, so compare the spec sheets side by side rather than assuming they are equivalent.
Alternatives worth considering
The G0555XH is the 14 in Extreme Series resaw bandsaw with a 1-3/4 HP motor and 12 in resaw capacity, the saw to buy if resawing is the point.
RIKON 10-1414 14-Inch Deluxe Bandsaw, 1-3/4 HP, 14-Inch Resaw CapacityA 14 in deluxe bandsaw with a 1-3/4 HP dual-voltage motor and a listed 14 in resaw capacity.
Keep reading
- Best bandsaws
- Wood vs metal bandsaw
- Table saw vs bandsaw
- Grizzly G0555XH review
- Grizzly G0555 vs G0555XH
- Board foot calculator
- Dust collection CFM calculator
Common questions
Is the Grizzly G0555 a good first bandsaw?
From the specifications, yes. A cast iron table, quick-release tension and a 14 in frame on 110V give a beginner a capable saw. Expect to spend extra on blades and a bit of time tuning the guides.
What is the resaw capacity of the G0555?
Grizzly lists 6 in. If you want 12 in of resaw capacity, look at the G0555XH.
Can the G0555 run on 220V?
Grizzly lists the motor as 110V or 220V, prewired for 110V. Converting to 220V is a rewiring step that you should follow from the manual.
What blade should I put on a G0555?
The saw takes 93-1/2 in blades from 1/8 to 3/4 in wide. Use a narrow blade for curves, a wider and coarser blade for resawing, and change blades rather than compromise on one.
This page draws on published manufacturer specifications and design reasoning. We have not tested this machine ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. Specifications were copied from grizzly.com and can change, so confirm them on the product page before you order. WorkshopCalc is an Amazon Associate and a Grizzly Industrial affiliate. We earn from qualifying purchases.