Um are these the same thing??

[rcflyer23]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3179

http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2-HP/G0513

There are some differences in the specs.. I just thought it was interesting how close they look to each other.

 

[CarvedTones]

Both have downloadable manuals, so you can look much closer to help you decide. I have had to deal with both vendors on a repair item before and Griz was quicker to address it. But depsite all the negative comments, HF did provide good service (as measured by getting the tool fixed free) but slowly. It was a benchtop BS from Griz and a benchtop planer from HF, so that isn't apples to apples...

 

[WoodWrangler]

I dunno, but my guess is no since Grizzly makes a lot of things on their own (I think).

I wouldn't gamble with the HF version of it though ... I have the Grizzly one (the newer model though with the cast trunnion and larger table) and it's a great saw.

Plus, you can buy the Grizzly one with Live.com CashBack on eBay.

 

[CarvedTones]

I dunno, but my guess is no since Grizzly makes a lot of things on their own (I think).

That depends on what you mean by "makes". Lots of common castings between their products and HF (and others). But often equipped with different motors, wheels and included options. The aforementioned benchtop band saw was a 3 wheel that I bought before I knew better (Grizzly didn't either; they have since discontinued it) and it turned out HF had one that was absolutely identical other than paint. But there are a few items at Grizzly that I have been hard pressed to find elsewhere.

 

[rcflyer23]

I will probably go with the grizzly when the time comes. Hopefully they will be doing the live discount again then and I can grab one that way. The discount is down to about 8% last time I checked. Maybe it will go back up and then I might help stimulate the economy some more.

Andy to your point it looks like the casting is pretty much the same but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a difference in the wheels and motor. Plus I would probably do like Jeremy and go with the Cast Trunion.

Jeremy have you done much resawing on it? Most of what I would be doing should be less than 12" for guitar pieces.

 

[tom hintz]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3179

http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2-HP/G0513

There are some differences in the specs.. I just thought it was interesting how close they look to each other.

You have to be careful with tools that "look alike". There was a largely Internet-based thing a while ago that assured people that some JET and HF lathes were different in color only because they "looked" identical. We got one of each in the shop, side-by-side and found they were anything but identical. The reason for the difference in price quickly became very clear.
Finding a deal is a good thing, just keep your eyews open beyond the price and the picture.