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Thread: SCMI Mini-Max v Grizzly 514 x2

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    437

    SCMI Mini-Max v Grizzly 514 x2

    I need a bandsaw and had decided on the Grizzly 514x2. It would not be cheap, but in all it seems like a nice BS.

    However, I have a line on SCMI Mini-Max S45 18 inch bs, used but I could get it for $800. That will save a good penny. Any opinions on it?
    Last edited by Eric Gustafson; 02-05-2008 at 5:58 PM. Reason: typo

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Valdosta, GA
    Posts
    63

    re: SCMI Mini-Max v Grizzly 514 x2

    Eric:

    I had an older (10 years+) S45 and replaced it with a new 514X2 Grizzly. I got:

    More horsepower (3 vs 1.5)

    More resaw height (12" vs 10+)

    Much larger table

    Rack & Pinion table adjustment

    Better fence system

    Much easier blade changing

    Better dust collection

    Detensioning lever

    Easier tracking control

    Easier bearing adjustment

    Foot brake

    The customer service I had gotten from MiniMax was "average". My experience with Grizzly over the years has been excellent.

    My S45 was a well built machine, but I would put the diffence in features between the 2 saws as much more than the $500 difference in the price of the 514 X2 and the S45. I feel that the quality of the Grizzly saw is as good (mambe better) than the S45.


    Tom

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Carlyle IL
    Posts
    2,183
    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Gustafson View Post
    I need a bandsaw and had decided on the Grizzly 514x2. It would not be cheap, but in all it seems like a nice BS.

    However, I have a line on SCMI Mini-Max S45 18 inch bs, used but I could get it for $800. That will save a good penny. Any opinions on it?
    How old is the S45?

    The new generation of S45 seems pretty impressive. I sometimes wonder if the S45 would have been a better fit than my MM16.
    Vortex! What Vortex?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    437
    I called the owner, the saw is 15 years old and you are right about the hp. He said it was only 1300 watt, so that adds up. Thanks for the advice. I won't be getting the Grizz for a few months, but I will pass on the Mini-Max.

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