I have a Grizzly G0948 bandsaw I previously reviewed and gave five stars, saying it was a good little bandsaw for stock prep. When I broke the insert plate last week and ordered a replacement from Grizzly, I was a little disappointed to find that the plastic insert plate is backordered, and it’s a weird size (3¼ inches square by 3/16 inch thick). I ordered some brass plate from McMaster Carr, and am almost done fabricating a replacement, which is good news.
Yesterday afternoon I got an email from Grizzly saying that I should expect the backordered part in late October. At least it’s due in 2023!
But with the lack of spare parts availability, I think I need to knock a star or two off my review. Ugh.
You could Dave but unfortunately, supply chain issues are an issue everywhere and it's not Grizzly's fault. They just can't get them from whoever supplies them. But I definitely feel your frustration and would have done exactly what you did.
FWIW, this is one place where a 3D printer sure is handy 😎
dave kennys right dont knock grizzly for part shortages, it's pretty much out of their control. supply problems have gotten better, i can tell you stories of what weve gone through in the construction industry. sounds like the one your making will be better anyway ?
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Well, a little file work, and the replacement is done and fits quite nicely.
I get that it’s not Grizzly’s fault, but it makes the bandsaw less attractive as a tool if replacement parts aren’t readily available.
It’s the same as things that are put together with pentalobe fasteners or Stanley’s wacky threads I can’t buy a tap & die for. The hassle of dealing with them detracts from the tool, even if it’s otherwise great.
True Don. And I think they use more common threads in current production. And I have managed to gather taps and dies for all the oddballs other than still needing a 9/32-24 LH tap for depth adjusters. I have the die just haven’t gotten around to buying a tap yet…
I had some aluminum diamond plate, so I used it to make an insert for my Powermatic. It works great (diamond side down).
I roughed the shape in, then finished it on the drum-disk sander. To adjust for fit, I just go out near the edge with a center punch and flare the edge until I got a good press fit. If it loosens a year or two down the road, I just repeat.
I could do the same thing with Plexi or one of its relatives, sans the punch, of course. A little hot glue, UV glue or even epoxy would work to adjust height.
I make several.
Now I have a 3-D printer ($150.00) and my and my friend's saws all have back ups.
I have some 3/8" or so thick UHMW aftermarket ones for my 17" saw. I really like them and they are unslotted so are easily made into zero clearance inserts.
Good luck Dave. I hope you get your part. I have a Grizzly band saw and I stocked up on their bearings. If China invades Taiwan it going to be impossible to get parts. I hope Grizzly opens other manufacturing factories in places that are not under the CCP threat.
