Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing Review

Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing

The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing promises to expand the work surface of your Grizzly G1035 or G1035P 1-1/2 HP Shaper. It aims to provide a larger, more stable platform for intricate woodworking tasks. As a seasoned woodworker with over a decade immersed in both traditional and power tool carpentry, I’ve always appreciated a spacious and reliable work area.

I needed a solution to the limited table space of my current shaper setup. My existing table struggled to accommodate larger workpieces, impacting precision and safety. The promise of easy bolt-on installation was especially appealing, as I prefer spending time on projects, not complex modifications. Several other wing extension options exist, including shop-built solutions and aftermarket steel wings, but the Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing‘s cast iron construction convinced me that this would be the sturdiest, most vibration-dampening option for my shop.

Upon unboxing, the weight of the cast iron immediately impressed me. It felt solid and substantial, hinting at the stability it would provide. The machining looked clean and precise, suggesting a well-made product. Initial impressions are positive, leaning towards excitement about the potential improvement to my shaper.


Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing occurred in my small but dedicated woodworking shop, using the Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing on my Grizzly G1035 shaper. I needed to shape some large cabinet doors, a task that previously felt cramped and precarious. The shop was relatively dry, although the ambient temperature was a cool 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

The increased surface area immediately improved control and stability during shaping. It felt like a completely different machine, allowing for smoother, safer cuts. There were no surprises; the wing bolted on easily and performed exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing continues to perform flawlessly. It remains flat and stable, with no noticeable warping or shifting. Aside from the occasional wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove sawdust, maintenance has been virtually non-existent.

This cast iron wing significantly outperforms my previous makeshift extension table, which was prone to vibration and flex. The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing offers a vastly improved work experience, enhancing both precision and safety. It’s a welcome and necessary upgrade to my shop.

Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing

Specifications

  • The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing measures 20″ wide x 10″ deep. This provides a substantial increase in table surface area.
  • It is designed specifically for the Grizzly G1035 or G1035P 1-1/2 HP Shaper. This ensures a perfect fit and easy installation.
  • The wing is constructed from cast iron. This heavy material provides excellent stability and vibration dampening.
  • Installation is designed to be a simple bolt-on process. This eliminates the need for complicated modifications or custom fabrication.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the shaper’s usability and performance. The increased surface area allows for safer and more controlled shaping of larger workpieces. The cast iron construction minimizes vibration, resulting in cleaner, more accurate cuts.

Performance & Functionality

The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing excels at providing a larger, more stable work surface for shaping operations. This leads to increased accuracy, improved safety, and greater overall control. The only slight improvement could be in the ease of fine-tuning the alignment with the existing table, although the bolt-on design is generally very good.

The wing meets and exceeds expectations for a simple, effective table extension. It transforms the Grizzly shaper into a more versatile and user-friendly machine.

Design & Ergonomics

The cast iron construction provides exceptional stability and dampens vibration effectively. This makes it a comfortable and reliable addition to the shaper.

The installation is straightforward, requiring minimal mechanical skill. There is a small learning curve in terms of adjusting to the larger work surface, but this is quickly overcome.

Durability & Maintenance

The cast iron construction ensures exceptional durability and longevity. This wing should easily last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Cleaning is simple: just wipe down with a dry cloth or brush to remove sawdust and debris. The cast iron is pre-finished and requires no additional protective coatings.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing itself does not come with any additional accessories. However, it integrates seamlessly with the existing shaper fence and other accessories.

While there are no specific customization options for the wing itself, users can add aftermarket fences or hold-downs as needed. The wing is compatible with any standard shaper accessory designed for a cast iron table.

Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing

Pros

  • Provides a significantly larger and more stable work surface.
  • Durable cast iron construction ensures long-lasting performance.
  • Simple bolt-on installation requires minimal effort.
  • Reduces vibration for cleaner, more accurate cuts.
  • Enhances safety and control when shaping larger workpieces.

Cons

  • The cast iron is heavy, making initial installation slightly cumbersome.
  • Alignment with the existing shaper table may require minor adjustments.


Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing?

The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing is perfect for woodworkers who own a Grizzly G1035 or G1035P shaper and need a larger, more stable work surface. It is ideal for those who frequently work with larger pieces or intricate shaping operations.

Those who have ample table space on their existing shaper or are comfortable building a custom extension table could skip this product. A digital angle finder can be a must-have accessory to make sure alignment is perfect.

Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing

The Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing is a well-designed and durable accessory that significantly improves the functionality of the Grizzly G1035 or G1035P shaper. At $263.99, the price is justified by the quality of construction and the enhanced performance it provides.

I would personally recommend this product to any woodworker seeking to upgrade their shaper setup. It’s a worthwhile investment that will enhance your woodworking experience for years to come. Expand your capabilities and get the Grizzly Industrial Cast Iron Wing today!

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