Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets Review

Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets

Every machinist, even a seasoned veteran like myself, knows the importance of precision. Setting up a milling machine or surface grinder without accurate parallels is like trying to build a house on a shaky foundation. That’s why when I needed a reliable set of parallels for my shop, I looked towards Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets. Grizzly Industrial is a brand known for providing quality tools at reasonable prices, and their parallel sets seemed like a good fit.

My old parallel set was a mismatched collection of shims and ground stock – a real testament to accumulated shop time, but far from ideal. I needed a set that offered consistent dimensions for accurate setups, especially for intricate milling operations on firearm components. The described wavy 1/8″ thick steel construction of the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets, coupled with a protective case, caught my eye.

Several other brands offer similar parallel sets, some with fancy certifications and hefty price tags. However, for my needs, the Grizzly Industrial set seemed to strike the right balance between quality and affordability. I picked this set because I believe in value. My hope was that it would provide a reliable and accurate solution without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets, I was pleasantly surprised by the organized arrangement within the protective case. The parallels had a clean, machined look. Initial inspection revealed no obvious flaws. I was excited to put them to work and see if they lived up to my expectations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets while setting up my milling machine for machining AR-15 lower receivers. This involved precisely aligning the workpiece within the vise. The parallels were used to ensure the receiver was perfectly level and square for accurate cuts.

The shop environment is often dusty, and metal shavings are a constant presence. The parallels, despite their smooth surface, surprisingly didn’t attract excessive debris. This made them easier to handle and keep clean during the setup process. I found that I needed no extra time to get used to them. They performed as expected out of the box.

One initial surprise was how consistently the parallels maintained their dimension even under considerable clamping pressure. My old makeshift parallels would sometimes deflect slightly, leading to inaccuracies. The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets held their form admirably, leading to a noticeably improved machining accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use in my shop, the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets have held up remarkably well. The steel hasn’t shown any significant signs of wear, despite regular exposure to cutting fluids and occasional accidental impacts. They show no signs of rust or corrosion.

Durability has been impressive. The parallels still maintain their original dimensions and flatness. I make it a habit to wipe them down after each use with a lightly oiled cloth. This keeps them clean and prevents corrosion.

Compared to my old cobbled-together parallel system, the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets are a massive upgrade. The increased accuracy and consistency have noticeably improved the quality and efficiency of my machining work. They definitely outperform my previous setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets

Specifications

The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets feature the following specifications:

• Quantity: 9 matched pairs. This provides a good range of options for different setups.
• Material: Wavy 1/8″ thick steel. Steel offers good rigidity and resistance to deformation.
• Length: 4-1/2″ long. A convenient length for most common milling and grinding applications.
• Widths: Ranging from 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ in 1/8″ increments. The incremental widths offer versatility for various workpiece heights.
• Protective Case: Included. Essential for organized storage and protecting the parallels from damage.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the precision and ease of setup. Consistent dimensions and durable materials ensure accurate and repeatable results.

Performance & Functionality

The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets perform their job exceptionally well. They allow for precise and reliable workpiece alignment in milling, grinding, and other machining operations. The set’s accuracy, usability, and range of sizes all contribute to top-notch performance.

The strength lies in the consistency of each parallel within the set. The weakness, if any, is that they may not be suitable for ultra-precision applications demanding tolerances beyond what is typically needed in a general machine shop. They meet and exceed my expectations for a general purpose parallel set.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets are designed for practical use. The steel construction gives them a solid and substantial feel. The smooth surfaces and relatively light weight make them easy to handle and position.

They are relatively user-friendly and require no specific expertise to use. Anyone familiar with basic machining practices will find them intuitive. The learning curve is minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets to last for many years with proper care. The steel construction is inherently durable. Regular cleaning and light oiling should prevent corrosion and extend their lifespan.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. More thorough cleaning with solvent and oil is occasionally needed to remove stubborn debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets come with a protective case for storage and organization. There are no customization options available for this product, nor are any needed. The set is designed to be a self-contained solution for parallel alignment.

While there aren’t specific accessories designed for the set, the parallels are compatible with a wide range of standard machine shop tools and accessories, such as vises, clamps, and measuring instruments. They are universally compatible with most machine shop equipment.

Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets

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Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets?

The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets are perfect for machinists, hobbyists, gunsmiths, and anyone who needs accurate and reliable parallels for setting up machining or grinding operations. They are also suitable for model engineers, general engineers, and anyone requiring precision in their workholding.

Those who need ultra-high precision parallels with documented traceability to national standards might want to skip this product and opt for a more expensive, certified set. Novices or those new to machining might also be better suited by taking a class that utilizes these tools. A must-have accessory is a good quality dial indicator for accurate alignment.

Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets

Overall, the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets are an excellent addition to any machine shop. They provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for achieving accurate workpiece alignment. The protective case and wide range of sizes make them a versatile and valuable tool.

The price is definitely justified by the improved accuracy and efficiency they bring to machining operations. The Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets are an outstanding value for the money.

I would absolutely recommend the Grizzly Industrial Parallel Sets to anyone in need of a reliable and accurate set of parallels. They are a worthwhile investment that will pay off in improved quality and precision. Get yourself a set and experience the difference that accurate parallels can make!