Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar promises to be a game-changer for any woodworker serious about achieving accurate and consistent resawing. From the name, it implies that this tool addresses the common issue of blade drift, which can plague even experienced woodworkers when tackling tall boards. My interest was piqued by the claims of improved precision and control, something I’ve long sought to enhance in my own shop.
Years of struggling with inaccurate cuts, wasted material, and inconsistent thicknesses have made me wary of aftermarket fences. I’ve used a few other systems in the past, all promising similar improvements, but none quite delivered the stability and adjustability I needed, or at least, they didn’t without significant modification. Upon unboxing the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar, I immediately noted the seemingly robust construction and the deliberate design elements.
The fence felt substantial, indicating the use of quality materials, and the drift bar mechanism seemed thoughtfully engineered. Compared to a shop-made auxiliary fence and the basic fence that came with my bandsaw, the Grizzly Industrial offering appeared significantly more refined and capable. It also looks better than the Wixey WR700, which doesn’t include a drift bar feature. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, but I was eager to see if this fence could live up to the promise.
I was pleasantly surprised by the weight and the apparent quality of the materials. After installing it on my bandsaw, it felt like a solid and stable addition. I was excited to move away from shimming my old fence to compensate for blade drift.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test involved resawing some 8/4 maple into thinner stock for a small cabinet project. I set up the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar according to the instructions, carefully adjusting the drift bar to compensate for the natural tendency of my blade to wander. The difference was immediately noticeable.
Instead of constantly fighting the wood and making micro-adjustments, I could focus on feeding the material smoothly. The fence held its position, and the drift bar gently guided the wood along the intended cut line. Even in resawing figured maple, which is notoriously difficult, the fence helped me maintain a clean and accurate cut.
The fence performed well in a slightly dusty environment, but I made sure to clean the drift bar mechanism after each use. There was a small learning curve in dialing in the precise amount of compensation for blade drift, but the process became intuitive after a few practice cuts. There were no issues or surprises after my first time using the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my shop. The fence remains square and true, and the drift bar mechanism continues to function smoothly. I’ve used it to resaw everything from soft pine to hard maple and even some exotic hardwoods.
The fence still looks and performs almost like new, showing only minor signs of wear on the painted surfaces. Maintaining the fence is simple: I just wipe it down with a dry cloth and occasionally apply a bit of paste wax to the sliding surfaces. This fence has significantly outperformed the previous auxiliary fence I had cobbled together.
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar has definitely exceeded my expectations. It offers a level of precision and control that I simply couldn’t achieve with my old setup. My initial reservations have been completely dispelled.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar
Specifications
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar is designed to attach to most standard bandsaws, providing a stable and adjustable fence for resawing operations. The fence itself is constructed of heavy-duty steel, ensuring rigidity and durability. The drift bar mechanism allows for fine-tuning the fence angle to compensate for blade drift, a common issue in resawing.
The specifications of this fence include: a 19-3/4″ long fence with adjustable drift compensation and universal mounting hardware. The heavy-duty steel construction is important for resisting deflection, while the adjustability ensures accurate cuts regardless of blade wander. This robust construction is crucial for minimizing vibration and maintaining consistent cutting pressure.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar performs its job exceptionally well. It offers significant improvements in accuracy and control when resawing tall boards. The drift bar mechanism effectively compensates for blade drift, allowing for straighter and more consistent cuts.
The main strength lies in its ability to correct for blade wander. The only minor weakness is that the drift bar requires some adjustment to dial in the perfect amount of compensation. Overall, the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar meets and exceeds my expectations for a resaw fence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar features a thoughtful design that prioritizes functionality and ease of use. The fence is made of heavy-duty steel, which provides a solid and stable platform. The clamping mechanism holds the fence securely in place.
It is relatively user-friendly, though the drift bar adjustment requires some initial experimentation. The fence has a heavy and sturdy build quality. The weight adds to the stability of the fence during use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the fence is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Replacement parts, if needed, should be readily available from Grizzly Industrial.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar does not come with many accessories. You may need to purchase additional hardware depending on your specific bandsaw model. The primary customization option is the adjustment of the drift bar, which allows you to fine-tune the fence angle.
The fence should be compatible with most aftermarket bandsaw accessories, such as blade guides and tension meters. Adding aftermarket accessories isn’t necessary to start with, as the fence is intended to be an all-in-one solution. However, adding accessories may allow for even more fine-tuning and customization.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift BarPros
- Provides exceptional accuracy and control when resawing.
- The drift bar mechanism effectively compensates for blade drift.
- Heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and stability.
- Relatively easy to install and adjust.
- Significantly improves the quality of resawing operations.
Cons
- Drift bar adjustment requires some initial experimentation.
- May require additional hardware for certain bandsaw models.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar?
- Perfect for: Serious woodworkers who frequently resaw lumber, those seeking improved accuracy and control, and anyone struggling with blade drift.
- Who should skip this product? Casual hobbyists who rarely resaw lumber or those satisfied with their current resawing setup.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality bandsaw blade is essential for maximizing the fence’s performance. I also recommend using a tension meter to ensure proper blade tension.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar
Pros
- Provides exceptional accuracy and control when resawing.
- The drift bar mechanism effectively compensates for blade drift.
- Heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and stability.
- Relatively easy to install and adjust.
- Significantly improves the quality of resawing operations.
Cons
- Drift bar adjustment requires some initial experimentation.
- May require additional hardware for certain bandsaw models.
The Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar is a well-designed and well-built tool that delivers on its promise of improved resawing accuracy and control. The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance and the potential for reducing material waste.
I would definitely recommend this fence to any woodworker who is serious about resawing. It is a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself over time. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your bandsaw with the Grizzly Industrial Resaw Fence with Drift Bar and experience the difference!