Grizzly and Shop Fox are both competitive machine brands. You may have heard or read them mentioned on forums online or from your peers.
And for someone who plans to buy woodworking or metalworking machines, you’re wondering which brand to go for. To help you make up your mind, our woodworkers created this detailed Shop Fox vs. Grizzly comparison.
Differences Between Shop Fox and Grizzly
As a background, Grizzly’s owner, Shiraz Balolia, also manages Shop Fox. In fact, both brands are available on the Grizzly website. Despite this, the two brands have different offers, technologies, pricing, and advantages.
To give you a rundown, allow us to dive into the key differences:
Brand and Product Manufacturing
Grizzly Industrial®, Inc. is a known retailer and e-commerce U. S. company with the widest selection of woodworking and metalworking machines in the world. They are also a mail-order and internet company that has been producing quality tools and equipment for 39 years.
Meanwhile, Shop Fox® is a popular product line of Woodstock International, Inc., manufacturing in Taiwan and China.
Grizzly may be a larger brand than Shop Fox, but Shop Fox is a dedicated machinery line. Their focus is specifically on making quality machinery and better service.
For 25 years of continuous development, Shop Fox has become a top brand of metalworking and woodworking equipment manufacturer and wholesaler.
Product Selection
Shop Fox only focuses on making woodworking and metalworking machines and their accessories.
On the other hand, Grizzly offers more. They have 36+ products to choose from. They make industrial products, cabinets, and machine shops, as well as router bits, accessories, power tools, and blades, on top of selling metalworking and woodworking machines.
Product Availability and Versatility
Grizzly has two strategic warehouses in Missouri and Washington, and each has over a million square feet of space full of inventories.
But Shop Fox is everywhere! It has fully stocked warehouses and thousands of authorized dealers and distributors worldwide. They are fast and have 99% shipping accuracy within 72 hours.
Quality and Construction
Both qualities are up to par. Grizzly focuses on providing excellent service and durable products. Their machines won multiple awards for their quality and value.
Meanwhile, Shop Fox complies with CSA standards and manufactures products in ISO 9001-certified factories. They make sure their products create accurate and reliable projects.
Pricing
The primary goal of Grizzly is to create high-quality products at a reasonable price. Hence it’s cheaper. However, Shop Fox is pricier than Grizzly because it has a longer warranty, and it has to compensate for its after-sales support as well.
Warranty
Grizzly Industrial®, Inc. warrants its products for one year from the date of purchase. But they no longer require registration, so you can easily request service.
Woodstock® International, Inc has a longer warranty. It has a two-year warranty on all Shop Fox® machinery. It covers all expenses for the repair and replacement of the product if defective.
Our Top Table Saw Recommendations
Both brands are hard to miss when it comes to their table saw units. Here, our seasoned woodworkers listed and reviewed some of their best offers in the market.
If you’re looking for quality and tough hybrid saws for larger projects, check the following offers from Grizzly and Shop Fox:
1. Grizzly G0771Z Table Saw
The Grizzly G0771Z Hybrid Table Saw is one of the brand’s high-rated table saws. It has 2 HP 120 V and 10” blade size with a more improved T-shaped fence. It features an innovative quick-release blade guard and riving knife system that can be changed in seconds.
The machine weighs 286 lbs, so it’s light enough to be moved around. The ergonomics of the saw are very intuitive and quieter to operate than you might expect.
For more options, check these high-quality Grizzly table saws here!
What We Like
- Micro-adjustable easy-glide fence system with narrow rip attachment
- Long-lasting cast iron table and extension wing
- Cheap and smaller footprints than other cabinet saws
What We Don't Like
- Harder to cut on hardwood thicker than 2 inches
- Takes time to learn to attach the blade guard to the splitter smoothly
2. Shop Fox W1837 Table Saw
The Shop Fox W1837 Open-Stand Hybrid Table Saw has a 10 ” blade. This single-phase motor is a pre-wired 120 V with a 2 HP motor. Shop Fox crafted it well for seamless work.
It features a quick‐release blade guard assembly, an aluminum easy glide fence system, and a well-designed sight gauge for accuracy. You can also tilt the blade up to 45 degrees. Cutting capacities are not diminished and can compete with more expensive and hybrid table saws.
Also Read: Shop Fox W1824 Review
What We Like
- Operates on standard 110 V power
- Lift-off fence with front/rear locking ability
- High-quality steel table
- Trunnions can endure strong vibrations
What We Don't Like
- Set up takes longer
- Needs outlet higher than 15 amp to start with ease
Brand Comparison Overview
Grizzly | Shop Fox | |
Brand | Retail, Mail Order, and Internet Company | Manufacturer and Wholesaler |
Product Categories | Woodworking Machines, Metalworking Machines, Toolboxes, Workbenches, Accessories, Blades, Power Tools | Accessories, Woodworking Machines, Metalworking Machines, Specialty Tools |
Number of Products Offered | 36+ | 19 |
Overall Quality | Quality Products at the Best Price | High Standard |
Store Availability | Online/ Two Distribution Centers and Showrooms | Multiple Dealers/ Easily Available |
Pricing | Cheaper | More Expensive |
Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty | 2 Years Machinery Warranty |
Which Brand Should You Opt For?
Most tools offered by either brand are similar and only have subtle differences. What separates them is Shop Fox’s after-sales service [1]. Its warranty length is double of Grizzly — one more year of guaranteed support.
Another thing to consider is their availability. Having a network of dealers everywhere makes buying more convenient.
FAQ
Are Shop Fox and Jet the same?
No, Jet Tools is owned by JPW industries. Despite not being the same, their parts may be compatible.
Are Grizzly products made in the US?
Grizzly’s corporate headquarters is located in Bellingham, WA, but they also have offices in East Asia with its own quality control engineers.
Where do they make Shop Fox’s planers?
Shop Fox’s products are manufactured in their factories located in China and Taiwan, including their planers.
Conclusion
As exemplified in this Grizzly vs. Shop Fox comparison, the quality control and standards between the two brands are almost the same. However, Shop Fox comes recommended for longer and better customer service support. But in terms of pricing, Grizzly is cheaper.
Despite these factors, choosing still depends on what aspects you value most and which one has the features you need to work well.
- Husqvarna 562 XP Review (2023) — Weight, Specs, and More - June 6, 2023
- Echo CS-490 Review (2023) — Horsepower, Chain, and Specs - June 4, 2023
- Eggshell vs Satin Paint — What are the Differences? - June 3, 2023