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, I’ve 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 me 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 Grizzly and Shop Fox deliver when it comes to quality and construction. Having used tools from both brands, I can vouch for their reliability.
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
Price-wise, Grizzly aims to offer quality at a reasonable rate, and in my experience, they do just that. Shop Fox tends to be on the pricier side, but there’s a reason: they offer longer warranties and robust after-sales support, which sometimes justifies the extra bucks.
Warranty
Grizzly Industrial®, Inc. offers a one-year warranty, and the good news is, they’ve ditched the registration requirement, making it easier to 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.
My Top Table Saw Recommendations
Both brands are hard to miss when it comes to their table saw units. Here, I’ve 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. I was particularly impressed by its 2 HP, 120V motor and 10-inch blade size, which make it a robust option for various projects. But what sets it apart for me is its T-shaped fence; it’s a noticeable improvement that ensures more accurate cuts.
The quick-release blade guard and riving knife system are a lifesaver; I could switch them out in seconds, saving me valuable time. 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 I Like
- The micro-adjustable easy-glide fence system with a narrow rip attachment offers excellent precision
- I was impressed by the long-lasting cast iron table and extension wing, which give this saw remarkable durability
- It's cheap and had smaller footprints than other cabinet saws
What I Don't Like
- It's harder to cut on hardwood thicker than 2 inches
- From personal experience, it takes some time to learn how to attach the blade guard to the splitter smoothly
2. Shop Fox W1837 Table Saw
When I needed a table saw that balances quality and affordability, the Shop Fox W1837 Open-Stand Hybrid Table Saw. The 10-inch blade powered by a 2 HP, 120V pre-wired motor performed smoothly, even during demanding projects.
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 I Like
- The machine operates on standard 110 V power, so you don't have to worry about special electrical configurations
- The lift-off fence with front/rear locking ability brings stability for precise cuts
- I can vouch for the high-quality steel table; it's built to last
- Trunnions designed to endure strong vibrations give this saw added reliability
What I Don't Like
- The set up took longer than I expected
- It 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. With a strong commitment to producing durable and reliable tools, Grizzly proudly manufactures its products in the United States.
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
Let’s wrap up this Grizzly vs. Shop Fox comparison. On the surface, the quality control and standards between these two brands are like looking into a mirror. But here’s where things start to diverge: customer service. If you’re the type who likes a safety net, Shop Fox takes the cake with their longer and better customer 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.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
