Are you looking for the right brand to purchase woodworking or metalworking tools but freeze in your tracks?
In that case, you haven’t got much help. But you are not entirely out of luck because you found his in-depth Shop Fox and Grizzly review.
Here you’ll see the differences between these manufacturers and retailers of machinery for woodworking, metal, and power tools. So, let’s take this show on the road.
A Quick Comparison Table
Here, let’s take a look at a quick comparison table between Shop Fox and Grizzly:
| Aspects | Shop Fox | Grizzly |
| Brand Type | Manufacturer, Wholesaler | Manufacturer, Retailer |
| Product Lines | 4 | 6 |
| Available Products | Fewer Products | More Products |
| Quality | Similar Quality | Similar Quality |
| Availability | Widely Available | Limited Showrooms |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 1 Year |
| Price | More Pricey | Less Pricey |
In-Depth Differences Between Shop Fox And Grizzly
The above comparison table has given you some basic ideas. A more detailed comparison between the two brands will help you understand them completely.
Stick with me here because I will show you an in-depth comparison between Shop Fox and Grizzly.
- Brand Type
Shop Fox is one of the top brands for woodworking and metalworking machinery in North and South America.
Being a manufacturer, they produce their products in Taiwan and China and wholesale across North America and South America.
Over the last 25 years of their operation in the market, they have become a top machinery supplier because of their unmatched customer care support, warranty, and product quality.
On the other hand, Grizzly is a nationwide retailer and an internet company. They retail and wholesale woodworking, metalworking, power tools, and accessories. It was set up in 1983 and has provided quality products since then.
They sell their own label products as well as various other power tools and machines of other brands in their showrooms and online stores.
- Product Lines
Both Shop Fox and Grizzly have multiple product lines under their belt. Let’s see what they have got for you.
Shop Fox is mainly a woodworking and metalworking machine manufacturer and wholesaler. That’s why their product lines are limited to it.
You will have various Shop Fox machines under Woodworking Machine, Metalworking Machine, Machine Accessories, and Related Products line.
In contrast to Shop Fox, Grizzly offers more product lines and substantially more products for customers. They sell their machines under Woodworking Machines, Metalworking Machines, Blades, Power Tools, Router Bits, and Accessories product lines.
So, you can see Grizzly has two more unique product lines than Shop Fox.
- Available Products
Shop Fox and Grizzly produce and sell hundreds of woodworking and metalworking products under various product lines.
But Grizzly has more products in its portfolio. However, let’s check what products the two brands offer.
A vast selection of Shop Fox’s machines includes Table Saws, Jointers, Planers Wood, Metal Bandsaws, Shapers, Wood and Metal Lathes, Sanders, Dust Collectors, Mills, Drill Presses.
Besides, Shop Fox sells various other types of specialized machinery for commercial and DIY projects.
On the other hand, available products in Grizzly include Table Saw, Jointers, Bandsaws, Planers, Mills, Welding, CNC, Sanders, Grinders, Woodworking Bandsaw Blades, Metalworking Bandsaw Blades, and Table Saw Blades.
In addition to all these tools, Grizzly also sells various power tools, including Cordless Circular Saws, Cordless Drills, Cordless Grinders, Router Bit Sets, Laminated Bits, Straight Bits, Roundover Bits, etc.
- Quality
When it comes to quality, you can give the same point to both brands. As a matter of fact, Shop Fox and Grizzly are owned by the same person. Sometimes, the exact product comes with different brand labels.
So, you can’t find that much of a difference in quality between both brands. Nevertheless, you can count on Shop Fox machines with a well-built reputation for accuracy and reliability.
As a wood or metalworker or a DIY enthusiast, you will get excellent performance and the best value from its machines and stationary equipment.
To top it off, you can say the same for Grizzly machines because they are made from the same feather.
- Availability
Although Shop Fox and Grizzly are siblings, they follow different sales approaches and channels.
Shop Fox is a manufacturer and wholesaler. So, it does not retail its products. All its products are available via authorized dealers. You will also find them in independent retailer shops.
On the other hand, Grizzly is a nationwide retailer. Upon purchase, it sends products via mail. Apart from them, there are two Grizzly showrooms where you can go and directly buy its products.
One showroom is located in Bellingham, Washington, and the other one is in Springfield, Missouri.
- Warranty
The warranty coverage offered on both Shop Fox and Grizzly machinery falls in line with what you would expect at their respective price points.
The majority of Shop Fox tools come with a standard 1 year limited warranty.
This protects against defects in materials and workmanship. Large floor-standing machinery like table saws and band saws may include 2 years of coverage.
For Grizzly, you also get an included 1 year limited warranty across the entire range of products. This covers both materials and workmanship flaws. However Grizzly also offers a popular extended warranty program.
For most equipment you can add 2 additional years of coverage for a small percentage of the list price. This takes you up to 3 years total. For example you may pay an extra $75 dollars on a $750 table saw to get the extended protection.
For customers making a major investment, the minimal additional cost brings great peace of mind.
Overall both brands deliver warranty coverage reflective of their prices and target customer. For the hobbyist, Shop Fox’s single year is likely sufficient. But Grizzly’s extendable protection provides professionals extra security on their significant investments.
When it comes to woodworking equipment which should serve your shop for decades, an additional 2 years means a lot.
- Price
Regarding pricing, Shop Fox machines are more expensive than Grizzly. Both brands represent similar quality, but the price differs because of the warranty period and after-sales services.
A longer warranty covers shop Fox products, and it offers excellent after-sales service to its customer. It is the sole reason for a higher price.
Conveniently, Grizzly charges less for its machines. Not for the quality, as they are the same. The price is lesser because of the shorter warranty.
Pros and Cons of Shop Fox and Grizzly
Now that we’ve compared the brands across critical factors like product range, performance and pricing, what are the specific pros and cons of Shop Fox and Grizzly tools? Key benefits and downsides include:
Shop Fox Pros
- Well-built tools capable for hobbyists and small shops
- Smart size selections perfect for home garages
- Very good prices for features included
- Excellent customer service reputation
Shop Fox Cons
- More limited range than Grizzly
- Not powerful enough for large-scale professional work
- Plain styling not as inspiring as premium brands
Grizzly Pros
- Extensive product selection with professional options
- Commercial-grade durability stands up to daily use
- Very affordable pricing across all tiers
- Excellent warranty programs
Grizzly Cons
- Require more space than Shop Fox tools
- Entry-level models may have more plastic than competitors
- Made in China rather than USA
As this breakdown indicates, Grizzly certainly shines when it comes to capability, breadth of selection, and competitive pricing.
The brand basically sets the standard for value in heavy-duty woodworking equipment.
But for hobbyists working out of the garage, Shop Fox strikes an appealing balance. Their smartly-sized tools fit the space better and pack lots of nice features perfect for the weekend DIYer into impressively affordable packages.
Ultimately there’s a reason both brands have sustained decades of success. Shop Fox fills the niche for hobbyists, while Grizzly supplies the power for production shops. Selecting which fits your needs best comes down personal work volumes and capability requirements.
Which Brand Is Best For You?
It’s already clear that Shop Fox will be a better option than Grizzly for woodworking and metalworking machines. In terms of quality, they do not have many differences.
But when you consider other factors, you’ll see that I’m telling the truth.
Shop Fox machines are covered by 2 years of warranty compared to Grizzly’s 1-year warranty. Plus, their products are widely available in retail shops and authorized dealers. That is why you should choose Shop Fox.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Shop Fox and Grizzly are two different brands owned by the same person. Both brands manufacture their products in the same facility. Sometimes you’ll find their products identical.
Jet tools and Shop Fox are two different wood, metalworking, and various tool manufacturers. But the good thing is that you can use their parts interchangeably.
Grizzly is an American wood and metalworking tool manufacturer and retailer. It sells its products in the USA, but it does not produce them here. Grizzly tools are now made in China.
Shop Fox is one of the top wood and metalworking manufacturers and wholesalers in North and South America. But its machines are now manufactured in Taiwan and China.
Final Thoughts
A woodworking or metalworking tool can make or break your entire project. So, there’s no way for you but to choose the right tool from the right brand because the right brand will give you the best aftersales support.
I’m glad for you that after reading my Shop Fox vs. Grizzly review, now you know which the right brand to go to is.
There is a discrepancy between the “Which Brand Is Best For You?” and “Warranty” sections. The “Warranty” section says that both Grizzly and ShopFox have 1y warranties, but the “WBIBFY” section says that the ShopFox has a 2y warranty.
Per: https://support.grizzly.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407181257751-Does-Grizzly-have-a-warranty-
Grizzly warrants every “Grizzly” branded product we sell for a period of 1 year to the original purchaser from the date of purchase/shipment. Please note that this warranty does not apply to defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs, improper wiring, alterations, lack of maintenance or consumable parts.
Woodstock warrants every “Shop Fox” branded product we sell for a period of 2 years to the original purchaser from the date of purchase/shipment. This does not cover defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs, improper wiring, alterations, lack of maintenance or consumable parts