new bandsaw

Re: new bandsaw

David Yoho

I have a MiniMax 16" that is very nice. Built like a tank. Only thing might be the price tag. Still, I think you get your money's worth from them. It's a quality machine.

Re: new bandsaw

JL

Have you considered the 14" Rikon (10-326)? 13" resaw capacity, good power, reasonable table.

I have an 18" Rikon and I've used the 14" over at the Folk School. I like both.

Re: new bandsaw

John W Foster

The quality of your current General is hard to beat, can you find a riser block kit for it or get a machinist to make you one?

Tension Release

Yonak

One thing I like a lot about my Rikon is the quick tension release lever. It makes changing a blade a breeze.

Re: new bandsaw

Stuart Johnson

I have Mini Max 16" and couldn't be happier. Several years ago at a woodworkers show MM and Laguna were both represented. The MM rep spent as much time as I wanted going over their bandsaw. The Laguna rep didn't show any interest in showing their machine. Fast forward a few years and I bought a Laguna 20" disc sander and had problems from day one. There was no customer support after dealing with 3 different service reps each one replacing one that left the firm I gave up and bought replacement capacitors that while worked did not fit. As a result no matter how good (their bandsaw does get high reviews) I won't buy Laguna.

Re: new bandsaw

paul in AZ

That mirrors my experience with Laguna. I got the itch to buy one of their bandsaws. Calling, leaving unanswered messages, occasionally talking to people who either didn't seem to know or care got more than a little ridiculous. It felt like I was begging them to take my money. Enough of that.

I bought a plain ol' Jet 18" locally and couldn't be happier.

Re: new bandsaw

Barry Irby

I have a Delta 14" saw with a riser block. I can fiddle with it and get it to resaw pretty well, but then have to change the blade to cut bowl blanks or tight curves. I hate fiddling with it and changing the blade back and forth. The answer was two bandsaws. My suggestion is to buy a good resaw with an excellent wide blade and a biggish motor and use it for resawing, but keep the one you have for everything else.

Re: new bandsaw

Hank Knight

I've had a Laguna LT 18 for about ten years. It is a high quality saw andI've had no problems with it. It was shipped with an incorrect bracket for the blade guides. I called Laguna and they sent me the correct replacement immediately. It was delivered from California to my home in South Carolina in three days. That has been my only involvement with Laguna's customer service. I'm well aware of Laguna's reputation for poor customer service, but I've not experienced it.

If you decide to buy a Laguna, invest in their Resew King blade. It's expensive, but I've not found anything the compares with it. I've been using it for a lot more than resewing, at which it excels. Yesterday I cut a bunch of tenons and sockets for bridle joints with it. They were perfect, better than I could have done with my table saw. I got mine as a purchase incentive when I bought my saw. You might want to see if you can negotiate a deal if you purchase from Laguna.

Buy from local dealer rec

Michael van pelt

I have a Jet 18” and the Laguna. My Jet will not resaw straight. The Laguna is a jewel. Cuts veneer quality highly recommended. I bought mine from my local dealer and have received excellent service.

Re: I also have the MM16 -great saw! 

often unconsidered features

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Table size. So you get a Laguna saw with huge resaw capacity. It comes with a postage stamp sized table and it doesn't weight enough to stick itself to the floor. Try resawing something 4' long and 12" tall on it. To be practical you will need to rig an outfeed table and lock it on the floor.

Another consideration would be to buy a used old Delta or Powermatic 20 or 24" machine. Here in the US they come up for sale frequently. I bought one that needed bearings and tires for $500.

Re: new bandsaw

Philip F Duffy

My Rikon 18" came used slightly when a fellow moving to CA from active duty had to sell. I was the winner!

Great saw. P.