Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Feb 02, 2008 04:50pm | #1

   I've had a Laguna 14" about 3 years and it is flawless - and has been since day one. (I don't know if it is a Super Saw model)

   Good adjustable fence, great dust collection, plenty of power, good smooth castings on the wheels. If you need mobility, their package is great. Nuff said.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

2. 
   JeffHeath | Feb 02, 2008 06:31pm | #2

   I'm not trying to stir the pot, but I believe that it is important you know about the several threads regarding customer service at Laguna.  There have been many complaints.  I just want you to be aware.

   I'm extremely impressed with the MM16 from Minimax.  In this price point, Minimax and Laguna are the top two contenders.

   That's assuming that you don't want a 36" Tannewitz from 1952, that will cut circles around any bandsaw made today.  They're a little large, at around 2500 lbs. and 9 feet tall.

   Jeff

   
   

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   Edited 2/2/2008 10:32 am ET by JeffHeath

1. 
   woodmanii | Feb 02, 2008 08:25pm | #3

   Thanks, but no I am looking for a good bandsaw for my home shop.

   Being retired, I don't need to cut up a full grown tree.

   Thanks.

2. 
   FrankDrackman | Feb 03, 2008 04:11am | #4

   I have a Laguna bandsaw and a MiniMax combo machine.  The customer service from both companies have been similar... fair.  If I was forced to choose one company based only on customer service I would go with Laguna.

    

    

1. 
   JeffHeath | Feb 03, 2008 07:25am | #5

   That's interesting to hear.  There have been quite a few 'vocal' outbreaks on the forums regarding dissatisfied customers from Laguna.  One got so bad, that one of the owners from Laguna actually got involved, and it wasn't pleasant.  I read the entire thread.

   On the other hand, I've heard stellar reviews on the Minimax customer service.  Obviously, it sounds like you've had a different experience.

   I've had two different encounters with the sales staff of Laguna.  In my opinion, you are only as good as the worst employee you allow to talk to customers.  One of my encounters was similar to a root canal, and the other was like being in the presence of a 1960's used car salesman.  Neither were pleasant.

   I've used both bandsaws, and feel that they are both quite nice.  In fact, if my decision were based on performance alone, I think it would almost be a coin toss.  However, I don't base my purchasing decisions on performance alone.  In my experiences, customer service always comes into play.

   My only encounter with Minimax was the fella in Texas, and it was quite pleasant.  I'll be buying the MM16 from him later this spring.

   Jeff

1. 
   FrankDrackman | Feb 03, 2008 09:19pm | #6

   IMO customer service is a huge area; depending on your needs, one customer might rate a company and another low.  There are many woodworkers in the Felder Owners Group that started out as MiniMax owners and when you probe for the reasons behind the switch most seem to fall into the customer service bucket.  Long delays for parts, misquoted specs, not returning calls, etc.

   I have a couple Laguna tools and the few times that I have interacted with Laguna they have met my needs.  I also own a MiniMax combo machine and it took multiple phone calls to get matter resolved.  When I escalated the issues they were finally resolved. 

1. 
   FrankDrackman | Feb 05, 2008 06:27pm | #8

   There is a discussion on the MiniMax owners group concerning bandsaw customer service issues going on now.

2. 
   blewcrowe | Feb 07, 2008 12:12am | #11

   You won't get stellar comments from me in regards to MM. IMO, their service is laughable.

   I don't want to repeat myself. There are a couple of bs threads here where I describe in detail the problems I had/have with a mm16, and the lack of customer service I experienced with it.

   They basically told me more than once that it is my privelege to refit and correct the flaws in their bandsaws.

   Just FYI, brother.

3. 
   PenobscotMan | Feb 04, 2008 02:51am | #7

   I'm very happy with my Delta 14. Just finished resawing 6 inch white oak without any difficulty. Saw is made in USA, if that matters to you.

4. 
   Scott_y | Feb 06, 2008 07:22am | #9

   I recently went with the Steel City 18"  It was perfect out of the box. It is similar in construction to the more pricey European saws and it has many of the same features. It cuts like a dream. No drift at all when you get the blade centered. The guides are so easy to adjust you wonder what other BS makers could be thinking. I have not needed customer service, but have heard by many knotheads that it is excellent.

   Scotty

1. 
   woodmanii | Feb 06, 2008 08:03am | #10

   Thanks Scott.  Will have to check into it more than I have to date.

5. 
   beachfarm | Feb 07, 2008 01:17am | #12

   If your looking at 14" Bandsaws, you might consider a lesser machine than the Laguna. Issues with 14" saws - ALL OF THEM - are tied to their size. Lack of it, that is. Why buy the smallest premium machine when you could buy a larger "quality" machine? A larger bandsaw will open more doors for you. I'm thinking resaw capacity, larger radius and plain old horsepower.

   Laguna makes a fine saw, but I wouldn't buy anything less than their 18" model.

1. 
   woodmanii | Feb 07, 2008 06:00am | #13

   Very good point.

   Here as of late while looking at all of them that is the way I was starting to lean.

   Thanks again.

2. 
   jpat | Feb 07, 2008 03:22pm | #14

   I am looking at the rikon14" deluxe bandsaw for that resone exactly.

   It has a 13.5 resaw capacity 1.5 horsepower, and can take up to a .75 wide blade. Anyone have any experience with them. I have heard nothing but good things about them.