Replies

1. 
   wop | Nov 13, 2004 12:19am | #1

        The only bandsaw that minimax actually makes is their 18" (45cm) saw .The other models they sell are made by Centauro , who is the best band saw maker here in Italy. But the 40cm (16") they don't really consider a real saw. The professional line starts with a 60cm (24") saw, From this size up they make a light duty and a heavy duty version.

      At the international wood machinery trade fair this spring in Milan they displayed the full line. The 16" model they hid behind a column so that you couldn't see it and only showed it to those who asked. This is just to say it's not a model that the producer is proud of.

     Laguna from what I know is also made here in Italy but I have heard complaints about them being under powered . Check the archives and you will find feed back on this point.

                                      

            I have a Centaro 60cm heavy duty, and a Framar 50cm light duty. I personally wouldn't get  anything smaller.

                                                                                   Philip

1. 
   Michmesquite | Nov 14, 2004 05:47am | #6

   If SCMI (MiniMax) is ashamed of their MM 16 then their standards are EXCEEDINGLY high. (BTW: My MM16 was made by Centauro, and it isn't a toy.)

   I have the MM 16 and bought it for two reasons. I was able to do a side by side comparison at both the San Mateo and Sacramento shows. I do not recall the Laguna model, but there was absolutely no comparison. The MM 16 was the better of the two, hands down. (was also better than the Felder, IMO)

   The other reason was service, both sales and afterwards. I was terribly unimpressed with the Laguna sales staff. They treated me like sh_t and had the same attitude as a used car salesmen. This was night and day different from the sales effort I got from MiniMax. (If you want to deal with MiniMax, ask for Mike Kahn).

   If you are interested in how each manufacturer handles service, log on to the individual Yahoo group sites and listen for awhile._________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell

   Edited 11/13/2004 9:48 pm ET by MICHAELP

1. 
   wop | Nov 15, 2004 12:50am | #7

       Oh yeah, in that size machine ,the Centauro marketed by minimax is probably the best machine on the market. And it wasn't Minimax that are not proud of it .It is Centauro who don't much like being known for making a machine that small because they generally only produce larger professional tools.  As to the Felder I don't recall who builds their bandsaws but they are Italian built down near Carpi (Modena) about the same quality as Agazanni.

                                                                                 Philip

      AS far as customer service in the states I have never heard any thing bad about Minimax or anything good about Laguna. I personally have no experience with either in the US. Here in Italy Minimax is a great company to deal with. Felder is Ok not great.

2. 
   JCinNC | Nov 23, 2004 10:51pm | #18

   I had the same experience as you did at the Charlotte, NC show 2-3 years ago when I bought my MiniMax 16".  Their customer service is excellent.  I went there to get the Jet 18" but had to shell out the couple extra $'s once I saw the MiniMax saw.  I'd love to see competitively priced MM table saw.  I'm not sold on combo machines.

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Nov 13, 2004 12:28am | #2

   What wop is saying above isn't quite true. The Laguna 16HD is made in Italy. The LT16 is not. It is currently being made in Bulgaria according to Laguna specs.

   Both are definitely "real" saws. Very sturdy, very heavy duty. I saw both the Minimax line and the Laguna line at the woodworking show in Ft. Washington, PA last weekend and was impressed with both.

   In the current issue of American Woodworker, rating bandsaws up to $1,500, the Laguna LT16 and the new Minimax 16" saw (not their biggest one) are rated tops.

   The reason I know all this is I just ordered an LT16 last night and did a lot of research before buying. They're running a good package deal. But in the end it was really a flip of a coin - both are excellent machines.

1. 
   wop | Nov 13, 2004 01:21am | #3

   Actually what I said is true ,I said from What I know the Laguna is made in Italy. If they have moved production to a less reputable country it is something that I have not heard. And it is true that no producer here considers a saw that small to be anything but a hobby saw. If you go through all of the furniture producing shops in Brianza you will not find a saw under 50cm.

       It is true that these smaller machines are heads above the Taiwan production but this may also be because the producers are used to producing industrial quality and not hobby quality and this shows even in the small machines.

        Between the two , Yes I'd say it's a flip of the coin as to quality. Which is why I suggest a search of the archives for info on service, availablity,courtisity, etc...

       I have heard complaints about Laguna . I have not heard complaints about Minimax.  Evaluate from there.

                                                                           Philip

3. 
   jptenberg | Nov 13, 2004 07:32pm | #4

   My LT16 is being delivered on Tuesday--I can't wait!  I'll let you know how it goes

   Peter

   jpswoodworking.com

1. 
   tad | Nov 14, 2004 05:13am | #5

   i just ordered the HD16...delivery expected in two months...saw the demo...loved the saw...proof will be in the pudding!Tad

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Nov 15, 2004 05:19pm | #8

   Can you let us know when you get the LT16 and have a chance to try it out (which I imagine will be the first night)? I just ordered one and I'm eager to know what you think.

3. 
   MarkRoderick | Nov 17, 2004 09:48pm | #10

   Well? It's past Tuesday. Did you get the saw?

1. 
   jptenberg | Nov 18, 2004 07:57am | #12

   Of course, since I was out all day installing cabinets, the freight company delivered it.  From what I'm told, it is waiting for me in my shop.

   I should have it fired up by mid afternoon tomorrow (Grin)  Providing the 220 I wired up is right...

   Peter

2. 
   jptenberg | Nov 20, 2004 05:58am | #13

   Well, I got the saw and it's up and running great--except for the fact that they sent the wrong motor!

   Laguna sent out a 2HP instead of the 3, so now I've got to deal with that.  But the saw works great, and cuts thru 6" maple like butter.  I imagine that it will be even better when I get the motor replaced.  We'll see how Laguna's customer service treats me...

   Peter

1. 
   TKanzler | Nov 21, 2004 08:16pm | #15

   Out of curiosity, what brand is the 2 hp motor?Be seeing you...

1. 
   jptenberg | Nov 21, 2004 09:01pm | #16

   It's a Baldor--A nice motor, but not as nice as the 3HP Baldor

4. 
   snowdog | Nov 17, 2004 01:53am | #9

   Thanks for all the feedback and discussion. I was leaning toward Laguna (among the reasons,the ceramic guides seem impressive though I haven't used them) but the info about service and support (MM thumbs up, Laguna thumbs down) can't be overlooked.

1. 
   Mackwood | Nov 18, 2004 03:21am | #11

   Sky,

   I bought a MM 16 several months ago.  I am VERY happy with it!  It's a very solid machine and the customer service is top notch.

   I believe they now have their own version of the "cool block" type guides.  When I bought the saw the salesman said they were coming soon and now I see them listed on their web site as an available option.

   Regards,

   Mack

   Edit:  Laguna is now supplying their saws with Baldor motors which I feel is a great step in the right direction for them.

   "WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"

   Edited 11/17/2004 7:23 pm ET by Mack

5. 
   GT | Nov 21, 2004 06:13pm | #14

   have lt 16,about a year old.Was perfect right out of shipping crate.Only had to retension drive belt,which is normal.Cut straight using rip fence,no deflection at all,but using the right blade helps,would by laguna again..

6. 
   jc21 | Nov 21, 2004 10:41pm | #17

   Bought a MiniMax S14 bandsaw in September .......... very pleased with the saw and customer service.