Replies

1. 
   BOBABEUI | May 28, 2009 09:03pm | #1

   Just in case you were not aware, there is a Minimax user group available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MiniMax-USA. Still not a bad idea to check multiple sources, though..

   Take this answer with a grain of salt (I am not totally sure), I think the other saws are SCMI sourced (Minimax parent company)..

2. 
   robkress | May 29, 2009 05:39am | #2

   baobab,

   I just recently got an E16. It has a Centauro sticker on it. I posted when I first got it and if you search I think you'll find it. Here's the long and short....

   I was considering the Laguna and Minimax. They are both very nice machines but I went with the Minimax because the frame (the body) and main guts I felt were better. And it is a nice body and frame (motor, wheels, etc...)

   Here's what I don't like. The table and the fence are a joke. I was very disappointed by the underwhelming table and not at all well made fence. The table miter slots are not standard size (like what I am used to on a table saw). And the miter gauge thingy then sent was a throw away. That's really my biggest complaint.

   After that, the blade guide assemblies have not really been well engineered. They are hard to adjust (the lower) and don't work for small blades (not even well for medium blades). Some times I even just cut with out them (good guts on the saw). But when I do adjust them in, they work well. I have a 3/4" resaw king that I use mostly and a handful of smaller blades for not straight or not important work.

   As a point to mention, I have not spent a lot of time with the saw yet and I am still learning how to set it up. So take that into account. I plan on building a new fence and rail for the saw myself. I may even make a new table for it (maybe). Seems like a lot of work for a $2K saw.... right?

   At the same time that I got my E16 I also got a Laguna platinum table saw (also reviewed here). I'll just say my satisfaction with my table saw is much different.

   My purchasing experience with both companies was fantastic and I would deal with both again. In fact I just bought a new Laguna 16" platinum planer (arriving soon).

   Good luck.

   Rob Kress

   I think the Laguna 16" just got a little update and has a couple of new / better features. You might check it out as well.

1. 
   Tinkerer3 | May 29, 2009 07:06am | #3

   I have the MM16.  When I was in the store in Austin, Texas, the MM16 was beside the cheaper version.  I didn't use either model before purchasing but what a difference to look at them.  Sarge seems to be the authority on quality of woodworking machines.  Hope he chimes in.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | May 29, 2009 03:50pm | #4

   I have a MiniMax FS30 jointer/planer and thus subscribe to the MM user group. I am amazed at the number of bandsaw complaints I read that have not been resoled by MM.

   I have owned a Laguna 14" saw for about 5 years and have not had ANY trouble. I will receive a new Laguna LT16 - 3000 on Tuesday. Check it on their website.

   Frosty

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

1. 
   baobab | May 29, 2009 04:01pm | #5

   I'll check the laguna. It looks like the m16 is not even present on the italian market like the MM16. The only one present is the S45N which is an hobby type of machine. The professionals do start at 24". Any one have experience with the S45N? The MM looks lij=ke a good machine but is a little heavy for me. Wh makes the laguna? Thanks.

1. 
   Jfrostjr | May 29, 2009 04:11pm | #6

   The LT16-3000 is manufactured for Laguna - I assume by the same company that made my 14". That one was made in Bulgaria. Fit and finish are excellent. It gives me great comfort to spin the wheels by hand and feel how smooth and all surfaces are.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

1. 
   Krico | May 30, 2009 01:39am | #7

   LT16 3000 is made in Asia.

   I have an E16.  I like it, however if I were to do it again, for the money I would look at the Laguna LT 16 3000. It appears to have heavier flywheels, and a few other features that I like.  Things like the Quick release, tracking window,  and flip fence.  I also like the ceramic guide system but I have read that it is hard to adjust.

   The thing that I don't like about either saw - the table and throat depth is too small.  I also don't know if I would like the tension gage on the Laguna, but they are all supposed to be pretty worthless.

4. 
   Tom7 | May 30, 2009 03:21am | #8

   I went through the same decision process early this year.  I looked at Minimax, Laguna and Agazzani.  I have previously posted my observations.  I bought an Agazzani.  It is a wonderful machine.  The fence is great.  It came in a crate of 5/8" plywood and reinforcing 2x4's, machine arrived in perfect condition.  Everything works perfectly.

   Do yourself a favor and talk to Jesse at Eagle Tools about Agazzani.  He really knows bandsaws and tells the whole truth. 

   Also read the extensive posts on this site and on sawmill creek about bandsaws.  Pay particular attention to ongoing electrical switch issues, tables not flat, poor crates resulting in shipping damage, fences not square to the table, Euro guides that are hard to use, poor customer service, can't use 1/4" blades without modifications, tension guides that are unreliable, can't open bottom door without removing one of mobility wheels, etc.

   The Agazzani B-20 I bought cost less than comparable machines and did not have these issues.  I am a very happy camper.

1. 
   desertmaster | May 30, 2009 06:10am | #9

   I will second Tom's opinion about Eagle Tools and Agazzani. I have had an 18" Aggy for 6 yrs and am very happy with it. Eagle was very courteous and good to deal with, loaded it into my truck for me , and even threw in some extra blades.
   Gary

1. 
   mapleman | May 31, 2009 06:29am | #10

   Tom and Gary,

   I looked at the Agazzani before buying my MM20. It seems that when comparing like models (18" to 18", etc) the Agazzani had less resaw height and/or motor hp. Has that changed?

   Lee

1. 
   desertmaster | Jun 01, 2009 06:57am | #11

   Lee,
   My 18" has 12.5" resaw capacity, 2.5 hp, also has slightly less than 18" blade to post distance (about 17 1/8"). I bought it in '04.
   Gary

1. 
   baobab | Jun 01, 2009 03:44pm | #12

   Thanks fo r the informations. After all I'm starting to consider the Agazzani, 16 or 18. A couple of questions. Agazzani is sold in USA by Eagle and Adwood. I asked for informations and I'm still waiting for the details but from what i can see Adwood sells the machine in the CE version with only 20 degrees of tilting and pneumatic break. I believe these are safety features imposed by the CE. Any idea on this? Ae the machine of the too importers the same and how are their services? I know very little about Adwood. Thanks for your informations.

2. 
   desertmaster | Jun 01, 2009 08:00pm | #13

   baobab,
   I had never heard of Adwood, but I googled them trying to find out what was they could mean by "pneumatic brake", was unable to find out any info. (I know it must refer to air brakes, but had never heard of that on a band saw of this size.) The saw I bought has a full 45 degree tilt and mechanical foot brake, which is helpful because the cast iron wheels are heavy and can take a long time to coast to a stop without the brake.
   I was sold on this saw not because of the size and horsepower, but mainly just it had the features I wanted and was sold by a company (Eagle tools in L.A.) with a good reputation. Plus I am about 2 hours away from them and could drive there and pick it up and save on shipping. I paid around $1850 5 years ago, saving a little money by getting one of the old models not seeing any features on the newer mode that I would pay more for. The only difference I remember was that the newer model had dual dust ports in the saw cabinet.
   If you are in need of more info, I suggest you contact the salesman I dealt with if he is still there, his name is John Wee, seemed like more of a knowledgeable woodworker, than a pushy salesman.
   Good luck, Gary

3. 
   mapleman | Jun 01, 2009 08:14pm | #14

   Hi Gary,

   That's what I thought. I hear very good things about the Agazzani, like they set up and test each machine before delivery. I needed a bit more resaw capacity (and larger motor) so that's why I went with the Mini Max. If the Agazzani was closer in specs to the MM I likely would have went that route.

    

   Lee