Replies

1. 
   wooden_spoke | Dec 04, 2004 09:16am | #1

   FBC:

   I was hesitant to buy a 'used' MM20 (Jan 2004 model, approx $2500) because I
   thought it was too big a risk compared to buying a 'new' MM16.   But now,
   based on the beefiness of my MM16, I wish I had jumped on the MM20 deal. 
   Unless the saw has been greatly abused, it would be hard to depreciate a
   product this solid.  Plus, it really helps to know a previous owner since
   MM sales people can usually only be reached by phone.  Good luck with your
   decision.

   rick

1. 
   Michmesquite | Dec 04, 2004 11:17am | #2

   I'll second rick's thoughts. I also have a MM 16 and have a friend who did buy a used MM 20. He got his 6 months ago for about $2,300 and had to drive about 300 miiles roundtrip. But I think he would do it again in a second. I know I would._________________________________

   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 

1. 
   FineBlade | Dec 04, 2004 04:12pm | #4

   Thanks for seconding Rick's nudge

2. 
   FineBlade | Dec 04, 2004 04:10pm | #3

   The MM 20 is actually new at that price, off a woodworking show floor with the mobility kit and miter guage. i don't have a spouse any longer, but i do single parent half time, so i have to chastise myself about considering preposterous purchases that i have no idea how i'll pay for (boy are those interesting conversations, i should have responded to the "are you a good conversationalist" thread). I just needed a push in ths form of believing that this saw will make me very happy for a long time. I am very particular aboul the quality of my tools, and embarassingly impulsive when the opportunity arises. Thanks for the nudge, glad you like your minimax. Daniel

1. 
   user-5880422 | Dec 05, 2004 07:42pm | #5

   I bought my mm20 as a show demo model, aside from echoing the previous comments about this not really being a used machine, you also get the benefit of having it setup and all the packing grease cleaned. You should also get a blade with it (I got one with mine), if it's the 1.25" Lennox carbide blade, that alone is a $200 bonus. Plus, if you are picking it up then you won't have to pay shipping, another $200-300 depending on where you live.

   As an FYI, the rising steel prices are killing these equipment manufacturers and for the European companies the euro/dollar rate is a double whammy. All of MM's machines are already hundreds of dollars more than they were last year, and there is another 7% price increase coming in January.

   Good deal, I would go for it if I were you. This is hands down one of the finest bandsaws on the market today.

1. 
   FineBlade | Dec 06, 2004 05:11am | #6

   Hi Jeff, thanks for your response. Can you tell me more about why you like your machine? Are the lower blade guides easy to adjust? Do you like the fence? How well does it resaw, etc. ? Thanks for any insight. It is more than a stretch for me right now, but I find myself like a moth to a flame. regards, Daniel

1. 
   user-5880422 | Dec 06, 2004 04:16pm | #7

   Here's what I like:

   1) more horsepower, and it's a high quality motor. IMO, power is what makes the difference on any of these bandsaws and when you a lot of it then the saw doesn't have to work as hard in other areas and overall results are better.

   2) blade quides in general are good quality and easy to adjust, and the lowers can be positioned right up to the table.

   3) the upper guide post is stout and the rack-and-pinion adustment is smooth and effortless

   4) nice fence, not the best I've seen but I haven't found anything to complain about. It's a cast iron fence to boot, so you won't get any flex out of it.

   5) wheels are well balanced and this makes for a very smooth running bandsaw

   6) foot brake is nice, the big wheels will keep on spinning for a long time after you hit the switch.

   All of the above add up to a well designed, quality built bandsaw that just outperforms everything else I've seen in the same class. Resaw quality is outstanding, with my 1.25" carbide blade I could take sheets of paper off a 15" board... seriously, you won't be disappointed in the resawing capacity.

   Keep in mind that these saws are awesome with 3/8" and up blades, 1/4" is okay but 1/8" and 3/16" blades don't work so well on the big saws.

2. 
   FineBlade | Dec 06, 2004 05:34pm | #8

   Hi Jeff,
   Many thanks for your informative reply, that's just what I was looking for. It is comforting to know that my compulsion is at least well placed. I take great satisfaction from having a fond relationship with a well designed and built tool that is a pleasure to work with. Off I go, gratefully, Daniel

2. 
   jc21 | Dec 06, 2004 06:24pm | #9

   No experience with MM's bigger saws other than checking out an MM16 at a woodworking show but I suspect that pain in your backside by the wallet area will fade pretty fast once you start to use. I bought a MM S14 late September and have been really pleased with it and MiniMax's customer service.

3. 
   Peter36 | Dec 06, 2004 06:38pm | #10

   I do not own either saw but I am saving up for the Laguna 16 HD. I would definately check out their tools if you have not already.

4. 
   GHR | Dec 06, 2004 06:41pm | #11

   If you need to ask about the purchase, you should not make it.

   I do a lot of resawing and I make a lot of furniture and boats. I do most of my work on a bandsaw. I would find it difficult to pay $2000 for a bandsaw regardless of the quality. AND I AM IN BUSINESS.

   Anyone who tells you they can resaw 15" boards paper thin with a vertical bandsaw is guilding the lilly (lying). I have some 8/4 x 15" x 12' boards. They weigh over 100 pounds each. They are not resawing that sort of lumber.

   (I have one 14" bandsaw in my one man shop now. I expect to purchase 2 more after the first of the year.)

1. 
   FineBlade | Dec 07, 2004 05:20am | #12

   Thank you all for the input, it is valuable to have insight from hands on folks. regards, daniel

2. 
   user-5880422 | Dec 07, 2004 05:08pm | #13

   George,

   I don't blame you for doubting the capacity of the bigger bandsaws, I mean you really aren't going to experience anything close to this on a 14" bandsaw, I don't care who makes it. I do have a 20" minimax and just this last week was resawing some big (10" to 14") padauk boards. Not veneers mind you, just bookmatching panels for doors, but I could (and have) done veneers in the 3/32" range on boards this wide.

   by the way, you won't pay $2k this machine because they are $3,100 new. If I may make a suggestion, it would be to look at what value a machine delivers before casting it aside because of acquisition cost... your time is worth a lot more than any machine, increasing speed and capacity through larger and more powerful machinery can easily pay for itself in short order in a production environment. There is a good reason why people invest in equipment like this.