Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 04, 2004 06:42am | #1

   I bought the Laguna 16 HD about 4-5 years ago, and use it mainly for resawing.

   It is the only bandsaw of its type that I have ever owned, so I don't have any frame of reference to place it in. I do have an Inca 10", which is a truly sweet machine, and I can tell you the Laguna is no Inca!

   In sum, I would describe it as adequate, but expensive. I've had no particular problems with it, but it has not been the type of machine that, for me, has generated a fierce loyalty.

   In this category, others in these forums sing the praises of Mini Max and Agazani (sp?), so I would check those out as well.

   Do a forum search for bandsaws, Laguna, and the other brands, and you will find a flood of threads. This is a favorite topic, and you will find some very knowledgable (and opinionated) people with comments that could keep you going for hours.

   Welcome to Knots.....................

2. 
   mike4244 | Jun 04, 2004 03:58pm | #2

   What kind of sawing do you expect to do?If you need resaw capacity you might want a saw with a riser block or a large saw. Delta 14" saw is a good one but in my opinion is over priced. I have used the Jet 14' saw on occasion but found it under powered.I bought the Grizzly 16" bandsaw, resaws up to 7 3/4". This saw is excellent in my opinion. Grizzly also makes 14" saws, never saw one in person but gets good reviews.I am not familiar with Laguana or most of the other bandsaws on the markey. I do a lot of resawing on my saw, the height restriction doesn't bother me as most work that would be glued up to a wider dimension is less than 7 3/4".

   mike

1. 
   TomHigby | Jun 05, 2004 02:12am | #6

   If a band saw is under powered, put a bigger motor on it.  I've had the Delta 14" for many years.  I bought it new without a motor and put on a one horse.  It's  been ample for me.

    tom 

3. 
   forestgirl | Jun 04, 2004 06:30pm | #3

   Hi Montrealer, and welcome!  While you're waiting for people to respond to your query, you might want to do an search (use "Advanced Search" at top of left-hand column here) on "Laguna" and then on "Mini-Max" or "MiniMax".  Outside of Jet, Delta and Grizzly, those are the two that seem to get the most attention, and seem to be upper-level brands.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   wop | Jun 05, 2004 12:48am | #4

       The Laguna are Italian made but from what I know are not the best. On the US market the best are the Mini-max and Agazzani , if you are looking at the smallest size (40cm /16 in) the Agazzani is a bit better. The mini-max band saws are made by Centauro Spa. except for the 18 in which is the only band saw mini-max produces. The larger saws marketed by mini-max in the US are Centauro which are the best bandsaws made in the world but they consider the 60cm (24 in) to be the minimum size for a professional bandsaw.

      Anyway stick with an Italian saw, I went to Xlyexpo ( the european wood technology trade fair) last week and compared what's on the market Taiwan is trying to compete but they just don't quite cut it.

                                                                        Philip

1. 
   Fingrs | Jun 05, 2004 01:29am | #5

   I installed the 6" riser block on my Delta 14" BS last weekend and last night cut some 1/16 thick (actually less) by 10" wide slabs from a tiger maple plank.  It cut fast and vertical.  I used a Woodslicer blade. 

   Previously I considered investing in an MM or Laguna or even the new Delta 20", but decided to try the $99 riser block.  For my quantity of resawing, I'll be fine.  I did order a Shelix cutter head for my 15" planer, however...just in case! 

5. 
   dirtstirrer | Jun 05, 2004 05:55am | #7

   Ray,

   If you've got the room and the attraction to old iron, might I suggest an older cast iron frame Oliver, Tannewitz or someting?  My 36" Oliver is awsome, and was a lot cheaper then the Mini Max that Dain almost talked me into. 

   If you do go with the new welded frame saw, check Mini Max out.  They sent me a side by side comparison of a Laguna and a MM, and there are some major diferences. 

   Steve
6. 
   10fingers | Jun 06, 2004 05:09am | #8

   If you look on Ebay under bandsaws, there is a 36" SCMI (Italian made) that is used.  It has 3 phase electrics.   It is listed for the second time.  The first time no one bid on it for the asking price of $499.00.  If you are not too far from them, it might be worth looking to.