Hi there,
I recently noticed a Laguna Bandsaw (ACM )LT-18 from 1998 for sale for $1400.00 in my area, it has the original Italian motor rated at 2.2kw, ( 2.5 or 3hp ). Just wanted input if this was a good bandsaw purchase to make. The bandsaw had an older Laguna fence, no Blade Tension Release, but otherwise the bandsaw powered up ok, was very quiet and vibration free. I know usually when one mentions Italian Bandsaw it usually means quality compared to some newer models today. I thought the price was a bit high for a used 14 year old saw.
I checked with Laguna and they have a Baldor motor upgrade (4.5hp) for $645.00 if needed later.
Just wondered if there are any woodworkers who would recommend buying this used Laguna Bandsaw or am I better to purchase a new bandsaw. I am just a weekend woodworker but would like a better bandsaw.
thanks for any input.
Rick
Replies
It's true that Laguna tools are kinda pricey but I am little hesitant with the price since the machine is already used. I think you can purchase new Laguna L18 band saw for $2000 . $1400 is just too much for used band saw.
Laguna prices
I don't own a Laguna bandsaw, so I can't give you the usual testamonial. But, they seem to have a good reputation.
As to the $1400 price, a new saw of that model is listed at about $3,300 on the Laguna Web site. So, whether this particular saw is worth $1400 depends on condition. The fact that it runs quietly and without vibration is a good sign.
I like good bandsaws. I like my Laguna.
I never get tired of singing the praises of my MODERN Laguna bandsaw.
I am not familiar with the older ones. Probably , as you say, good stuff.
Why the hell is he answering this post then ?
Well . . . I want to encourage you to look at the new Laguna ceramic guides and their modern high precision blades. You can probably put these on the used saw you are looking at. As was already said this may get you up to the price of a brand new saw that has them on it so you may want to dicker on price. And . . .
does the price include the guy getting the saw to your shop ? When I bought my MGB GT all taken apart and put into boxes and bags with labels, if you can imagine, the highish price I paid included the guy packing it all up and bringing it to my shop on a trailer. He did a great job ! Every part I needed was there except a few he was perfectly up front about such as a new gas tank and he got it all to my shop safe and sound. I was happy / he was happy.
If you want to cut CURVES get the older Laguna and don't worry about the fancy blade and guides.
If you want to RESAW the ceramic guides and resaw king blade is NIGHT AND DAY worth it !
Now . . . about that motor. Four and a half horse power ! My God man, what are you cutting ?
My little saw in the photos has a two horse power Baldore and it hardly gets warm resawing the hardest wood out there. With the good blade I mentioned.
Do you realize you will need three phase power to drive a motor like that ? Not usually available if your shop is in a residential area.
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/power-tools-and-machinery/laguna-blade-guides-delta-18
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/power-tools-and-machinery/laguna-quality
PS: if you go to the Laguna site from the link in the second discussion the first page looks like it is kind of a dead site but just click on the word "videos" and then give it a while to load. Good info.
PPS: don't get too drawn into the guy in the thread saying they don't spec blade tension. It is just not a big deal. With these guides and the good blade it doesn't take much tension. Basically as little as possible and not have the blade slip on the wheels or bow in the cut. Much less than older set ups. Any more tension than that just means bearing wear and distortion of the frame of the saw. I have made cuts with the tension backed off on the hand crank for the setting I use when I am not using the saw. It still made some impressive cuts and I noticed later I had forgotten to bring the tension up for the days work. Really.
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/power-tools-and-machinery/band-saw-blade-tension
Or maybe the Rikon
I've been pleased with the Rikon 10-345 18 inch saw which runs about $1650 new. The stock motor is 2.5 hp. I needed to call tech support once with an adjustment question and they were very helpful and spent the time necessary to resolve the issue.
I also added a driftmaster fence (so Laguna got some money after all). If the used saw you're looking at comes with the driftmaster that would be a real plus.
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