Replies

1. 
   LarryPile | Sep 08, 2002 07:06pm | #1

   Hi Phil....I'm jealous....I don't have the shop space yet for another big tool.  Wood Magazine just did a comparison of band saws...check it out.  I liked the Laguna...but they also liked the Jet and the Delta.....

   lp

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 08, 2002 07:15pm | #2

   Phil,

   Seems the magazines all focus on the 14" machines since that's what most of us poor schmucks use.

   I too have read good things about the Laguna, and it seems the importers are starting to bring it more European machines with steel frames which are supposed to be more stable.  My dealer sells the MiniMax (which I believe is Italian) and he claims it's a superb machine.

   Jeff

3. 
   forestgirl | Sep 08, 2002 07:36pm | #3

   A machine with cast-iron wheels (read: Laguna) will give you a serious boost in resawing power over one with aluminum wheels, per the aforementioned article (eek, sound like a lawyer, good heavens).  Even though you're looking for a bigger machine, you might find the article very informative as they discuss guide designs, and other factors that could be applied when making a decision about a bigger machine.

   I'm jealous too! 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   BG | Sep 10, 2002 03:28am | #8

   Hint, Hint..the Grizzly has cast iron too..only $625..BG

2. 
   GunnyKip1 | Sep 10, 2002 03:31am | #9

   Dont forget that the Laguna takes 220V which puts it out of a lot home shops

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 10, 2002 04:40am | #10

   True, 220V is a problem for many home shop owners, but given that Philko has obviously saved up for more than a lightweight 14" saw, and is looking for mega-capacity in the resaw arena, no reason to assume he's not either 220-capable, or could install it if needed.  If not, well that's life.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   DennisS | Sep 10, 2002 05:04am | #11

   220 is no problem! Just disconnect the water heater and pipe in a new circuit for the shop!! Let's get our priorities in the right place here (hehehe); just kidding of course, but in reality when we converted to natural gas for domestic hot water, that freed up a 220 breaker in the panel. Gets to be a pain to run everything off one extension chord, though (one at a time, of course).

   On the other hand, if there's the capacity in the panel, a new 220 breaker or two 110 on different legs of the service isn't too big a deal.

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 09, 2002 12:10am | #4

   Badger Pond has some great reviews of the bigger saws on their site.

   http://www.wwforum.com/faqs_articles/index.html

   Jeff

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/8/2002 5:13:12 PM ET by Jeff K

1. 
   sharp | Sep 09, 2002 02:00am | #5

   yeah but badger pond sucks.

1. 
   user-38724 | Sep 09, 2002 07:25am | #6

   Keep the suggestions coming.  You guys helped me make a great choice on my drill press!

5. 
   tedwick | Sep 09, 2002 08:39pm | #7

   Greetings!

   I have a 14" Delta with a 6" extension with which I have resawn more than I like to remember.   I still use it but have now added a new 18" Jet which I am very happy with.  I do most of my ripping and resawing with the Jet and curved work with the Delta.  I bought it in 1977 for $600-about what it would cost today similarly equipped.

   I bought the Jet 1 year ago when Wood craft had it on sale for $949.

   I have modified the table of the Delta with plywood and phenolic Resin and a clamp on adjustable fence that works from outboard side. (also faced with Phenolic Resin).  Disadvantage is that it is no good for angle cuts and takes more work to change blades.

   I use the band saw a lot in my shop.  The Laguna is a beaut.  I don't think the 18" Jet would disappoint you.

   Ted

6. 
   bobert26 | Sep 10, 2002 07:37am | #12

   I just purchased a MiniMax  MM16 and it is an awesome machine 12.5" resaw, 3 HP motor, and excellent fit & finish.  I previously owned  only General and Delta equipment and the fit and finish on this machine is even better. It was delivered perfectly adjusted and ready to run except for a ton of cosmoline (greasy gunk) that had to be cleaned off. There are a couple of minor flaws the plastic cover on the on/off switch was cracked because the screws were over tightened, and the blade tension indicator didn't work properly both of which were fixed promptly after a call to MiniMax.  Importing the machine to Canada went very smoothly MiniMax looked after everything (shipping, customs, etc.)  

   I had looked very closely at the Laguna HD 16 but after seeing the specifications on the MiniMax it was a no brainer for me, everything about the MiniMax was heavier beefy and better thought out.  With the exception maybe of the fence, the Laguna two position fence is probably a step up from the MiniMax fence.  The blade guides have more adjustsments and the lower guides can be moved up very close to the bottom of the table, also the guide post is twice as thick as the Laguna. Plus the price to Canada was considerably less.

   The saw zips right through thick oak and maple and still cuts curves no problem. I had previously owned a General 15"  saw which was a great machine but had only 6.5" resaw, I think the MiniMax is better in every way. 

   I think comparing this machine to a Delta 14" saw is like comparing a Hummer to Kia Sportage.

   In short I am very pleased with this machine and highly recommend it.

1. 
   user-38724 | Sep 10, 2002 11:00pm | #13

   Where did you buy you MiniMax and if you don't mind, about what did you pay for it?

   Thanks!

1. 
   bobert26 | Sep 13, 2002 05:27am | #14

   I purchased my saw from Mini Max USA   2012 Centimeter Circle,  Austin Texas 78758 866-975-9663   Carl Knapp was my sales rep. and he was very knowledgeable on the technical aspects of the not only this saw but the Laguna as well.  Carl was very helpful throughout the whole purchasing process.  And if I ever can save up enough $ (or possibly sell a kidney) I'll order a combo jointer/planer from him.

   I paid (you may want to sit down for this)  $3200.00 Can.  includes delivery and GST.  The saw came with a mobility kit, fence, mitre gauge, and  5 blades.

   The US list price is $1695.00 and shipping within the US would be much less than I paid. It's a heck of a price, but it is a heck of a machine and I'm happy with my purchase.

   Hope that helps

1. 
   user-38724 | Sep 14, 2002 12:26am | #19

   From an expense standpoint, I fortunately live in the U.S.  I wish I'd known about the Mini Max back when I lived about two hours away from the Austin location - not long ago.  Now, I'm just about 1500 miles away.  Oh well.  I've been checking out everything I can find about the MM16.  I'm starting to lean toward it. Can anybody tell me something to change my mind?  I unfortunately (fortunately?) now live in an area many hours away from any event that could be considered a woodworking product show, so might not be able to do that. 

7. 
   user-135888 | Sep 13, 2002 06:35am | #15

   HI

   I own a lt16 and am very happy with it. It's only 1.5 hp but it seems to be plenty of power. I heard mini max had a 12.5 awhile after I got my lt16 and it's the same price as the ten inch resawer they have. What you should do if you can is wait for a show....

   Otherwise, this is what I feel I got...

    No cool swing out door to expose the blade.

   I guess they have two dust ports now, because the ten inch mini max did not.

   more power helps but if your resawing huge pieces get a bigger table, more horses help, but it's going to be hard to hold it steady.

   My saw is almost too quiet, I have gone to get water and found it running when I got back.

   I paid $1084($995 pre. tax) with california tax 8.5%.  Since I got it at a show a nice $250 1" carbide blade came with it. It, I think it is in preformance every bit as good as a more expensive bandsaws. It is priced like the jet, but It is a great bandsaw. the jet is good, but it does not compare to the euro style thick cast iron bandsaws. I still look at them all on a regular basis, Last time I saw mini max resaw a  10 or12" at the pomona show they had no dust collection, so I left. It basically look the same as the laguna though... they had alot of trouble holding the board steady.

   Seems to me Laguna is being chased,,,, Grizzly is coming out with a knock off that looks like the laguna too.

   P.S.  Can you tell, I live in earthquake country?

   Still happy

   john g

   
1. 
   MikeK50 | Sep 13, 2002 06:55am | #16

   I have been looking at the LT16 also, especially after reading the latest reviews.  I have also heard a lot about the Mini-Max, but it is a lot more money.

   A wood show is coming up locally starting the first of November.  Can I expect a wood show special that is worth waiting for?

   Otherwise, these are only sold through the respecitve companies, I think.

   Thanks,

   Mike

2. 
   riverr1 | Sep 13, 2002 07:30am | #17

   You ought to send this picture into wood magazine. They have a page of "shop hints," that they pay cash or give prizes for published ideas. The rope is great! Put an innertube around and complain about the flood zone also! lol

   Don

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 13, 2002 02:45pm | #18

   Can't somebody do something??????? That poor saw is trying to hang itself!!!!!!!

8. 
   strongandco | Sep 16, 2002 09:56am | #20

   Hi Phil:

   I bought a Euroshop/Agazzani B18 (Italian-similar to laguna) and have benn using it for about six months now. 230V,2.5hp, 12"resaw. I have used it for resawing 8x12 DF Fir Timbers, and lots of work with 8-10" logs for railing and furniture. It has been a great machine and my only misgivings are that Idid not buy a bigger one (24" or 28"). I set it up with a custom add-on table and fence I made for resawing and it will easily slab out 8-10" thick material. Dust collection is a must. 

   The saw is available from Eagle tools @ http://www.eagle-tools.com/Pages/agazzani.html I paid about $2200 with freight and 5 or 6 blades (including one$175-3/4"carbide re-saw blade). This is obviously more than your budget but you will get a saw that is far far superior to any of the 14" delta, jet, et. al.

1. 
   user-38724 | Sep 16, 2002 07:58pm | #21

   Thanks. I'm going to take a look at it.

2. 
   user-135888 | Sep 26, 2002 07:09am | #22

   I'm agree with you about dust

   Bandsaws make powder sawdust and Thats one reason I'd look for two dust ports. Ofcourse two dust port require a good dust collector. But the addional lower port keeps the bottom and the tire clean.

   john g

9. 
   chairmake1 | Sep 26, 2002 08:50am | #23

   buy the largest Luguna Tools band saw that you can afford. You will forever be happy with the preformance of this machine.

   really!

   good luck

   Robert