Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 24, 2006 07:51pm | #1

   If you're wandering around in the Laguna class, be sure and check out MiniMax.

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

2. 
   Napie | Feb 26, 2006 01:04am | #2

   I reply this question the same way every time.  Get a used Delta 14" and the Iturra design catalog, (888-722-7078) and tune it up.  You'll never look at a welded frame saw again.  I use mine for scroll work, resawing, cutting bowl blanks, everything.  Get some Sufolk Timberwolf blades and you'll never look back

1. 
   bakesale1 | Feb 27, 2006 08:51pm | #5

   Napie - are these older ones cast iron? What, if any, difference is there between a steel cut and welded frame? Thanks.

1. 
   Napie | Feb 28, 2006 05:58am | #7

   Yes, they are cast iron, it sucks up vibration like no other material.  I'm a big fan of getting old machinery running and tuned up.  A good used 14" Delta will set you back maybe $250-$300.  Another $300 to soup it up, (depending on if you need a new motor), you'll have a great machine.  Remember Iturra, they have the stuff you need to tune one up.  The welded frame saws have always seemed a bit tinny to me.

3. 
   fingerlessHack | Feb 26, 2006 02:58am | #3

   Look up, on this site, category: Machinery>mini max.

   Maybe consider MM16, if it is not out of your price range.

   Cheers

1. 
   Archibald | Feb 27, 2006 05:57am | #4

   I am coming upon my one year anniversary with my Laguna 16HD and have nothing but praise for the saw. The Laguna, Felder and Minimax bandsaws are all coming out of the same factory so there is not a whole lot of difference in their basic design. However, the devil is in the details and this is where the Laguna really excels. Their ceramic guides and additional horsepower make a world of difference in providing accurate resawing and joinery work. Being able to rely on your bandsaw rather than your tablesaw provides for safer work (no kickback) and greater dust control in your shop.

1. 
   fingerlessHack | Feb 28, 2006 02:48am | #6

   I am glad you like your bandsaw. I like mine too.

   Laguna (ACM I think) and Minimax (Centauro) are made by two different manufactures.

   The machines are quite different, as I can attest to this because I have owned a Laguna 18" and now own an MM16... shape, size of table, how the tables tilt, main beam, wheels, etc are quite different. Not certain why you believe they are the same or same manufacturer? They are clearly different machines.

   Any one who says one or the other is hands down a better machine is either lying or a plant, deceitful salesman or company relation, spewing deceit for financial gain.

   I only contend, in my opinion, the MM16 is better VALUE, and personally believe it cuts a little better... less force needed. No scientific fact to back this up, could be my imagination. But my imagination makes me feel good about my MM16 purchase and in my book that's all that counts.

   Devil is in the detail, not certain what is meant by this per your comment on horsepower and and ceramic guides. Horsepower on both manufacturers is almost identical, thus not an issue detail wise. Laguna ceramic guides can be purchased from Laguna and added to MM16 if one felt compelled to do so.

   Cheers