Replies

1. 
   AlanTurner | Jan 31, 2003 08:25pm | #1

   You might want to add Aganazzi to that list.  I am shopping also.

2. 
   nicobie | Jan 31, 2003 10:05pm | #2

   Laguna and Bridgewood are made by the same company, so if you narrow it down to one of those go with the cheapest (bridgewood).

   Agazani has a very good reputation but in my opinion is a little short on the specs.

   I went with the Minimax because, among other things, it beat out the rest on:

   Most HP, biggest resaw capacity and is the heaviest. I also feel it has the best designed upper and lower guide bearing assemblies.

   I'm very happy with my MM16 and, if I had to decide all over again, I'd do the same

   The proof is in the puddin'

1. 
   a1sdf | Feb 01, 2003 03:13am | #3

   I may be leaning toward the minimax, but the Laguna seems to have some nice fit and finish and I'm interested to hear about the new blade guides Laguna is touting.

   Has anyone used these new ceramic blade guides that ride on the blade?

1. 
   johnhardy | Feb 01, 2003 03:38am | #4

   I've got the Laguna 18, with the ceramic guides, and I love everything about it.

   I've also heard good things about the Mini-max and the Agazzani.

   For what it's worth, I took a class at Sam Maloof's shop a few weeks ago and he has several Agazzani saws. The one he used for the demonstration must have been a 36 inch saw ... it was huge. Made my laguna seems like a toy.

   John

3. 
   WW_wannabe | Feb 01, 2003 06:23pm | #5

   FWIW, I have LT16SEC from Laguna. I had to wait months to get a straight fence. I finally kept what they sent but it still has only one straight face. Machine is fine but their service is poor. The only thing I would add to my machine is a fence/fencerail that can be moved smoothly. Round bar instead of the angle iron fence rail will do the job.

   I have delt with Bridgewood. Excellent service there.

   Finally, check out the new line from Grizzly. Their 17" and 18" (G0513 & G0506) look very similar to Laguna. BTW, the table finish on my Laguna is the worst I have seen on a machine in that price range. I have nothing but good experience working with Grizzly.

   Good Luck.

4. 
   Timberwerks | Feb 02, 2003 07:41am | #6

   After comparing the Agazzani and MiniMax I went with the MiniMax mm28. The salesman sent me dozens of photos of saws for comparison and the MiniMax had the most impresive spec's and the table tilt assembly was also a key feature. The Agazzani is also a great machine but it seem's under built in comparison with the MiniMax. It took me months to come to my decision, I know it was the right one.

   Good Luck

   Dale

1. 
   njzag | Feb 02, 2003 10:31am | #7

   I have been using the Laguna 16HD for 2-3 years now, great saw, but I caution you about customer service at Laguna.  About 18 months ago, I found that I could not turn the tension knob, after disassembling the upper wheel housing, I found the threads on nut, welded to the tension bracket had broken off and finally prevented me from turning the knob.  I always thought it was tight, but assumed it was a design feature (what can I say I worked in IT for years).  I called Laguna explained that the machine was about fourteen month old and it was obvious that the damage had existed when purchased, but had finally made the saw unusable.  Without even acknowledging my original issue, they offered to sell me a new part.  Well, I have been doing this as a hobby for a number of years and have had my share of disappointments with Powermatic and cheap imports.  I had the part fixed at a local machine shop for about the same price as Laguna wanted for the new part.  I like the saw very much, it does all that it claimed it would, and I still show off by placing a nickel (on edge) on the table then starting the saw.

    

   Nick

5. 
   john_lab | Feb 04, 2003 03:58pm | #8

   I also purchased a MiniMax(20") and have been very pleased with both the saw and the company. 

1. 
   jcousins | Feb 05, 2003 12:59am | #9

   i too did the bs dance last summer - looked at laguna, mm, agazzani - as well older machines - walker turner, oliver. ended up with the mm and have been very pleased with the machine and with customer service.

   ditto to nicobie's reasons

   jerry