Replies

1. 
   TreemontRon | Jul 23, 2003 07:02pm | #1

   I'm in the same position you were, when you posted your question about the Laguna 14.  I don't see any reply's.  Did you get any usable info on the Laguana?  Did you make a selection. 

   I've seen the saw at the shows and like the way it looks relative to other 14's, but Laguna has a pretty choppy customer service reputation and their salespeople all make me feel like I need a shower after I talk to them.

   I'l love to hear from anyone who has a Laguna 14 or 14SE. 

   thanks,

   Ron

1. 
   nicobie | Jul 23, 2003 08:16pm | #2

   Quote:

    "and their salespeople all make me feel like I need a shower after I talk to them."

   Hahahahaha

   That's why I bought from Minimax. You'd think they would learn.The proof is in the puddin'

2. 
   davearnone | Jul 23, 2003 10:58pm | #3

   Check the following discussion thread. 

   http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-knots&msg=12170.1

   dave

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 24, 2003 03:50am | #4

   whiteoak

      Looked at the Luguna at the Alanta WW Show in the early spring. I was kind of grubby dressed as I had been in the shop an rushed over (12 minutes) as I had told Tom F. I would check out a WoodPecker lift for him.

      The Luguna guys weren't real receptive. I guess I just didn't have the Laguna look. I explored their machine an they just watched. OK machine...

      I went over to the Mini-Max display an intentionally told them I was just comparing BS's an would not be buying until a future date. They practically took the machine apart to show me the quality. The rep spent over 30 minutes with me an I left with his card an was told to call them in Austin if I had any further questions.

      The truth was, I had enough cash on me to purchase a Luguna without having to write a check. I didn't, an for an obvious reason. Imagine that...

      Make mine Mini-Max an I got their toll-free number if I have any problems. Both machines are great. I just like someone that has a little pride in their product after the sale when I might really need the help!!

   Good Luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   Fingrs | Jul 24, 2003 05:53am | #5

   Yo, all.  Anyone had a look at the new Jet 16 and 18 inch bandsaws?  I've had a brief glance and liked what I saw (especially the 18 inch model), but really have not looked at either Laguna or MiniMax closely.  I currently use a 14 inch Delta.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 24, 2003 07:13am | #7

   Lofton

      Have not seen it yet. I just went to the Jet web-site. Looks like they have beefed them a bit. Roller guides and the dual columns. What is the prices?

      I will try to drop by Stone Mountain Tool this weed-end as I didn't know they had made changes. Interested to see exactly what they've done. They now look better on paper than before. They kind of sat on things awhile an let the name-brand do the selling. With the market getting savier an savier everyday, you can't do that anymore.

   sarge..jt

2. 
   koikid | Jul 24, 2003 06:04am | #6

   I totally agree with you Sarge, every thing I have heard about the Mini-Max has been good and they are only 1 State away.  I have heard some real horror stories about Laguna sales people!  But I'm almost ashamed because week before last a Lugna LT18 followed me home like a little puppy!  Was one of those deals I could not pass on, Was 2 years old, he had used only 4 of the 6 blades he got with the saw and looked like a new one! Except for the $ Price was just a hare over 1/2 price of the saw new and no shipping since that was kind of on the way back from the wife and my vacation. I did have to pull a trailer about 1800 miles, but about 600 of that had the saw on it.

   So that was the reason for my choice of the Laguna  I figured what I saved I should be OK.

   KK

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 24, 2003 07:31am | #8

   KK

      For what you paid, you should be locked up. I like the Luguna a lot, I just personally like the Mini a tad more. The Luguna is an excellent machine. I just had a personal experience with their reps that did not light my fire. Others experiences may vary from mine.

      I have read on the forum about some bad experiences with dealing with the company. There's not much you can knock with the machine. If so, it would be nit- picky. They reminded me of some new car salesmen I've seen. If they pegged you a tire kicker instead of ready to buy with cash, they would not bother to administer any help.

      Even if I wasn't going to buy, I get asked by a ton of local entry levels what I think of a certain brand or machine. Their attitude didn't generate any future sales to me or a good reference their way. I will commend the machine itself for what it is, an excellent BS. The people that I saw representing it were just not what I would call "real neighborly". IMO. ha..ha..

      You got an excellent buy an hope you get as much enjoyment from that "big boy" as you got "bang for your buck".. 

   Enjoy...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   GregB126 | Jul 24, 2003 08:38pm | #9

   Sarge,

   Did you squeeze the trigger and order a mini?

   Cheers,

   Greg

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 25, 2003 03:50am | #11

   Greg

      Nah, but I am tempted. I don't really require the re-saw height that I can get with one of those big boys with the style of work I do now. I build a lot with peoples left over shorts. Long story.

      The day I do go ballistic an get the hankering, it will be a mini thought. Well, unless an angel decends from heaven with a divine message an tells me that something else has come along that would suit me more appropriately.

      Got to run, there's a large glowing light ringing my door-bell. ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

3. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 24, 2003 09:04pm | #10

   SARGE: You have me wondern why your not lookin at a Delta 14" BS instead of the other ones?? Bet if you bought a Delta you would get a KissyPoo from the Delta Gals..hehe...

                                          ToolDoc

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 25, 2003 03:59am | #12

   Doc

      We ain't talking 14" here. If I got a new 14" BS, I would probably take a chance on the Griz 0555. The features an HP it has for a 14" certainly make it look like a bargain.

      The Mini is a well-designed, heavy work-hoss. If I were still plowing fields, it's the mule an plow I would chose. Since I'm just tending garden these days, what I have suffices. ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 25, 2003 07:13am | #13

   SARGE: Ok soo you want a Big a-- BS check out the Mighty Delta 20" BS 2 Hp it takes 11" thick wood & slices it like Butter..<G>.. Now theres Real Power..

   Better go over to the Delta web site & check that Bad Boy out & better yet join the Delta Club.. Hey I might even let ya hang out with me if you do..HA HA..

                            ToolDoc

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 25, 2003 07:59am | #14

   Doc

      Don't need one that big till I get a big slab of walnut. Tip-toeing silently around looking for one. My astrological advisor suggest my best bet would be a new moon when the dog is asleep or out of town with it's owners visiting the Smithsonian. ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

2. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 25, 2003 03:59pm | #15

   SARGE: in your Quest for the Walnut slab keep your eyes open for Bear traps & shot guns...

                                           ToolDoc

3. 
   Michael6255 | Jul 27, 2003 03:17pm | #16

   Doc,

   Have you seen the Delta 20" up close and personal?  Pretty heavy duty, but none of the finer details of Europeans such as Laguna, Mini-Max..... et al........  It's really great when you see a bigger, and more expensive machine and still don't get buyer's remorse.

   PS the D 20 doesn't have good resaw height for a BS that size.

   Likin' my MM 16.........

   Mike

4. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 28, 2003 12:52am | #17

   Mike: Sorry only seen the Delta Big Boy over on there web site but it sure looks like it could chew up railroad ties for breakfast..

                                                                         ToolDoc

5. 
   rkohler | Dec 05, 2003 11:30pm | #18

   I've recently been trying to decide between a Laguna HD16 and the Mini Max MM16.  I called and talked to Laguna and got what many people have complained about.  A used-car salesman pitch in which he bashed the MM as inferior.  I think we all know that these 2 units are in direct competition, with people choosing one or the other based on personal preferences.  I absolutely hate that kind of pressurized sales environment.  I get insulted when jerks like that assert obvious falsehoods.  When I challenged him on his statements about he Mini Max, he changed the subject.  I asked about the ceramic guides and the reported difficulties in getting them adjusted correctly.  He glossed over it and blamed the users for not following directions.  There's a good tactic.  Blame your customers.  The fact of the matter is that these guides are in a Version 1.0 situation and they are an absolute pain to get adjusted right.  If they weren't we wouldn't be reading so many complaints on the message boards?

   In contrast, the MM salesperson was polite, had detailed information, and admitted that the Laguna was good unit.  I personally think the MM is a better unit, and am going to buy one, but I wanted to vent about Laguna. 

   - Rob

6. 
   tryan | Dec 06, 2003 12:05am | #19

   Don't know if you're aware that there is a MM owners group at http://groups.yahoo.com/MiniMax-USA. Everything from MM bandsaws to combo's is discussed. Warning, if you do hang out in that forum, it can get expensive, you will end up buying a combo :). I did after I purchased my bandsaw.

   -TomTom

7. 
   ToolDoc | Dec 07, 2003 06:56am | #20

   I guess you were not aware of this, but Tooldoc died a few weeks ago. I'm sorry he will be unable to help you.

   Tooldoc's wife

   LynneProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..

   A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..

8. 
   WilliamTaber | Dec 07, 2003 03:16pm | #21

   I have also been looking for a new bandsaw. We must have gotten the same salesman at Laguna. Loved the video they sent me but sales pitch and high prices turned me away. It is a very nice saw though the HD16