Replies

1. 
   nicobie | Oct 09, 2004 08:04pm | #1

   Never used the LT16 but the LT16HD is a good saw even though I don't like their ceramic guides.

   You might check out Minimax's S16. It's in the same price range. Made in Italy by Meber. It has very good specs. The Laguna saw is made in Bulgaria even though it comes with a Baldor motor. Minimax prides themselves on their service. Laguna has had it's share of problems in the past.

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

   Ronald Reagan, August 15, 1986

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Oct 10, 2004 02:41am | #3

   Bulgaria?   My LT16HD has an ACM nameplate on it which says "made in Italy".   ACM also builds bandsaws for Felder, Wilke, and others. 

1. 
   Jimma | Oct 10, 2004 06:57pm | #4

   Miy Laguna has "Meber" printed right on the top door.

1. 
   nicobie | Oct 10, 2004 08:23pm | #7

   Jim,

   Laguna's newer LT16's are indeed made in Bulgaria. If you want a Meber 16" bandsaw you will have to buy the S16 from Minimax. In fact if you want parts for your Laguna 16" saw, I wouldn't be surprised if you have to buy them from Minimax now.Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. Ronald Reagan, August 15, 1986

1. 
   Jimma | Oct 10, 2004 11:33pm | #8

   Thanks. I'm reasonably sure the model I have (which I bought new in 1998) is the HD version of the Laguna/Meber as it has a resaw capacity of 12 inches and a 2.5 HP motor. But, I would imagine any Meber dealer would have access to parts for all of them.

2. 
   nicobie | Oct 10, 2004 08:17pm | #5

   Hi Jamie,

   I was talking about the new LT16 not the LT16HDGovernment's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. Ronald Reagan, August 15, 1986

1. 
   emerckx | Oct 12, 2004 03:15am | #9

   I've got the LT16 SEC. It is a Meber. It cuts wood like a bandsaw is supposed to, but it could be better. I think HD's are a better machine.

3. 
   AlbionWood | Oct 10, 2004 08:17pm | #6

   Laguna saws used to be built by Meber (in Italy), but not any more. (Mine is a Meber and I love it, except the blade guard.) I have no idea if the newer ones are better or worse than the Mebers.

   There is a forum with discussions about the new LT16 and LT16HD saws on the Laguna website:

   http://www.lagunatools.com

   "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." A. Einstein

   http://www.albionworks.net

   Edited 10/10/2004 1:24 pm ET by AlbionWood

2. 
   DJK | Oct 09, 2004 08:09pm | #2

   If your near Michigan, there are 4 Powermatic 20" bandsaws for sale each with 24" resaw for $850 each. Go look on http://www.woodweb.com

   DJK

3. 
   Yotie | Oct 12, 2004 09:51pm | #10

   Hello:

   I currently own the new Minimax S16.  It indeed is a "Meber" and made in Italy.  As a matter of fact, I am thinking of selling it and upgrading to a 20" or 24".  I don't know where you are as I am in the Lake Tahoe, NV area.  I am going to be asking $1300. Mine is a little less than 1 year old and in pristine condition.  Used very little.  The new ones now are selling for $1695, and you may have some shipping on top of that.  Anyway, just thought I would let you know.....As far as the saw goes, it is a great little saw, with a 2.5 hp motor, and 12" of resaw.......email at [email protected] if you want to talk.....

   Don

4. 
   Mayor_of_Atlantis | Dec 28, 2020 12:40pm | #11

   Better late than never...consider my reply to this post as an 18 yr review!

   I am the original owner (since 2003) of a Laguna LT16 with a Baldor motor. The model I have is one that Laguna sourced from ZMM Stomana JSC in Silistra, Bulgaria and then sold them in North America as Laguna LT16s. Laguna sourced it's machines from various manufacturers around the world. The identical model is still manufactured today by ZMM Stomana JSC and is sold around the world as a Maschinen Nikmann BS40. I just checked out Stomana's website and it seems the only different from my model to the current one being sold is the lack of the Laguna sticker and the paint colour (I also suspect the electric motors installed would be destination market specific). The fact that the identical model is still being manufactured and sold (albeit not by Laguna) is a testament to it's build quality, excellent design and it's proven woodworking market success.

   Way back then Torben Helsoj and Jay Andrews gave me a demonstration of this bandsaw at a wood working show. I clearly recall from the enthusiasm they showed during the demonstration that they were proud to distribute this machine and stick the Laguna name on it. I remember paying $1200 (including a Resaw King). I bought the machine and never looked back with any regrets. I have re-sawed many, many linear board feet of both hardwood and softwood and this thing is flawless! It runs rock steady.

   Kid yourself not...if you happen to see a used Laguna Bulgarian made Stomana LT16 for sale just buy it and enjoy!