Replies

1. 
   ABenker | Jul 18, 2002 07:20pm | #1

   I bought the Laguna LT 16 SEC that has the 2-1/2 hp motor. No complaints lots of power and little vibration. I switched from the Laguna blades that i had purchased with the saw to Timberwolf blades. Amazing difference. I cut about a 6' arch in a 11-1/2 inch slab of butternut that was to become a mantel using a 1 inch 3tpi blade on the Laguna and the saw hardly noticed. I have done a lot a resawing of cherry for bookmatch door, Hard maple and Birdseye maple and have had great results. No real complaints, but haven't used the saw to its full capacity either.

   Aaron

1. 
   davidu | Jul 23, 2002 09:08am | #2

   I bought the 16 HD a couple of years ago, and have had nothing but trouble with it. It takes me hours to strap a sawblade on it without it flying right off the wheels. It vibrates something aweful. The blade wanders like crazy - there is now way it could ever resaw anything with sufficient accuracy. I hate it. It is my worst tool investment ever. Wanna buy it?

1. 
   chairmake1 | Jul 23, 2002 05:37pm | #3

   I've not had any problems with my LT16SEC in the five years that I've had the saw.

   Have you contacted the people at Laguna? They have always been very helpful with any question or request that I've made of them.

   I'm sure if you called them on thier 800 number and ask to speak to the shop mgr. - give him the details of what's wrong and the problems you have incountered they will be able to walk you thru them.

   The LT series of bandsaws are just too good of a piece of equipment to be held back by what sounds like an alignment problem.

   Robert

2. 
   cigarmike | Jul 25, 2002 09:14pm | #4

   I have owned a LT18 for about a year. Nothing but praise for the machine. Have had

   no problems. The motor is 3 horse-enough power to saw the usiverse in half. Not much difference between the LT18 and the LT16. The 18 is identical except for 2 more inches of crosscutting capacity.

   Complaints must be taken with a grain of salt. I doubt that a company that depends on word of mouth would let something like customer service go lacking. It would be in their best interest to give their full attention to any concerns. Like any company that wants to stay in business, they know that a small number of products may or may not have a problem.

   Get in touch w/Laguna on their web site and 800 number, and they will send you a full color catalog, and you can also request a video. I would let you borrow my catalog but it has too much drool on it.  And before you ask; I am not affiliated with Laguna in any way. Good luck.

3. 
   dawson2436 | Jul 27, 2002 07:03am | #5

   I have had a 16 HD for a couple of months now and each time I use it I'm more pleased with its capabilities.  The purchase transaction was a little more difficult than you might experience buying from a local tool store, but in the end it is worth the trouble.  It took a couple of weeks longer to deliver than originally promised - perhaps seven weeks instead of five.  Mine arrived palletized and stretch wrapped and perfectly delivered to my garage floor.  There were some minor glitches, the rip fence wasn't packaged quite right so it was damaged in shipping, and the blades they shipped were too long, but their customer service people were very diligent in making everything right.  The documentation is terrible, not in the same league as Delta and other manufacturers who have good manuals and drawings, but if you are mechanically inclined you can work around that.

   I purchased the 16 because I had to be able to move it down an L shaped staircase to get it into my basement shop, and I was concerned about the additional weight and size of the 18. I shouldn't have worried about it because moving this saw was a breeze.  The 16 works great and is more than adequate, but for just $200 more, I'd opt for the 18 if I had to do it over because the larger diameter wheel just has to be easier on wide blades.  The saw has power to spare and is smooth, accurate and fast beyond your dreams.  I have resawn paper thin pieces that are consistent across their width and length. It's a lot more money than the traditional 14", cast frame band saws, but it is really a good machine, very robust, and very enjoyable to use.

1. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 27, 2002 09:30pm | #6

   So what was the cost?

1. 
   dawson2436 | Jul 29, 2002 09:08pm | #8

   The price was approximately $1800.  Exact pricing of the various equipment models and optional accessories is available on Laguna's website, which makes comparisons and decisions somewhat easier.  Shipping cost was relatively inexpensive at about $200, and the "mobility kit" is around $125.  I would highly recommend the mobility kit - it works very well.  Of course, you will spend more before it's all over.  If you need to install a 220V outlet, you will have that expense - I probably spent about $100 to buy a circuit breaker, some twist lock connectors, power cord and other supplies to wire it.  In addition, you'll want an assortment of blades, and depending on your requirements you can invest anywhere from $100 or so for a basic assortment on up to several hundred dollars if you want to add carbide tipped resaw blades. 

2. 
   Chester1 | Jul 29, 2002 03:40pm | #7

   Thanks for the comments, it makes my purchase a lot easier!