Laguna BX18 Vs LT18 and question re distributor
I am pretty set on a Laguna bandsaw (although welcome any other input) but after hours of looking at their websites and even contacting company I cannot sort out the numerous model variants. Most of my bandsaw work is re-sawing thick wood but occasionally some smaller stuff pops up.
I am leaning to the LT18 5HP Resaw IT (MBAND 185400) $5,499 – but there are a number of variants and want to be sure I am not missing something for a near model. Finally, although in my former shop the bandsaw seemed to be most underpowered tool the Laguna 3HP 18BX Bandsaw (MBAND 18BX2203) $2,799 is about half the price. Additionally, it looks like the 18X table has tilt while the LT18 does not? Can anyone confirm.
Finally, it looks like a distributor called Laguna Tools has prices $1,000 to $1,500 below list. Has anyone bought from this distributor and any feedback on the experience?
Replies
The Lt18, also know as the "Italian" is the classic Italian made bandsaw that helped Laguna cement it's reputation as the premier bandsaw manufacturer the 2 models 1540 has a blade capacity of 1¼" while the 1560 has a 2" capacity and is a resaw beast.
The 18BX is Chinese made, and what I own, and a very capable machine but probably not quite up to the LT but as you see significantly less.
Laguna Tools is not a distributor but the manufacturer who will sell direct and who I bought mine from as well as a dust collector and they were easy to work with and and shipped earlier than anticipated. (pre-pandemic)
Thank you for the response very helpful. I assume you are happy with your BX?
It serves my purposes beautifully, but resawing is only part of what I use it for. It does resaw just fine for me, but if resawing is your primary purpose the 1560 would probably offer even better performance. I can't imagine wrestling with a 2" blade though.
They both have tilting table, you are choosing between a heavier more powerful machine and a lighter one. Stiffness, horsepower and resaw capacity are reflected in the price. You chose between the lighter BX and the more capable LT.
Thanks for the response - appreciate it
I usually think about these choices as similar to comparing a F150 and F350. They both look pretty much the same. Same size, shape, etc. But one has a beefier suspension, brakes, engine -- pretty much everything is heavier and stiffer.
One can do heavier work for more hours. If you pick up a couple of sheets of plywood now and then, you don't need a 350. If you are hauling around full loads of concrete and bricks, youll be better off.
The LT is a better machine. Do you need more horsepower, a wider blade, and stiffer frame? Or is it just nice knowing you have it, in case? And can you afford the extra cost?
There are just a lot of personal choices.
I looked at a BX18 at the new Rockler store - excellent fence.
If you want a sawmill, buy a sawmill! I can't see where a 5HP motor on an 18" bandsaw would ever be necessary.
I've been using an 18" Rikon with 3HP motor and I've never came close to bogging it with any type of resawing. Proper technique ASFAIK says your feed rate is not supposed to be that fast.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled