Replies

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Mar 05, 2003 07:54pm | #1

   Dave,

   You might want to take a look at the Mini Max S45 also.. I saw the Laguna lt45 at a local wood show, I was not too impressed with what I saw (no pun intended). The LT14 was clearly listing... The MM S45 looked better engineered product. I wound up purchasing a MM 16... Good luck

1. 
   nicobie | Mar 05, 2003 09:08pm | #3

   I too bought the Minimax 16.

   No complaints so far.The proof is in the puddin'

2. 
   Andrew | Mar 05, 2003 08:54pm | #2

   I've got a Laguna 16 sec and while it's a nice saw, I've started to notice some shortcomings. I find that the guide post is fairly flimsy, and the guides, while decent, could be better quality for the cost of the saw. It still functions quite well, but I wouldn't buy another bandsaw from them. The main reason I bought it in the first place was for power and resaw capacity which it has, but my next bandsaw will be a vintage machine.

   Have you looked at the General 490? I would also look around at other companies before you make a decision. The most important thing is to see the saws in person, and if possible to see it running. I'm sure the laguna 14" is a great saw, but I think you might find a better deal elsewhere.

   hope this helps

   andrew

3. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 05, 2003 10:39pm | #4

   I heard form a tool dealer that General CA has come/is coming out with a 15" with a 12" resaw capacity.  Don't know the price.  General is well regarded, but I have never used General tools.

4. 
   davearnone | Mar 06, 2003 04:15am | #5

   Thanks everyone. 

   You are confirming what i am finding.  and wow, i called laguna up, was that ever a turn-off.  they must have too many customers in the pipe to talk to another potential one :)

   I'm going to check out the general, its on sale at my local dealer.

   dave

1. 
   plinthe | Mar 06, 2003 06:01am | #6

   Dave

   The General 15" bandsaw with 12" resaw capacity is the 690. The 490 is also a 15" but it doesn't have the same capacity.

   Plinthe

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 06, 2003 09:10am | #7

   Dave,

      I had that same experience with trying to talk to Laguna.  Makes you wonder how they make any $?  I took my business elsewere too.

                    Steve

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 06, 2003 09:35pm | #8

   dave

      I just compared the Mini-Max 16 to the equilavent in Luguna at the Atlanta WW show last week-end. I would definitely go for the MM 16. It actually had more features  than the Mini-Max 18, just not the throat capacity.

      I am very impressed with General. I did not have time to look at the General BS, as I was not aware of the 15" having 12" re-saw capacity.

   Good Luck...

   sarge..jt