The MM is built stronger. Customer service from MM is hands down superior to laguna. I do like the laguna ceramic blade guards and put them on my MM20.
Bear
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Replies
Hi Rocky,
Can't believe that you can go wrong with either machine. I own the first generation MM16, the euro style guides are a little fussy to setup, but they work fine.
If you asked me if given the chance to buy a bandsaw all over again what would I buy, my answer would be I would buy the MM16 again.
Best of luck..
Bear,
A few questions, if you don't mind:
Are the door hinges on the MM sturdy steel, or plastic/nylon like Laguna uses?
How do the blade guides compare?
Thanks,
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
The reason I purchased the Laguna guides is because I felt they would be easier to adjust when using smaller blades. I reality, I also have a Delta bandsaw which I keep for smaller curved work so I never really use a small blade on the MM20. The laguna blades are easy to adjust.Bear
Edited 6/12/2005 11:10 am ET by Bear
Hey Rocky,
I second the opinon of the MM16 over the Laguna. I have the MM16 and chose it over the Laguna after using them both, and based on MiniMax's reputation for customer service.
I haven't used the Laguna ceramic guides, but from the pictures I've seen of them, I'm confused as to how they are adjusted . I'm very comfortable with the Euro guides on the MM16, and now would prefer them to anything else, including Carter kits.
Good luck,
Tom
I don't believe that anyone can really state which BS is "better" as few if any will have actually used both saws for any significant period of time. You can get more info from MiniMax users at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiniMax-USA/ however, be prepared for statements such as "it is undeniably the best BS on the market". Users will either love their purchase or hate it regardless of which saw they bought. For the reason stated in the first sentence, take such statements with a 25 lb block of salt . The biggest complaint I see on MiniMax users group is repeated comments about limit switch problems on the foot brake which won't allow the machine to start and having to pull the lower wheel off to get to it. Some users are able to temporarily "fix" the problem by pulling up on the foot brake.
I have a Laguna LT-18 which has performed flawlessly for over 5 years. I will not make a statement as to whether it is "better" than the MiniMax or any other saw since I have not used the MiniMax or every saw on the market. I will state that I am very happy with the Laguna . I have inspected my LT-18 and should I experience a limit switch problem with the Laguna (I have not), you do not have to remove the lower wheel to gain access since there are slots in the wheel to permit such access. I did upgrade to the ceramic guides that Laguna offers and, at least for me, was an improvement over the standard Euroguides which were originally provided with the LT-18. I believe that Laguna now offers these guides as standard.
I happened to purchase the Laguna BS at one of the Woodworking shows where I saw (no pun intended) the saw in action. MiniMax was not at that show so I have not compared the saws in person. In any case, I do believe that both saws are in the same class and it is highly likely that you would be satisfied with either. Assuming that is the case, it boils down to where you can get the best deal, best shipping, and best service/support.
Steve
Very reasonable reply Steve.
About two years ago, the Laguna was clearly lagging but they've made some improvements to the machine....not quite sure how far they've come. The MM16 is really nice and their CS will blow you away....class company.
I have a Laguna 16HD, and I think their sales organization is one of the best around.
Conversely, their after sales support organization is one of the worst around.
For years, they have been flamed by people like me (for their service), and I do know they are making at least some attempt to improve. It would be hard for you to determine whether or not they have turned things around. In the past they were exceedingly pleasant and helpful until you bought the machine, then they were supercilious, arrogant, and very unhelpful from that point onward.
If you are expert in matters of bandsaws, then the Laguna would be a viable choice, since you won't need somebody on the other end of the phone to help you diagnose problems.
If your knowledge is not at the expert level, I would seriously pursue Minimax -- since I have only heard (around Knots) consistently high praise for their customer service.
A BS is this category is a big investment for most of us, and it is helpful to actually see the machine in action. I would push both Laguna and Minimax to give you the names of people in your area who have purchased the machine. Then call them, and if at all possible, visit one or two to actually see the machine in action. If you can find them, most users are more than happy to do this.
When I made my decision some years ago, Minimax was around, but not marketed very well. If I were making the decision today, I think I would probably vote for the Minimax: users seem full of praise both for the machine itself and the customer support orgaznization behind it.
Good luck.
********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
I have the Laguna 14HD. I had to replace the motor and Laguna covered it under warranty even though I had had the saw two years. They had a record that I had complained about the first motor. The delay was due to a motorcycle wreck. . .choose something safer for your midlife crisis. The people at Laguna were very nice. It took a lot of phone calls to get it right since the original European motor was not available and they sent me a Baldor. That ment that the motor adapter wouldn't fit and the one they sent me wouldn't work either. I eventually had it machined at a local motor shop. They also replaced the switch as it turned out the orginal they supplied was not the right one. The Baldor is a "saw duty" motor. It has a 5/8" shaft. The original had a (probably) larger metric shaft size and was longer. Apparently, I am the only one who has ever switched from the European standard to a NEMA frame motor and it took some doing. Bottom line: the guys at Laguna worked with me until everything was right. It was a learning curve for them also.
They have certainly received a lot of criticism for their customer service in the past.But if they are finally getting their act together, that should be noted as well. Thanks for your comment.********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
Laguna for me has been a love hate relationship for over a decade. I have had outstanding customer service experiences and aggravating; all issues have been eventually resolved. But I will say this for them, they consistently import some of the best woodworking equipment (short of Martin) that is being sold in it's price range; and that's what keeps me coming back. Also their still in business, unlike several others I can remember.
Even though I think you would be happy with either machine, I'd go with the MM simply for their service after the sale.
As to Laguna's ceramic guides, I think they are a step backwards from roller guides of any type. Push a little to hard when sawing and you will push the teeth into the guides, dulling the teeth or at the least removing the set. That is the biggest reason everybody switched from steel to 'cool block' types on the Delta style saws.
If you must run ceramic guides, buy a set of guide holders from MM for $80. They hold anything 1/2 in. round. Ceramic rod can be bought for a couple of bucks from MLS, as can the material that 'Cool Blocks' are made from.
Thanks. Everyone was very helpful. I think I will call Minimax in the am.
Pulled the trigger today on the MM16.
And I'm betting you won't regret it!
Someone up the thread said either will do a fine job, and that seems to be the evidence from all the chatter I've seen over the months here at Knots and on the user forums.
MiniMax's edge is customer service, but they're great machines as well.
If you need any advice about your new machine, go to the MiniMax USA web site and register for the users forum. Plenty of experts, including the suppliers.
Malcolm
New Zealand | New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis
Is that the new redesigned one with the 16" resaw capacity and 4.5 hp motor?J.P.http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com
I have an Minimax MM16. I love it, it cuts great, however my warning to you to make sure that the table is flat. 'Nuf said.
Been following your post and answers about choosing between the Laguna and MM. Now that you have had the MM16 for five years, do you have thoughts, comments, etc. on how it has performed for you? I am probably going to buy a new bandsaw next summer and would be really interested in hearing about your experience with the saw, customer service, etc.
Terry
There is no way you can push the blade back into the guides unless the guides are not locked down.I have been using the HD16 for years and upgraded to the ceramic guides and they work great.I believe you are the same person who was banished from Laguna's site for making ridiculous statements.Laguna's saws are great their customer service is very bad.
FYI, Laguna is having a "pre AWFS sale". checck it out at: http://www.lagunatools.com/specials.htm
:Quote: I believe you are the same person who was banished from Laguna's site for making ridiculous statements. :/quote:
I believe you should check your facts before insulting people. Last time I looked I was the #2 poster on the band saw section of that forum. (the #1 poster is a Laguna employee.) I am not, and never have been banned from that site.
I believe that I am as entitled to my opinions as the next guy. I also don't feel it's necessary to bad mouth a person in order to get my point across. However I will defend myself if attacked.
I can't understand why some find it impossible to post a conflicting viewpoint without getting personal.
It's a shame Laguna discontinued the Meber 16. I suppose you can still get parts and service from MiniMax though.....
Hi -- I have one of the older (six-plus years) Laguna 16s made by Meber. Are these the same as the MiniMax, or just serviced by them?
Hi Jim,
I know that for awhile they were selling Mebers as their S16. I think they still are, however I think that they changed some of the specs in order to make it an even better saw.
Thanks. I just wondered because I think the Meber (Laguna) 16 is a good machine with a 12-inch resaw capacity. My 2 biggest complaints are the wimpy miter slot and the way you have to change the blades through the infeed side of the table which requires moving the fence assembly out of the way. The wheels are beefy and I've never had the motor bog down. Your experience, too?
Minimax MM16 vs Laguna HD16
MINMAX is like your Bride AFTER you married her.. Laguna was just a promice!
EDIT::; I just have a RICON and loves it
Edited 6/27/2005 9:12 pm ET by Will George
You mean your Mini-Max tells you it has a headache when you need to cut wood?
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