Replies

1. 
   Archibald | Jan 18, 2007 08:47pm | #1

   I am the proud owner of an Laguna 16 HD which is made in Italy and is, as you can bet, flawless. I was concerned about the Bulgarian quality and that was the reason for my upgrade. Having had more experience in the tool world since then, I think that Laguna is a first rate company and that the Bulgarian plant they manufacture out of is still manufacturing to their high specs. As long as the tolerances and materials are the same I can't see what risk you take buying a Bulgarian machine. I have never heard a complaint from a Laguna owner. Hope that helps.

1. 
   joppajoiner | Jan 19, 2007 05:36am | #3

   That's pretty helpful feedback. The advantage of Bulgaria over Italy is simply (and mostly) labor costs to build the machine. Raw materials could be cheaper and of lesser quality though... But, if the materials are sourced to Laguna Italy's quality standards, it must be pretty good.

   I also have a friend who owns the Laguna 16HD (Italian made) and swears by it.

   I'm also in the market, and struggling with a decision between the Minimax 16" (also Italian made!), and the Laguna 16HD.  I'm leaning a bit more toward the Laguna, but a guy in the classifieds section had a lot of nice things to say about his Minimax (despite one or 2 minor by annoying quality issues.

   Touch choice...  Any further advice and postings here would be greatly appreciated by several of us!

       ...mike

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jan 19, 2007 12:06am | #2

   Afternoon Woodfever...

   You might clarify for the responders that you are interested in the LT 16 and E16 which are apples and oranges compared to the LT 16 HD and MM 16. I have looked at both and didn't feel they warranted the asking price from the respective competitors unless you catch a big sale. My personal opinion is that they have $300-$400 tacked on to true worth because the idenical name of their well established and more mature cousins that do warrant their respective prices is painted on the side.

   Regards...

   SARGE.. jt 

1. 
   PlaneCity13 | Jan 19, 2007 01:57pm | #5

   Right, the LT16HD is $900 more then the plain LT16.

   If I had the money I would get the HD. But the difference in money is enough to buy a nice 8" deluxe jointer from Steel City. Since I also need a jointer I have a hard time justifying paying the extra.  Mostly all you get is the bigger motor. (Assuming the Bulgarian made machine is up to the same quality as the HD)

   Is there any reason out there that one should go the extra cost and get the LT18?

1. 
   Hastings | Jan 19, 2007 05:49pm | #7

   Plane:You should ask yourself, how long you intend to be in woodworking and amount of time you will be using a BS. Let's say, for argument's sake, that you are talking about 10 years. Then you should look at the additional $900 as really $90 per year. And what do you get in return? Less frustration, easy set-up, pride of ownership, satisfaction that you didn't compromise and no nagging feeling that you'll need to upgrade later. It makes the $900 sound like a pretty fair bargain.I recently went through the same agony and ended up with the Laguna 16HD. Couldn't be happier!Hastings

1. 
   PlaneCity13 | Jan 20, 2007 12:39am | #10

   You make good sense.

   I wonder if my wife will agree.

    

2. 
   WoodFever | Jan 19, 2007 07:31pm | #8

   Thank you for that insight.  I have been getting some good comments, but it is still a difficult situation.

   I guess once I win the Lottery, it won't be as difficult of a decision.  But since I don't even play the Lottery . . .

   Thanks.

3. 
   groucho | Jan 19, 2007 07:04am | #4

   I vote Laguna. HD16 owner ten years................no problems!

    

4. 
   RGJ | Jan 19, 2007 02:58pm | #6

   I struggle with these kinds of decisions all the time. I'm looking into buying some planes right now for my shop. The Lie Nielsons are works of art, outstanding quality and expensive. Are they worth the extra money to me? Maybe. Good luck with your selection. I will say I have never been disappointed with buying quality products, (read, most of the time expensive). Most of the time I will put off buying something until I can save more money to purchase the quality product.

    

   RGJ

   
   

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   Edited 1/19/2007 7:34 am ET by RGJ

5. 
   joepez | Jan 20, 2007 12:10am | #9

   Wood,

   I bought the LT 16 2 yrs ago and other than delayed shipping, machine is every bit what they promised. I also was looking at both the LT 16 and HD 16, but for me, a hobbyist, I decided on the LT. The 16 HD is a fair bit more beefy in the table trunnions, and the blade tension wheel is in a nicer spot. With that, I am very pleased with the performance, and noooo problem with lack of power on the LT 16 . 

     Now I'm  looking at the TSS.

   joe p

1. 
   PlaneCity13 | Jan 20, 2007 12:41am | #11

   Have you ever done extensive resawing on it?

   If so how did it go?

1. 
   joepez | Jan 20, 2007 12:48am | #12

   Extensive, I dont know if I would call it extensive, but generally I resaw boards 8" and under. I have not done logs, but I would go with the 16HD if you plan on doing green logs, for the heavier trunions. I have done alot of red oak, maple, and some mahogony, no problems.

   Joe P