Replies

1. 
   GT | Mar 24, 2003 03:24pm | #1

   That`s alot of resaw capacity,hope you have the jointer to match.Any way, I would look at the laguna line of band saws,they have appox 12 models right up to 37 inch.All made in europe,excellent quality,very quiet.good luck.

2. 
   TedOwen | Mar 24, 2003 03:42pm | #2

   MiniMax is popular, too. I bought a MiniMax 20" with 15-3/4" resaw a few months ago after researching and heeding advice on a few forums. I have been happy with it. But I expect it's more $ than the Grizzly.

   Agazanni also has a good reputation, and folks seem to be happy with them.

   Was also considering Laguna but didn't like their sales methods, also heard about their poor customer service. So I decided against them.

   If you go MiniMax, try to get one at a woodworking show. Saves a few hundred $ in shipping, and you get a show discount, plus Lennox 1" carbide blade and mobility kit thrown in. Also the cosmoline is cleaned from the machine--at least a good start on it.

   No matter what brand you choose, I urge you to get the mobility kit--even if you never intend to move the machine. It's almost a certainty that you WILL move the machine at times.

   Good luck,

   Ted

1. 
   nicobie | Mar 24, 2003 07:59pm | #5

   I also have the Minimax and agree that It's prolly the best for the buck right now.

   Unlike Laguna, They are nice people to deal with. At least they try.The proof is in the puddin'

1. 
   JohnCabot | Mar 25, 2003 03:41am | #6

    I have purchased four monts ago a Mini-Max MM16. I could not believe how easy does resaw, it is built like a tank and my only regret is to have bought it late in life, I am sure my grand-children will still be using.

   John Cabot

1. 
   Malicair | Mar 26, 2003 03:40am | #7

   I've found a link for the Laguna manufacturer but have been unable to track down a link for the other band saw manufacturer's suggested.

   Can you help me out by providing a link and/or phone number for them?

   Curious though... nobody has used either of the Grizzly band saws I posted questions about? Does anyone have any opinion's on either of these saws?

   Also I'm curious to the styles of blade supports that they have available (euro style, etc...) what really is best?

   Thanks

   Vince

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Mar 26, 2003 10:48pm | #8

   Glad to help,

   The mini-max folks were so nice and patient at the show.. http://www.minimax-usa.com.My MM16 should be here shortly, I can't wait..

2. 
   BG | Mar 26, 2003 11:02pm | #9

   Malicair,

   Just in case you were interested...

   http://www.brentwoodmachine.com

   Take a look at their used bandsaws.

3. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 24, 2003 06:43pm | #3

   I'll weigh in for the Agazzani.  Just got the 20" and it resaws beautifully.  Right on the button.  No muss, no fuss.  It just works.  Great dust collection. 

   Mine does 12 3/4", but the 20" was the limit of my ceiling height.  So far, I have resawn wide maple and wide white oak, both 12", and the oak was by far the tougher wood.  Still, it did a good job.  After I set it up, I ran a few tests to see what the loss was on kerf and clean up.  I trisected a board, cleaned it up on the planer, and in two kerfs and 4 clean-ups, lost only 1/4" total.  So, 1 3/4" wood will yield 3 1/2" boards.  Not an inexpensive tool, but I won't have to replace this bandsaw in my lifetime.

4. 
   jeffn7 | Mar 24, 2003 07:10pm | #4

   the Hitachi CB75F bandsaw has been around for a while, and is an excellent choice for resawing. Just shy of a 12" capacity, but it accepts up to 3" blades.

   I think Hitachi could update this saw to increase the capacity to 15", and increase the hp, but all-in-all, this is a production level resaw machine that won't let you down.

5. 
   heartpinemik | Mar 27, 2003 07:16pm | #10

   I currently have the Laguna LT-18 and have been very pleased with it. It has only 12" resaw capacity, but for me that is all I need. Doubt if I will ever come into contact with anything wider than 12" anyway. Laguna makes larger machines with more resaw capacity, including one they call the Resaw Master. I think it has 16" resaw capacity; check their website for more info.

   There are others in the big bandsaw market that make quality machines. I may leave some out but here goes: WilkeMachinery, Agazzani, Felder, Minimax. Wadkin, Tannewitz. There are also used woodworking machinery dealers with bandsaws up for sale, but as always, buyer beware.

   Also consider shipping costs when considering a purchase. It cost $258 to ship my LT18 from CA to eastern NC. Just a thought.

6. 
   DJK | Mar 28, 2003 01:00am | #11

   I have a nice 36" Moak #B-36 band saw with 20" resaw capacity for sale. Weight is 3300+ lbs. $4100 takes it, located in Warren, MI.

   Dave Koury

1. 
   GHR | Mar 28, 2003 01:31am | #12

   I really don't understand all of this.

   These are all vertical band saws. I would expect that for resawing wide lumber that a horizontal bandsaw would be preferred. (Something like a woodmizer but with a different blade and with something to hold the wood flat against the bed.)

   When I resaw, I have a lot of trouble holding a 4"x6'x10' cedar board against a vertical fence on my Delta 14". I cannot imagine resawing the 5/4x12x10' H. Mahogany I have with it. (I have a 12" high x 4' long fence.)I got the room built. How do I get outside?

1. 
   JPGrout | Mar 28, 2003 01:43am | #13

   Here is a page of horizontal resaws.

   Hold on to your wallet though, they are pretty proud of them

   Joe

   http://www.highpointinc.com/Resaw.htm

1. 
   Malicair | Mar 28, 2003 02:51am | #14

   I really appreciate all the help here from everyone with their views and feedback on the saw's that they have used.

   I’m in contact with a couple of the saw manufacturer’s now and it’s only a matter of time before I decide on which unit to purchase. I have decided that I’m going to have to go with a phase converter so I can get a 3phase saw.

   In response to GeorgeR, Yes you are quite right that a horizontal saw would be great for resawing but one thing that I didn't happen to mention is that I won't be using the saw just for doing resaw work.

   A little background If anyone is interested… With a container of Ancient Kauri on it’s way I’m going to have my work cut out for myself. It’s will contain wood 3” thick with widths up to 50". By having a nice saw I would be able to cut the width and thickness as I need.

   Btw.. If anyone is interested I’ll have some Ancient Kauri for sale as soon as the container arrives. Just email me if you would like more information.

   Thanks again everyone for their input. (Additional suggestions and information is always appreciated!)

2. 
   simonstl | Mar 28, 2003 03:00am | #15

   While it doesn't get around the vertical aspect exactly, the FWW #40 review of the Hitachi and Makita resaw bandsaws notes that:

   "When I uncrated the saws, I was surprised at their small dimensions. Unlike other bandsaws that have base cabinets to elevate the table to a standard 40-in. working height, these resaws are designed for use at 29 in. to 30 in. This looked odd to me at first, until I realized it means you don't have to hoist large timbers or heavy boards to chest height, balancing them precariously through the cut. Of course, you still have the option of blocking the resaw to any height, but I found that I soon got more comfortable working over the material instead of behind it."

   I don't think the Makita is available any more and the Hitachi model number's changed, but it's an interesting idea at least.

1. 
   GHR | Mar 28, 2003 03:59am | #16

   Simonstl

   The first thing I did with my Delta was trash the stand and make the table 30" high the same as all of my benches.I got the room built. How do I get outside?