Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Dec 17, 2007 08:01am | #1

   I have the Laguna 14SE. A good saw with a Baldor motor on 220v. Tracks,runs well. The table is a little small, but a larger one can be built around it. A good machine.

   Don't know about the minimax.

   Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   JohnCabot | Dec 18, 2007 06:52am | #16

   I agree in full with Jackplane.  With a sharp blade and a 4.8 hp motor you can almost get in the lumber business. Seriously I have used th MM16 by MiniMax for two years and couldn't be any happier.

   John Cabot 

2. 
   TonyCz | Dec 17, 2007 08:07am | #2

   I have the MM16 and it is an out standing bandsaw. Shortly after I received mine MM came out with a new model and the resaw capacity is larger now.  I can resaw up to 12 3/4" the new model is 16".

   Order the Lennox carbide 1" blade for your resawing $1.00 per inch but well worth it.

    http://www.minimax-usa.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage_norm&product_id=18&category_id=6&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

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   Edited 12/17/2007 12:15 am ET by TonyCz

   
   

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   Edited 12/17/2007 9:56 pm ET by TonyCz

3. 
   sykesville | Dec 17, 2007 09:03pm | #3

   I have the Laguna 16HD and couldn't be happier. Never had a problem. Cuts precise - absolutely no drift. Lots of power (four and a half horse). Easy initial install (comes with a dvd - just watch and follow along) Easy guide set-up, making blade changes quickly. Nice mobility kit - moves and parks easily (have them toss it in for free; they did for me). 16 inch resaw capacity. Have had it for six about eight months, and I love it. No, I don't work for them.

4. 
   Koa | Dec 17, 2007 09:44pm | #4

   I have the MM16 and a friend of mine has the Laguna 18."  I used the laguna pretty extensively for several months and was tempted to purchase the Laguna but went with the MM instead.  For me, here are the reasons I chose the MM over Laguna:

   #1 Customer Service!  Customer Service.  Customer Service.  The gents at MM were extremely patient and very easy to work with when ordering my MM16. Answered all my questions, and were not pushy.  I hate that.  My friend has had trouble in dealing with Laguna Customer service. 

   #2 The MM16 has European guides and there are many many people who will tell you that the Laguna guides are better.  I didn't think so.  Both have drawbacks and advantages.  Here is just one drawback each: MM you can't (or shouldn't) use a blade smaller than 1/2 inch wide.  If you do, you need to order a different set of guides to accomodate the smaller blade.   Laguna: the guides are a pain in the butt to move and adjust.  If there were so outstanding, then why don't all bandsaws have them and the others become obsolete?   My friend got sick of this and purchased a smaller 14" bandsaw for the smaller finer blades.

   I put a Lennox Carbide blade in mine and have a 1/2 Timberwolf blade for curves when needed.  Changing is quick.  The lennox makes this bandsaw cut almost as clean as a table saw (note that I said almost).  The weight of the machine is roughly 550lbs.  It is sturdy, yet easy to manuever around the shop with the mobile base.  Dust collection is good.  Haven't seen a machine that is great.  Power is plenty!  I have yet to see this bugger get bogged down.  Resawed 14" oak and hard maple with ease.  Brake is easy to apply and tension reading and adjustment is nice.  Fence is OK.  I honestly like the Laguna better.    

   Last, you should call both companies and have them send you a DVD.  I watched mine several times.  If you have the chance, contact a woodworkers guild in your area to see if anyone has your machine that you could look at.   I finally got a chance to look at an 18" Minimax right before I pulled the trigger on my purchase.  

   Hope this helps.  When it comes right down to it though... you can't go wrong with either of those machines.  If Laguna was a few hundred less than my MM I can't say I'd have a MM right now....  Both machines are in a class by themselves.   

1. 
   sykesville | Dec 17, 2007 10:11pm | #5

   there's a big difference between the laguna 18 and the way superior laguna 16HD (which is why the 16hd costs so much more).  It's probably like the difference between a grizzly and whatever. So, you're like comparing the MM16 to a grizzly. But hey, I was just passing on my sense of satisfaction. I studied the mm16 and the laguna 16 hd for a long time and went with the laguna and don't quite recall all the arguments, though there were only a few. I made my decision based on reading reviews and owner satisfaction blurbs. I wouldn't doubt the MM16 is a pretty nice machine. I just bought the MM j/p and the truck should be here any minute...

   Edited 12/17/2007 2:12 pm ET by sykesville

1. 
   Koa | Dec 18, 2007 03:03am | #12

   So a member asks for opinions and when I give mine, you have to try to correct me???  There is NO way "Gizzly and whatever" are in the same class as the LT18 and MM16.   And prices... when did you last check the price of a LT18 and LT16 HD versus the MM16?   You know what...   have a nice day.   

1. 
   sykesville | Dec 18, 2007 04:22am | #13

   read what i wrote. you misunderstood. I don't put the LT18 in the same class as the MM16 and Laguna 16HD.

   Edited 12/17/2007 9:50 pm ET by sykesville

2. 
   bendww | Dec 18, 2007 06:27am | #15

   Thanks to all! From this discussion, I heard that you can't go wrong with either brand...gain here, lose there. Which leaves it up to price, and Minimax wins here.

   Thanks again...and go stir up some sawdust!

3. 
   pita | Mar 11, 2008 07:11am | #26

   K,

   I have the MM20 and have upgraded to the Lenox carbide blade...  Have you done anything to your MM to increase dust collection?

5. 
   troys | Dec 17, 2007 10:13pm | #6

   My father has a 3 or 4 year old Laguna and a friend of mine just got a 16" Laguna HD and it is a sweet machine. I have cut wood on both and the older machine is good but the newer one is really good. I don't think you would be unhappy with one.

   Troy

1. 
   captainkidd | Dec 18, 2007 12:39am | #7

   I've recently been looking into getting a BS and have really been leaning towards a Laguna. I know that for what I do right now and possibly ever the LT14SE would probably be enough, the problem is I like all the "upgraded" components on the LT16HD's but I am not sure about justifying the extra cost (at least for me). With that said though even if I was going to go for one of the LT16HD's do I really need the 16-3/8" resaw capacity for the extra $200.00 for the new one over the LT16HD "Classic" 13" resaw capacity? I know somewhere down the line I will need the 16+" on the new 16" but probably not that often and on the same note I know I will probably come across something bigger than 16+" that I need to resaw so even the new one won't be big enough. I guess I am trying to get a feel of what is an "average" resaw capacity requirement for most people?B.Kidd

1. 
   user-85737 | Dec 18, 2007 01:03am | #8

   I have the mm20.  I have had know problems.

2. 
   troys | Dec 18, 2007 05:53am | #14

   I would think that 12" is enough capacity for resawing most of the time but you know how it is as soon as you get a saw with 12" capacity you will get a great deal on a bunch of 13" wide boards:) Since I am spending your money I say go for the saw with the 16" capacity:). Me I hope to afford the Laguna 14" bandsaw someday. Anyway I don't think you would be unhappy with either saw and I would let your wallet be your guide.good luckTroy

6. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 18, 2007 01:32am | #9

   Minimax 16"... beautiful machine, good customer service, that would be my choice.

   Best,

   John

7. 
   jackplane | Dec 18, 2007 02:08am | #10

   the 14SE and the 16 both resaw a maximun of 12". currently Laguna is sold out of the 14SE, thanks to the FWW article.

   as I mentioned before, it's a solid machine. as noted by another though, the guide adjustment is a pain cuz it pivots on one fixed point, not two like most bandsaws.

   Expert since 10 am.

8. 
   Hastings | Dec 18, 2007 02:22am | #11

   Bend:

   I have the Laguna 16 HD, which I have been using fr about a year now. I believe it is considered to be one of Laguna's best saws. The MiniMax enjoys a great reputation so you probably wouldn't go wrong with either machine.

   You should also read Sarge's reviews of the Steel City. Sarge knows of what he speaks and decided to go with Steel City after very carefully considering the "Italian Stallions" as he calls the MM and Laguna.
   A search for "Steel City" will give you the threads and relevant messages (just tried it).

   Regards,

   Hastings

1. 
   Glaucon | Dec 22, 2007 03:10am | #18

   I agree about the Steel City. I have had the SC 18" for ~ a year, and it is a sweet saw. It tracks very well, has well designed guides and DC and no drift at all. I have yet to find something that it cannot do. I have not used the MM or Laguna for comparison, but given the price differences, the availability and the excellent customer service backed by a 5 year warranty, it's hard for me to think of a reason to buy them.Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   Scott_y | Dec 22, 2007 03:19am | #19

   I went through this process recently and also decided on the Steel City 18. It sits in my garage waiting for the 220 volt to go in after Christmas.

   Scotty

1. 
   Glaucon | Dec 22, 2007 03:54am | #20

   Perhaps Santa could help you out by sending you a licensed electrician for Xmas...Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

2. 
   bones | Dec 22, 2007 04:47pm | #21

   Wow, that's like getting the Red Rider and not getting the BB's till later. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

9. 
   10fingers | Dec 22, 2007 02:20am | #17

   Hello,

   About six years ago I purchased a Laguna LT16.  I chose the LT16 instead of some of the other brands because they could guarantee a lift gate on the delivery truck.  This is an important question to ask unless you can bench press 400 lbs.

   good luck on your choice,

   10fingers

10. 
    vincentedwards | Dec 23, 2007 01:35am | #22

    I own the laguna 16" (the cheaper of the two models) and it is fantastic. It is built just like the 14SE (comes from the same factory) and offers all the same advantages plus more size and power for not much more money.

    I would highly reccomed this saw. Feel free to ask me more questions. I could send you some photos too if you want.

11. 
    8675309 | Dec 23, 2007 03:26pm | #23

    I have the newer model of the 14" Laguna, the 14L. It sits directly on the floor instead of on a stand. I am amazed by its performance compared to the makes and models I've been used to. I considered the 16", but the 14" gave me the 12" resaw capacity I needed. With my Wood Slicer resaw blade (from Highland Woodworking), I can easily cut 1/32" veneers all day long.

    I wrote a review of the saw at my blog, a link to which you can find in my signature below if you're interested.

    Visit me at The Wood Mechanic site!

12. 
    douglas2cats | Dec 23, 2007 06:44pm | #24

    I've had a MM16 for 2 years now.

    The included miter guage is absolute junk (Incra V27 is a great replacement).
    Hated the Johnson bar mobility kit and now have a set of Zambus casters under it which work great. If you plan on moving it much, the Johnson bar setup wants a very smooth and level floor, otherwise you'll probably want a real mobile base or casters.
    The table insert on mine has never been 100% level and isn't very easy to adjust right. They've since changed to a much better insert arrangement but the table is machined diferently for it.
    I had problems with my electrical switch like quite a number of others but MM's customer service took care of me and I've had no problems with the replacement switch.
    The manual is absolutely atrocious - undocumented fixes for various things, incomplete setup/installation instructions, pics out of date with current equipment, etc.,
    Despite any problems or quirks, I still feel it's one of the best tool buys I've ever done. The resaw cut quality with a Lenox Tri-Master on it is unbelievably good.

    If you build it he will come.

13. 
    BigK | Dec 27, 2007 10:05am | #25

    I own the MM16. It is worth every penny of what I paid for it. I had to learn that the hard way by struggling with a piece of off-white Chinese doodoo for a year and a half. The MM16 will resaw maple and cherry like they were butter when using the Lennox 1" Promaster blades (carbide tipped). The customer support at MiniMax is second to none. Over all, two thumbs way up.

1. 
   pita | Mar 11, 2008 07:13am | #27

   Have you done anything to upgrade dust collection on your MM?

1. 
   BigK | Mar 12, 2008 02:59pm | #28

   No I have not, yet. I have thought about adding a second four inch dust port to the bottom cabinet where sawdust does accumulate. May have to make a call to MiniMax and discuss this with them.

1. 
   pita | Mar 15, 2008 07:54am | #29

   I agree, give MM a call.  My educated guess would be they (MM) will not recogmend to add a new port but based on where the dust builds up, lower right hand corner I am going to apply a 4" dust port but first I am going to close in around the bottom of the tabel with plastic to increase the CFM's and if that does not increase the dust collection I am going to add a 4" duct.  I will keep you posted