Laguna Driftmaster fence

[Mark Woodmark]

Finally got around to installing my Laguna Driftmaster fence on my bandsaw. Took me about 6 hours. I thought the instructions were vague as far as all the options for mounting it to the bandsaw table and reversing the handcrank to get it on the right. All the nylon insert lock nuts made assembly and unassembly on the various threaded rods a pain. The gigantic cast adapter blocks and special nuts were hard to install and are pretty ugly, but they seem to work great. I had to drill holes in my tables lip for these blocks. I spent about a half hour judging where to drill these holes only to realize after I started to install the thing that I could have located them better. Adjusting the fences base height to get it flush with the bandsaws table top along the entire length of the fences guide bar was also a pain. Also I am not crazy about how the fence can tip up and down vertically while relocating it before locking in down with the plastic adjustable handle. Once clamped down It seems ok though. As a side note, I have these type adjustable handles on some of my other European made machines and have replaced all the plastic ones with metal after one broke on me. From an installation standpoint, I am not very impressed. I did resaw some stuff with it though and it seems to work great. In the end, I feel maybe I am not as mechanically inclined as I thought I was. Maybe guys like me shouldnt be allowed to own wrenches :D

[Ken Garlock]

Hi Mark.

Don't feel bad, I had the same problems when I installed the Drift Master on my Mini-Max 16" BS. Like you say, the instructions suck, and the pictures were shot in Dracula's workshop. Like you, it took me pretty much a full day to get the fence installed.:confused: And, like you I am happy with the results. :)

Enjoy your new toy.:D

[Mark Woodmark]

"Dracula's workshop"

That pretty much describes them. I found myself trying to get a better view with a magnifying glass. Ken, thanks for the comments. I dont feel so inept now

[Van Huskey]

Mark, what saw do you have, I can't seem to remember though I am sure I have read it.

[Mark Woodmark]

Mark, what saw do you have, I can't seem to remember though I am sure I have read it.

Agazzani B-20

[Van Huskey]

Agazzani B-20

I was stuck between the 18 and 20 and just couldn't remember, but I should have!!!


How does the Agazzani fair with the weight of the DM when the table is tilted?

[Mark Woodmark]

I was stuck between the 18 and 20 and just couldn't remember, but I should have!!!


How does the Agazzani fair with the weight of the DM when the table is tilted?

Havent tried that yet. I finished up the fence installation last night at about 12:30 am. Tried it out quick and went to bed

[Jeff Willard]

It's worth it though. You now have the most versatile bandsaw fence ever devised.

[Mike OMelia]

I did not have trouble installing it, other than the supplied bolts were not long enough. Yes, the supplied document was terrible. But I watched the youtube videos and figured it out.

But once installed, its awesome. What is funny is since I did not get the detailed documentation, I had NO idea there was a quick release mechanism for large movements of the fence. Just sat there cranking and cranking and...:rolleyes:

Contact Tito at Laguna Tools (he hangs out in Deals & Discounts). He can email you the complete document. Yeah, it should have been in the box...

Mike

[Josh Bowman]

I only had to install and reinstall mine about 6 times and on a Laguna saw! You would think it would be a direct bolt up. Anyway after a few hours of messing with it, I finally gave in to the strange method they use to hold the bar to the saw table. However, it's been stable since Aug. 09 and works great. I love the quick release lever to rough in the fence, then locking the screw and then being able to sneak up on a cut with a turn or 2 of the crank. I do have some issues with the table lift, but I really don't move my tools tables often....messes up the known alignment. I try to use jigs instead.

[Leigh Betsch]

I didn't have any problems installing it but I just didn't like how Laguna designed the mounting system for a non-Laguna saw. So I made my own mounting system. I tapped the apron of the bandsaw table, bolted on a 1/2 aluminum plate, added a couple of jack screws to square it to the table top, and bolted the fence to it. I enjoyed the project and I'm very satisfied with the fence.

[Josh Bowman]

I didn't have any problems installing it but I just didn't like how Laguna designed the mounting system for a non-Laguna saw. So I made my own mounting system. I tapped the apron of the bandsaw table, bolted on a 1/2 aluminum plate, added a couple of jack screws to square it to the table top, and bolted the fence to it. I enjoyed the project and I'm very satisfied with the fence.
I like how you mounted yours, it looks very neat. I may rework mine and get rid of the stock sloted rube goldburg things that's included with the kit. I have the Laguna 14 SUV and it didn't fit mine. I don't know what saw it will bolt directly to. I assume one of there big ones.

[Rick Markham]

I can't say enough how much I love my driftmaster fence! However, I also can't say enough how lousey the directions were. I have no idea if I got the "complete" directions, I have a feeling I did. I really don't feel too bad at all, it only took me about 30 mins to install. But I think I read and reread all the "directions" until I had it deciphered. The pictures are completely worthless, I think my mechanical inclination is the only thing that saved my butt.

Laguna really needs to make a better manual for it, for the price that is paid for it, the directions are abhorrent!

So I didn't realize I could switch the handle to the right side. Looks like a royal PITA, What exactly is involved in that operation? If it involves a large amount of cussing and frustration, I will keep my serenity and live with it on the left LOL

[Mark Woodmark]

I can't say enough how much I love my driftmaster fence! However, I also can't say enough how lousey the directions were. I have no idea if I got the "complete" directions, I have a feeling I did. I really don't feel too bad at all, it only took me about 30 mins to install. But I think I read and reread all the "directions" until I had it deciphered. The pictures are completely worthless, I think my mechanical inclination is the only thing that saved my butt.

Laguna really needs to make a better manual for it, for the price that is paid for it, the directions are abhorrent!

So I didn't realize I could switch the handle to the right side. Looks like a royal PITA, What exactly is involved in that operation? If it involves a large amount of cussing and frustration, I will keep my serenity and live with it on the left LOL

You just remove the end plate from one side and remove the end plate, hand crank, and threaded rod from the other side and reverse them. Its the only thing easy about the installation. When removing the endplates it is the bigger flat head machine screw that is centered on the rail and not the smaller one.

[Josh Bowman]

You just remove the end plate from one side and remove the end plate, hand crank, and threaded rod from the other side and reverse them. Its the only thing easy about the installation. When removing the endplates it is the bigger flat head machine screw that is centered on the rail and not the smaller one.
Well this post has served me a good purpose. I didn't know the crank could be changed! I'm also considering a new lathe and it's down to the Jet and Laguna. I'm being reminded of some of the "little" pains of dealing with Laguna from this thread. :rolleyes:

[Rick Markham]

Thanks Mark, I might actually attempt that then LOL!

Josh which Laguna lathe are you looking at? I'm teasing myself by looking at them myself.:rolleyes:

[Josh Bowman]

Thanks Mark, I might actually attempt that then LOL!

Josh which Laguna lathe are you looking at? I'm teasing myself by looking at them myself.:rolleyes:
Hey Rick,
Looking at the 18/47 Laguna or the Jet 16/42. Both prices are about the same shipped. Laguna has a little "car salesman" mixed in thier staff and they will offer options at a discount, but Jet has the 5 year warrenty.
Opps...I bet we just derailed this thread!:o Sorry

[Rick Markham]

Wow, that took me all of 2 minutes for me to switch the handle to the right side. That just made blade changes 10x easier (a bit exagerated but still) Hey, THANKS MARK!!! Seriously!

Something that should also be included in the instructions :rolleyes: Your right that was the simplest part of the whole process! My serenity is still intact :D

[Mike OMelia]

Again, contact Tito (Laguna Tools), send PM and he will email the "full" documentation for the Driftmaster.

Mike

[Mark Woodmark]

Wow, that took me all of 2 minutes for me to switch the handle to the right side. That just made blade changes 10x easier (a bit exagerated but still) Hey, THANKS MARK!!! Seriously!

Something that should also be included in the instructions :rolleyes: Your right that was the simplest part of the whole process! My serenity is still intact :D

Rick, you are more than welcome

[Mark Woodmark]

Hey Rick,
Looking at the 18/47 Laguna or the Jet 16/42. Both prices are about the same shipped. Laguna has a little "car salesman" mixed in thier staff and they will offer options at a discount, but Jet has the 5 year warrenty.
Opps...I bet we just derailed this thread!:o Sorry

I just went through the "car salesman" thing with Laguna on my Bandsaw choice. It was between an Agazzani and a Laguna and I chose the Agazzani much to the Laguna salesmans dismay....Guess the bandsaw I chose is inferior because it doesnt have Laguna blade guides

[Scot Ferraro]

I agree with the comments about it not being the easiest of things to install, but the videos on Laguna's site are very good and walk you through the process. It is a dream fence to use and probably the best accessory to add to a bandsaw (it is a tough call between it and the new ceramic guides). Well worth the cost and time to install.

Scot

[Mike OMelia]

I'm wanting those ceramic guides!

[Rick Markham]

I'm wanting those ceramic guides!

Mike after having them, I will never turn back! They are super sweet! If one day I ever come across a "great deal" I can't pass up on a 20+inch bandsaw they will be the first upgrade (not holding my breath). Until then I am going to have to be more than satisfied with my 16". :D

[Richard McComas]

Mike after having them, I will never turn back! They are super sweet! If one day I ever come across a "great deal" I can't pass up on a 20+inch bandsaw they will be the first upgrade (not holding my breath). Until then I am going to have to be more than satisfied with my 16". :DAnyone know if the ceramic guides will fit on other that Laguna saws? Like an Agazzina b 24.

[Van Huskey]

Anyone know if the ceramic guides will fit on other that Laguna saws? Like an Agazzina b 24.

They have guides to fit a number of saws the B-24 is I am pretty sure one of them.

[Scot Ferraro]

The answer on the guides is yes, they have them that will fit all saws. Beware, though, that there are no instructions for installing the guides either -- you have to look at the videos and there are a couple of good posts on the Creek from others who have installed them. I do think it was easier than the DriftMaster fence, though :rolleyes:. Well worth the upgrade IMHO and I will not go back either. The new retrofits have the thumb-screws to boot to make adjusment easier. Call Rick Kerrigan or any of the folks at Laguna and he will answer any questions.

Scot

[Josh Bowman]

You just remove the end plate from one side and remove the end plate, hand crank, and threaded rod from the other side and reverse them. Its the only thing easy about the installation. When removing the endplates it is the bigger flat head machine screw that is centered on the rail and not the smaller one.
I just move my handle to the front....that was easy....wish I knew to do this last August. :cool:

[Van Huskey]

Mark, you should approach Laguna about doing a product manual mod manual, they could pay you in Resaw Kings... :cool:

[Will Blick]

Rick, is there a specific application where the ceramic glides excel? wide blades? thin blades? re sawing?

I am curious why you like them so much... I am running the stock guides on the MM20... and never used ceramic guides, your input would be helpful...

TYIA

[Rick Markham]

Rick, is there a specific application where the ceramic glides excel? wide blades? thin blades? re sawing?

I am curious why you like them so much... I am running the stock guides on the MM20... and never used ceramic guides, your input would be helpful...

TYIA

Will, I like them a whole lot for several reasons. 1. They support whole width of the blade, and the rear piece of ceramic supports the back of the blade. 2. They are super easy to set up, It really at most only takes a couple of mins (at most) to properly set them all up. 3. No moving bearings, no moving parts to wear out. 4. The fact that they are ceramic, being a different substance than also steel, the coefficient of friction is reduced, making less heat... blah blah blah (in theory this is good, I really don't know how much of a difference it makes.)

The biggest plus side (for me) is ease of set up, makes changing blades very easy, set up time isn't a "chore" so I am more likely to use the proper blade for the job. I would definitely check out the vids Will, they show you how to set them up and you can judge for yourself. I honestly have never heard anyone say "I got these blade guides from Laguna and I really like my Euro bearings or (insert other guide name here) better" (I am excluding the Carter Stabilizer, as for thin width blades it is a unique product in a class of itself) Everyone I have talked to that has the Laguna guides, and my personal experience with them, has been it takes the PITA part of setting up your guides, and they are really a great product. I personally have no complaints about mine ;)

Laguna offers replacement ceramic inserts for them, although I have never read a post of anyone having to get them. I would assume if they were forced down pinching the blade with a horrid weld they might break... I don't see any responsible user doing that though.

[John Petsche]

Great idea on the mounting plate and measuring scale.