Laguna Wood Lathe

[Chip Nasworthy]

Has anyone ever used a Laguna Wood Lathe ? I found one for sale it is a 18-47 ,but I've never have hear anyone turning on this lathe.Would like to know the good or bad qualities of this lathe.

[John Keeton]

Chip, I did a quick search and found these threads -

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?160088-New-Laguna-lathe
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?68803-Laguna-18-47-Lathe
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?100442-Laguna-Lathes
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?133266-Thoughts-on-Laguna-Lathes

[Doug Herzberg]

Chip, it's a Chinese lathe similar to the Grizzly GO698 (now GO733) which I have, as well as several others on the Creek. It is sold under various labels (BusyBee in Canada). I've been reasonably happy with mine and I believe the others have as well. When I was shopping, the Grizzly was a little less expensive, but when Laguna had a sale on, they were pretty close.

Check out the Grizzly Green Monster group here for more information. Some of those guys may have turned on other lathes and have an opinion about how it compares. It is clearly not as hefty as a Powermatic 3520, but it's about half the price.

Laguna now offers a bigger lathe and I haven't heard whether the 18/47 will stay in their lineup.

[Roger Chandler]

If it is new from Laguna........their customer service is questionable at times.........for me I would prefer doing business with Grizzly......if it is used, just check it out real good and if it seems okay then if the price is right.......

I have the Grizzly G0698 18/47 and it has been a superb performer for over 3 years now!

[Brian Finney]

I got the UK equivalent just before Christmas – personally very pleased with it for the price. I upgraded from http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-awvsl1000-woodturning-lathe-prod886609/ (http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-awvsl1000-woodturning-lathe-prod886609/).

It’s sold in US by Laguna, Grizzly, two Canadian outlets, Hare & Forbes in Oz and Axminster in UK. Personally, I have confidence in Axminster so as well as my own decision to buy the fact Axminster was selling it added to the comfort zone.

There are a lot of postings on the web and I waded thro the lot before I bought. In summary the bad side of one particular Laguna supplied lathe came out as two problems so far as I could see – first problem was a motor with inadequate power the lathe could be stalled by taking a reasonably deep cut – I’ve had this on a bandsaw it was the motorshaft being out of spec and too tight a fit; solution a new motor under warranty. The second problem was centres not lining-up – and I have got to ask the question had the lathe been levelled? My lathe has been levelled and my centres line-up.

Laguna do a good video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaUy8R9afTc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaUy8R9afTc)

It’s a heavy lathe 186kg /410lbs even when broken down into headstock, tailstock, bed and 2No legs each part is heavy for one person. I transported it in a car which was just about possible for me provided only the driver was in the car.

Hope that helps

[Brian Finney]

Chip,

I did a test piece - willow log 42" long 9" dia. Turned off-centre 4 ways. 130-200rpm.
Lathe handled it no probs - probably the biggest I'll ever turn could just about position and lift the log on the lathe myself.
Intend to fettle the finish with arbotech mini and use as a garden ornament.

[Bill Bulloch]

Chip, I believe it is a good lathe. I research it several years ago and order the Grizzly G0698 equivalently instead, because it was cheaper, but I cancelled that order because of the deliverly problems Grizzly was having with it at the time. And. as you know, I got the Delta instead. You need to get this one, so you can finish that large segmented piece you started.