Laguna, Minimax, and Agazanni Bandsaw oners please defend your purchase.

[Ken Baker]

I've been reading everyone's opinions on bandsaws greater than 14" and it seems that Agazanni, Minimax and Laguna are everyone's favorites.

So I went to the Woodworking Show today hoping to choose between the 3.

First stop Laguna - they had an LT14 on display and an LT16HD - and also a 20" or 24" - but more than I need and way out of my price range. Kinda disapointed that they didn't have more considering they are only a few miles away. The LT16HD was a very impressive machine - but the show special package was $300 off so the package was still around $2800, but at least I looked at this one and seemed to see a better quality than the rest of the imports. So I asked about the LT16 - he showed me the LT14 they had on display - said it was made by a different company and went on to show me the many reasons why the Lt16Hd was a better machine. I agreed with everyone of his points but came to the conclusion that unless I was willing to fork out the $2800 for the LT16HD that the regular LT16 at a show package price of $1800 wasn't any better than the $999 Pioneer I saw. Scratch Laguna off the list.

Second stop Minimax - They had an MM16 and an E16. The E16 was no better than Laguna's LT16 - for all I could tell they came off the same line. Scratch the E16 off the list. Then the guy did a poor job of selling me on the MM16 - just said it's better and it's the last bandsaw I'll have to buy. Offers it for $2100. I came back and looked at it later, the bottom door wouldn't even close tight - not what I want to see for over $2000 - scratch Minimax off the list.

Third stop - Agazanni - Looked at their 18" - seemed pretty decent - but seemed to be almost like the other two in the sense I don't see it being built any better than a Jet or Pioneer etc.. And for $2000 they just didn't sell me.

I took a good hard look at the Jet 18 WBSX - no foot brake - but overall quality seemd as good if not better than the the other 3 premiums ones at half the price.

I'm going back again Saturday and Sunday - but I need you owners to tell me what I'm missing. I just don't see the top 3 being $1000 better. The tables all felt cheap - I know the Minimax has 16" resaw and a 4.8 HP - but that's not needed for me.

[Joe Jensen]

I embarked on the same journey about 2 months ago. Minimax turned me on to an owner of a MM16 and I drove an hour each way to see it. I was going to wait for the WW show here in Phoenix Nov 10th, but then I found a 2 year old Laguna LT16-HD and I was able to buy it with the mobility kit and about 10 blades including Laguna's carbide resaw blade for $1400. That swung the decision easily for me. Having said that, I really hate to sell my USA made 1990 Powermatic Model 141. I really want to find the room to keep it, but I just don't see it fitting...joe

[John Fry]

I defend the purchase of my Laguna 16HD by saying that I think all of the above mentioned saws are excellent machines, but I live close enough to the Laguna facility to handle any problems IN PERSON.

Thats what made up my mind. (Plus I will-called it and paid no freight.) I love this saw, use it every day, and have no regrets!...........Well, actually I'd like to buy a 24" now!!

[Ken Baker]

Yes - I don't think I made it clear - the LT16Hd seemed to be a solid machine and that I see why the price is so much more. But the LT16HD at $2800 is way more than I want to spend - now if you really want that LT24 and want to give me a deal on your LT16HD - I'm local too.

[Mark Singer]

Mark Dugunske just bought his second B 20 Aggazani from Jesse...Maloof has one and Krenov...I think they are the best overall

[Gregg Feldstone]

Mark, What do you make of the capacitors that Agazzani attaches next to their motors because they are not designed to run on 60 hz like American motors are?
Does yours have one of these? Do you think they will last as long this way?

[Ken Baker]

On all the "Top 3" Mfrs there seems to be quite a difference between their 16" or 18" models and their larger ones (or in the case of Laguna their LT16HD seems to be in that higher bracket).

He told me the Laguna LT16 and LT16HD are made by two different mfrs.

I can't justify the over $2000 for the larger ones. So I'm trying to see if there is any reason to spend the extra almost $1000 on any of their 16" or 18" models over a Jet, Rikon etc.. I just didn't see the quality on the Laguna LT16, the Minimax E16 or MM16, or the Agazanni 18". Nor did I see any more great functionality or features. The one downside to the Jet JW18WBSX was the 1 1/2 HP motor - but you can get a 3 HP version now for around $1200.

[Phil Maddox]

I own the laguna LT16 (older version - European motor) and I like it a lot.

From what I've heard from people I respect and what I've seen, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Get the best deal.

Good luck.

[Mark Singer]

Mark, What do you make of the capacitors that Agazzani attaches next to their motors because they are not designed to run on 60 hz like American motors are?
Does yours have one of these? Do you think they will last as long this way?
I never paid attention to the capicitors.....mine is about 4 years old aand the motor runs flawlessly.

[Mark Singer]

I had a Jet 18" and i developed serious vibration issues. Jet redeigned the frame and sent me a new model free.... It was great they shood behind their product. At that point I just wanted a better bandsaw....so I called Mark Duginske on the phone and he suggesed that I call Jesse at Eagle Tools and ask about the Aggazani and he suggested the 20" was a lot more saw than the 18".....Turned out that Jesse and I went to the same Universary and were in the same graduating class. I had the saw Jet sent me delivered to Jesse and he shipped it to a buyer I had lined up.....I saw Jesse at the Woodworking show yesterday in Costa Mesa and I left a deposit on the SawStop tablesaw...He sad he watched them for over a year....did a lot of research and now he is a SawStop dealer.

[Roy Wall]

Ken,

Go back and see if they are doing resaw tests so you can see the machines in action.

Also, check out the Powermatic 14" model.... good 14" machine $900

Lastly, Take a chance on a GENERAL 15" (Canadian Made) bandsaw. Cast iron, and perhaps the smoothest running bandsaw of its size. It is pricey though, around $2200.

[Kirk (KC) Constable]

I think it really depends on what you're doing...or maybe how much you'll be doing it. I got a JET 18" (used) because I wanted a bit more resaw height than I had with the 14", and I didn't want to mess with a riser block. I don't do any 'big' resawing, but I wanted to resaw 6" without being at the limit of the saw as designed. This one does what I want it to do, and it does it for a lot less $$ than the others. A good blade will make a huge difference... and with the blades being equal, for what I do I'm not sure how much better the others could be. I will say that a foot brake would be a very good addition to the JET.

KC

[Steve Rowe]

Sorry - defending my purchase of an LT-18 seems irrelevant to the question at hand. You need to choose what best fits your needs and budget. The wisdom of any purchase can only be determined by its performance and worth to the owner over the years. My LT-18 has performed flawlessly for the past 7 years and to me it was worth every penny of what I paid.
Steve

[Jim Becker]

What can I say? My MM16 is the last band saw I'll likely need to purchase. My doors close just fine and the company has been wonderful to work with. And when you compare the weight, materials and so forth of the MM, Laguna and Agazanni objectively to the Jet, Delta, etc. saws, there is a notable difference for the money you pay.

But the bottom line is that you should invest in the machine and company that you are most comfortable with.

[Ken Baker]

Thanks so far for everyone's input - as I mentioned I'm going back today. No offense to you Jim - I wanted to go and justify to myself the $2000 for the MM16 - but was not impressed and like I said the bottom door wouldn't even shut - and the less than helpful salesman wasn't even there most of the day. Now in day to day use maybe that's where it shines - but that isn't coming across on the show floor.

I'll give all three another look today.

[Fred Woodward]

My MM16 will also probably be the last large bandsaw I will purchase. Local service here is a plus but I haven't needed anything from MM.
I initially looked at the MM16 with the smaller motor but bought the 4.8 version on a special as the special price was little more.
I've never used a Laguna or Agazanni though I looked at Laguna very seriously. I was turned off by many comments on various forums about their support and customer service.
I bought the MiniMax for what it is...an industrial type machine. I've resawn 14" on it flawlessly and easily. 14" walnut with no change of pitch from the saw.
I've looked at better finish on tools but love the MM for how it works. It works very well (for me).
You have to buy what will fit your needs. I think MM fits my needs now and for the future.

[lou sansone]

I have owned three band saws; a old cast iron left handed saw, a brnad new laguna 24 and a MOAK super 36. The laguna was a great saw. Seen the other mm saws in the 16 to 24 " range and they also looked very decent. doors that don't shut are a problem, could just be one of those friday saws. have you considered a used machine? you may be able to get a more substantial saw for same money new. just a thought
lou

[Jim O'Dell]

As Lou said, it could be a Friday saw, or it could be it got tweeked during the shipment to the show. At the show here last year, they must have had 3 if not 4 MM16's, maybe one each of the MM20 and MM24's. Stand off and watch the salesman at the show. There are usually 2 or 3. You'll see how one or another deals with the customers. Pick the one that you feel gives the best information. All the ones I've talked to over the 3 years I've been to the show were all very knowedgeable. I have the E16. No, It's not in the same league as the main 3 your are looking at. But at the price I was able to get it at, I couldn't justify the wait for the MM16 that I truley wanted. Jim.

[Gregg Feldstone]

Please let me know what you think the differences are between the LT 18 and the Agazzani B-20. I'm especially interested in the overall frame stiffness and construction and would like to know if the fence on the Agg has any problems. Someone told me the support bar can flex. Also, how easily does the table tilt on the Agg? Is the quick release good and smooth? Any wobbling of the trunion? Thanks!!

[Mark Singer]

Please let me know what you think the differences are between the LT 18 and the Agazzani B-20. I'm especially interested in the overall frame stiffness and construction and would like to know if the fence on the Agg has any problems. Someone told me the support bar can flex. Also, how easily does the table tilt on the Agg? Is the quick release good and smooth? Any wobbling of the trunion? Thanks!!

Gregg,
The 20" Agg has a lever and it is easy to tilt the table. I think the 18" requires a wrench. The fence is fine and plenty stiff. I saw a new model at the show yesterday and the fence was the same as mine,

[Joe Jensen]

I had a Jet 18" and i developed serious vibration issues. Jet redeigned the frame and sent me a new model free.... It was great they shood behind their product. At that point I just wanted a better bandsaw....so I called Mark Duginske on the phone and he suggesed that I call Jesse at Eagle Tools and ask about the Aggazani and he suggested the 20" was a lot more saw than the 18".....Turned out that Jesse and I went to the same Universary and were in the same graduating class. I had the saw Jet sent me delivered to Jesse and he shipped it to a buyer I had lined up.....I saw Jesse at the Woodworking show yesterday in Costa Mesa and I left a deposit on the SawStop tablesaw...He sad he watched them for over a year....did a lot of research and now he is a SawStop dealer.

Mark, welcome to the SawStop club...joe

[Bob Marino]

Hell, i just follwed Mark Singer's advice and got the Agazzani.;) ;) No regrets.:D :D :D Best advice - see what works for you!

Bob

[rodney mitchell]

I have the MM16 and seriously doubt I'll ever have to buy another bandsaw. In my opinion, the Italian saws are the ultimate. I wanted plenty of HP for whatever I threw at it, and with 4.8, I have it. If I am not mistaken, $2100 for a new MM16 is a fantastic price. I sure thought the last time I priced them that they were 200-300 more than that. Anyway, good luck with your decision.

Rodney

[Pete Bradley]

Sorry - defending my purchase of an LT-18 seems irrelevant to the question at hand. You need to choose what best fits your needs and budget.
Steve

Without question, the best advice in this thread.

Pete

[Dan Stuewe]

A Laguna 16 is on Craig's list here in Costa Mesa for $900 (I think). I noticed it earlier this week so it might be sold.

[Cecil Arnold]

I have the MM16 and seriously doubt I'll ever have to buy another bandsaw. In my opinion, the Italian saws are the ultimate. I wanted plenty of HP for whatever I threw at it, and with 4.8, I have it. If I am not mistaken, $2100 for a new MM16 is a fantastic price. I sure thought the last time I priced them that they were 200-300 more than that. Anyway, good luck with your decision.

Rodney

Rodney,

It was $2-300 more, actually about $180 more since we have to pay sales taxes here in Texas on our MM buys.

[Steven Wilson]

Well if you think the Jet is so great, then buy it. I don't have to "defend" my bandsaw purchase to anyone xxxx.

[Mike Wenzloff]

Well if you think the Jet is so great, then buy it. I don't have to "defend" my bandsaw purchase to anyone xxxx.
Bad day, huh? While the thread title is cute, it was an accident waiting to happen.

And while I won't even mention which saws I have, I'm not certain it matters unless one goes above the 18" size. I think the most bang for the buck is the Rikon 18" [nope, don't got one].

Above that and for the next higher price range, I would recommend basing the decision on after-sale support.

Take care, Mike

[Robert MacKinnon]

Without question, the best advice in this thread.

Pete Agreed. Hell, I can't even defend the purchase of much of the machinery in my garage to SWMBO, yet alone to someone on this list :). But, I went the used route for my bandsaw and got a 20" Centauro (which is much like a Minimax MM20) for $600. I invested another $75 in a motor and magnetic starter and got myself a wonderful, stable, quiet, cheap machine. Ken, I'd suggest you'd do the same; check out the used market in your area.

[Joe Mioux]

The more I learn about proper tensioning of vaious width saw blades, the more I appreciate my purchase of a MM16.

Some very good reading has come from the Iturra Design Bandsaw Accessory Catalog and Lonnie Bird's book. Get both of these reference books and you will understand what I am saying.

Joe

[Ken Baker]

Went back to the show today -

Spent alot of time with Jesses from Eagle Tools - very knowledgeable, very helpful. Explained in great detail all the quality difference points between the Agazanni and the others. One point he conceeded was the upper guide system on the Minimax MM16 was much stouter - the telescoping design, than the Agazanni. He was showing me the 18" - the 18" borrows alot of design features from the 20" - the 16" is a whole different animal. He then shows in the base trunion and the inner gear how much better the 20" was thean the 18" - you can't tilt the table on the 18" without a wrench. He offered me a good deal on the 20" - at this point the only one I would onsider after seeing the differences in the 18" and the 16".

Over to Minimax - sorry for the earlier post - the E16 was the one where the door wouldn't shut - not the MM16. At one point in the day I saw him resaw a log on the MM16 for a group of people - the rest of the day he was too busy on his cell phone and didn't seem interested in seeling saws. As mentioned above the telescoping upper guide was very secure. Yes it has a higher horsepower over the Agazanni - but from what I could tell there was no other advantage over the Agazanni - and that was comparing a 16" Minimax vs a 20" Agazanni. So at that point I would have stayed with the 20" Agazanni for the same price as the 16" minimax.

Over to Laguna - was in the process of resawing a large piece of wood on the LT14SE and the machine thermally overloaded and ended that demo. So since the Laguna LT16 is similar to the LT14 I crossed it off. In my opinion on the Laguna you have to move up to the LT16Hd to get a real quality machine. But that comes at a price of about $600 more than the Agazanni 20"

So after visiting the "Top 3" - my conclusion:

Agazanni - you need to get at least the 20" model - around $2300 - the 18" is very nice too - but spend the extra couple of hundred to get the 20".

Minimax 16 - nice machine but the MM16 at $2300 was not as good of a value as the Agazanni 20" for the same price.

Laguna - You need to get at least the LT16HD - or it's no better than any other machine - but that'll cost you $2800 - so in my opinion the 20: Agazanno - still the better value.

So then I'm walking past the Jet booth - Jet WBS18X - not the regular 18 - they are offering the floor model - only setup for the show - never turned on - for $900. I couldn't pass it up.

Is the Jet as good as the 20" Agazanni - no way - but I believe it will handle my needs for the forseable future, and for more than half the price of the Agazanni.

If money is no object, and you NEED the higher quality, get the agazanni.

[Gregg Feldstone]

Thanks Ken!!

[Alan Turner]

Ken,
I have had the Aggi for several years (3 or 4) and it is an excellent saw. Jesse sets them up right, and aftermarket support is also excellent. The Aggi has a vulcanized tire that will outlive me. The only others I know that are made this way, with the rubber vulcanized on, and then turned and balanced, are the Northfield and the Zimmerman (no longer made).
Good luck on your decision.

[Ken Baker]

Yes Jesse explained the vulcanized and balanced tire - and showed that he had taken a knife and cut a slot all the way down to the metal and was still using the saw just fine.

As I said I was very impressed with the Agazanni 20" - if you need larger than a 14" saw and you need really heavy duty, - "AND" you are willing to spend over $2,000 I would absolutely buy the Agazanni 20". but only the 20" or higher - don't cheap out and get the 18" or the 16" - it's definitely not just a matter of size difference - they are very different machines. Like I said you can't even tilt the table on the 18" Agazanni without a wrench.

[Steve Wargo]

I have only a bandsaw in my shop. But I used to have a Unisaw and a 14" Jet Bandsaw. I spent a few hundred dollars making the 14" Jet work better. High tension spring, new guide system, new fence, balanced the wheels, yadda yadda. Then I purchased the Laguna 16HD. I sold the UNisaw and Jet 14" BS to pay for it. I've only one regret. I like the MM machines, but chose the Laguna because the guide system is better. I have a 4.4HP motor that resaws through 12" wide walnut like butter. My only regret is that I didn't spring for the 20" or 24" model. My next bandsaw will also be a laguna. I use it probably at least an hour (of actual cutting a week), and never do anything but change blades and clean it. Great saw.

[Travis Porter]

I have owned a Delta 14" with riser block for 10 years. I thought it was a good saw until I spent about $600 tuning it up. New tires, bearings, shims, motor, etc. After all that, it did a pretty good job, but you still could not put the proper tension on larger blades.

I recently acquired a MM24 and for what you pay, you would think some of the little things would be better. Doors not aligned, paint job not perfect, the list goes on. I suspect this is not unique to Minimax but applies to others like Agazzani and Laguna. The big difference IMO of these saws is not the finish, but the attention to detail for the things that really matter. Balanced heavy wheels, substantial cast iron tables, double belts, etc.

These comments are after I have sat back and evaluated what I got with the MM24 as when I unpacked it, I expected it to be like a new car, absolutely perfect. What I now realize, it is perfect in the areas that matter. For example, being new to the saw, I screwed up and started it with the blade not tensioned. I hit the foot brake, stopped the lower wheel, but the upper wheel spinned for almost 10 minutes. After I thought about it for a while, for it to do that, it has to be one awesome set of wheel bearings with a well balanced wheel.

IMO, most of the lower priced saws will require some type of "upgrades". The Laguna's, Minimax's, and Agazzani's require no upgrades.

[Dave A. Jackson]

I was at the show yesterday also and an MM16 is being delivered to my shop at the end of the month:D
Dave

[Mike Wenzloff]

Welcome to SMC, Dave.

Nice way to make your first post--with a gloat! Nice saw.

Take care, Mike

[Todd Solomon]

I know I'm coming late to the party, I just recently joined the Sawmill. But knowing how prospective buyers will search the archives, I thought I would throw in my 2 cents.

There hasn't been much discussion about resaw in this thread, which is the main reason that I bought an MM16 over the venerable 14" clones. A primary issue with saws is how much tension you can put on a wide blade without appreciable frame flex. The MM16 is plenty beefy to put 30,000 psi into a 1" blade, without any noticeable deformation.

Woodworker Academy in Alemeda, CA has a Laguna 16. The owner told me it's an HD, but I don't think so. He has been dissapointed in that he was unable to tension a 1" blade. Laguna sent him heavier duty springs, but appearantly the frame stiffness wasn't sufficient. He also has an Agazzani that he uses for resaw, and a number of 14" saws for everything else. He recommended against the Laguna 16. But there are so many happy 16HD owners out there, his must be a standard Laguna 16. So personally, I wouldn't look at anything less than a 16HD.

I visited Laguna at a recent Woodworking Show, and was very impressed with their latest developments. They had a larger saw (it was either a 20 or 24") that had an impressive fence. The fence had an easy, turn of a screw adjustment to compensate for blade drift. It was the most refined fence I've seen- very nice.

A friend of mine has an Agazzani, a beautiful machine. He showed me how he was able to adjust the upper blade guide through it's full range of motion, without the guides touching the blade (only a few thousandths clearance). Pretty impressive. My MM's close to that well aligned, and I could fettle with it to get it that way. But the Agazzani was perfect, right out of the crate. He's very happy with it.

One advantage that MM has over Agazzani and Laguna is that you can adjust the lower blade guides appreciably closer to the table top, reducing blade flex during resaw or other precision cuts.

The MM16 is a fantastic saw, I have no complaints. If I were in the market today, I would look at all three- Agazzani, Laguna and MM, but probably nobody else. I would probably lean towards an MM20 with 20" resaw, because my experience with the MM16 has been terrific. Again, these three brands' heavy duty saws are in a class of their own for large resaw. For anything else, or unless you need a lot of throat depth, a well tuned 14" saw will do.

Todd

[John Shuk]

I have an LT-16. I can't justify the cost. I could have bought a less expensive saw and had less trouble. Laguna customer service was terrible as far as I was concerned. I've seen many happy customers and many unhappy. It seems to be the luck of the draw there. One of the mags just did a test and gave the Rikon the number one spot. Not based on price but on performance. Laguna was a disappointment to them especially based on price. I don't know do you get what you pay for?

[Cameron Reddy]

... They [Laguna] had a larger saw (it was either a 20 or 24") that had an impressive fence. The fence had an easy, turn of a screw adjustment to compensate for blade drift. It was the most refined fence I've seen- very nice. ...
Todd

Todd, it was a new 20" Bulgarian-made saw (like their smaller saws) called the LT20 Bowl Turner, with the new DriftMaster fence.

Laguna has told me that the new saw has been made much heavier than their other Blugarian saws, and weighs nearly 800 lbs. I can't see that in the only picture I have of the machine. The spine just doesn't look that beefy, a-la the MM20, which is a 785 lb saw.

What was your impression of the saw itself? Did it look as heavy as the MM20?

[Todd Solomon]

Todd, it was a new 20" Bulgarian-made saw

What was your impression of the saw itself? Did it look as heavy as the MM20?

Cameron,

I didn't look very closely at the rest of the saw, I was focusing on jointer / planers. It did look nice though. I've got to hand it to Laguna, Felder and Mini Max- They just keep innovating, unlike most of the american companies, that offer the same old asian clones that were designed decades ago.

A little stealth gloat- After looking at the Laguna and Mini Max jointer / planers, I ended up ordering a Felder AD741 Powerdrive 16" jointer / planer. It's the machine I've always considered the benchmark, and I finally bit the bullet and went for it.

[Cameron Reddy]

Cameron,
... I've got to hand it to Laguna, Felder and Mini Max- They just keep innovating, unlike most of the american companies, that offer the same old asian clones that were designed decades ago.
...

I've noticed that, too.

Thanks for the info.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

With Band saws you have some issues similar to planers. Bearings Bearings Bearings.

Find out what class bearings they are using and where they are using 'em. What size how many bearings , are they ball, roller, needle, tapered - - etc??

Then Adjustments adjustment adjustments.
Ya gotta take a long hard look at the points of adjustment. Some will be plainly crummy and others very good.

Then look at the casings - how they are built and from what. They are holding themselves up somehow. You don't want to put in a nice huge resaw and have the things take a twist just because you tightened it up really solid.

[Cameron Reddy]

Cliff, can you comment on any specific saws, or brands in general, with regard to the excellent criteria you just mentioned?

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Cliff, can you comment on any specific saws, or brands in general, with regard to the excellent criteria you just mentioned?

Nope. I ain't got round to making that purchase yet but wne I do the research I'll do will be closely targeted at that soet of information especially bearings and bearing mounts. Most of the rest you can see when you climb over one at a show. the things you can't see are really important.

I can say that when I asked the Laguna sales geek about bearings when I was researching table saws he fell flat on his face and wouldn't get up.
He refused to even try to answer my questions and his excuse was another nail in the Laguna coffin. He had no access to any tech manuals or tech people because they are all in another country.

[Eugene Brown]

What can I say? My MM16 is the last band saw I'll likely need to purchase. My doors close just fine and the company has been wonderful to work with. And when you compare the weight, materials and so forth of the MM, Laguna and Agazanni objectively to the Jet, Delta, etc. saws, there is a notable difference for the money you pay.

But the bottom line is that you should invest in the machine and company that you are most comfortable with.

I have a Hitachi 3" resaw bandsaw with the replacment guides that allow the use of 1" and smaller blades. It is paid for. Under these conditions would you also purchase one of the Big 3?

[james bell]

I looked long and hard at the Laguna 16 and the Minimax 16 a few years ago. The major selling point was that Laguna was charging a fortune for shipping to Virginia (and it originally comes from Italy?) whereas Minimax had either free or virtually free shipping from Texas- so that was the deal breaker or maker. MM16 has treated me well.

I did purchase a lot of blades from Laguna as they were having a good sale on carbide resaw blades, and I am happy with them.

[Rick Markham]

On all the "Top 3" Mfrs there seems to be quite a difference between their 16" or 18" models and their larger ones (or in the case of Laguna their LT16HD seems to be in that higher bracket).

He told me the Laguna LT16 and LT16HD are made by two different mfrs.

I can't justify the over $2000 for the larger ones. So I'm trying to see if there is any reason to spend the extra almost $1000 on any of their 16" or 18" models over a Jet, Rikon etc.. I just didn't see the quality on the Laguna LT16, the Minimax E16 or MM16, or the Agazanni 18". Nor did I see any more great functionality or features. The one downside to the Jet JW18WBSX was the 1 1/2 HP motor - but you can get a 3 HP version now for around $1200.

I never compared the Jet with my Laguna LT16, so I can't speak about that. Yes the LT 16 saw is made in china, with an American made 3HP leeson motor. The 16HD is an Italian saw, so supposedly there is a quality difference in construction, I personally haven't seen a 16HD in person, it was out of my price range too. I can speak for my experience with my machine, Dealing with Tim from Laguna (who's counterpart is now Tito) has been nothing but stellar. Their customer service has been great for me, I think largely their customer service problems have been addressed. My saw arrived in beautiful condition, Tim called to check to make sure everything arrived correct and that I was satisfied. I have talked with Tito too, and he has been more than helpful with other orders I have made with them.

My experience with this saw have been great, It arrived in perfect condition, the wheels were completely coplanar, the blades track true, set up was easy, it even passed the nickel test right out of the box. No issues what so ever. It eats everything I can feed it, and then some. I am pleased as punch with mine! :D

Nickel test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlM9Z1L0Ykc

[Bruce Page]

I have a Hitachi 3" resaw bandsaw with the replacment guides that allow the use of 1" and smaller blades. It is paid for. Under these conditions would you also purchase one of the Big 3?

Does the Hitachi still use the universal motor? The only one that I have been near was so loud that I could not stand it. Seriously, it was that loud.

Does the MiniMax resaw as well as the Hitachi with 3" resaw blade? Probably not.
Would I trade my MiniMax for the Hitachi 3" resaw bandsaw? Certainly not.

[Dave MacArthur]

Four year old thread...
If you have a dedicated resaw Machine then the value of a resaw bs so large may not fit you. However every post i've read says that hitachi was a underpowered, if you've found it so then perhaps the big bandsaws have value for you.