Minimax E16 vs. MM16, opinions?

[Ben Rafael]

Performancewise, is the difference between the 2 machines really worth the price difference?
Has anyone here used both machines? If yes, what is your opinion.
I am aware of the physical and component differences of the 2 machines, I just want to know how this effects the user in the realworld.

[Jim O'Dell]

Ben, I have an E16, and it's a great little machine. Is there $900.00 difference between it and the MM16? Yeah, I think so. But it depends on what you plan to do with the machine. If you are going to be heavy into resawing, I'd say the MM16 would be worth the difference. If you are going to do a little resawing, but mostly regular bandsaw stuff, the E16 should be fine. The stiffer back of the MM16 allows you to tension a bigger blade easier, plus the extra HP. Just works better for resawing hardwoods. JMHO.
I looked at the older S16 about 4 years ago. I decided then that I would save my money and get the MM16. There was only about $800.00 difference in them at the time. Then the E16 came out and I was able to get it at less than half what the MM16 was going for. That swayed me to the E16. And for what I will do, it is probably all the bandsaw I'll ever need. If I get into lots of heavy resaw, I'll step up to the MM16 or 20, but I just doubt that that will ever happen with what I plan to build. Jim.

[Ben Rafael]

I'll be mostly cutting bowl blanks and resawing.
The resawing will be cutting hardwoods down to 1/2" thick pieces(mostly).
I'd say 80% resawing, 5% bowl blanks, 10% stuff that my tablesaw cant handle safely.

[Gary Herrmann]

I've got the MM16. If there is a $900 difference and you can swing it, I'd say get it based on your stated usage.

It is a lot of $, but if you'd be wondering if you should have gotten the MM16 after the E16 arrives, I think that answers your question.

[John Bailey]

I'll be mostly cutting bowl blanks and resawing.
The resawing will be cutting hardwoods down to 1/2" thick pieces(mostly).
I'd say 80% resawing, 5% bowl blanks, 10% stuff that my tablesaw cant handle safely.

Sounds like the MM16 to me.

John

[Bruce Page]

Sounds like the MM16 to me.

John


Based on Jim's responce, that's what I'm thinking.

[Jim O'Dell]

Yep. Sounds like the MM16 will be much better suited for what you will be doing with it. Jim.

[Steven Wilson]

I'll be mostly cutting bowl blanks and resawing.
The resawing will be cutting hardwoods down to 1/2" thick pieces(mostly).
I'd say 80% resawing, 5% bowl blanks, 10% stuff that my tablesaw cant handle safely.


MM16, MM20, or MM24 and a 1" Lennox Trimaster carbide blade for the resaw and a 3/8" Timberwolf AS blade for bowl blanks