Thread: Advice on bandsaw

Originally Posted by Just George

It has a good motor, good guides and cast iron wheels. Being able to ad the riser kit is an added bonus. For setup, watch the YouTube video by Alex Snodgrass, he does a demo in America in front of a small crowd, it will show you all you need to know about setup.

And it is not much more than the 14" Powermatic!


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Originally Posted by NicGellie

And it is not much more than the 14" Powermatic!

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Yeah, Carbatec sell the Powermatic, the initial post said about $1500, this is a little more than that but worth it.

The YouTube video I suggested will show how good it is.

Well it is interesting that there are a lot of Laguna fans out there. The Powermatic should be a pretty good saw if one goes by the specs and its reputation?


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Powermatic owners don't have the need to show that they own a Powermatic, in the same Laguna owners need to.

Originally Posted by Just George

Powermatic owners don't have the need to show that they own a Powermatic, in the same Laguna owners need to.

Can I use 6mm blades for fine work and going around curves? How many tpi for such work?


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Originally Posted by NicGellie

Can I use 6mm blades for fine work and going around curves? How many tpi for such work?

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Yes, generally 6mm blades have 6tpi. The blade that comes with the saw will be ok, but buy a second/third blade, they will be better.

Originally Posted by NicGellie

Can I use 6mm blades for fine work and going around curves? How many tpi for such work?


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Sorry, I didn't answer your question. Yes, the 6mm blade will allow you to do curves. The Alex Snodgrass video on YouTube shows what you want to know. He cuts some incredibly tight curves, VERY quickly.

Thanks George. I am watching the video now. You have been a great help.

I will contact Carbatec in the morning and see if there are any special deals on the Powermatic.


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I'm starting to lean towards the Laguna 14BX. Yes it's a bit more than I originally budgeted for and the cheaper alternatives would in all likelihood do what I want and more. I would probably be happy with one of them. Gregory's should have the full range in stock by the end of the week. I'll also do a trip to Carbatec and Hare&Forbes to check out what they have. Thanks everyone for your input I don't know if it has made my decision easier or harder.

Cheers

Just buy the one you think is best and do not base your decision on "value for money". As has been said many times in many posts the money will soon be forgotten and with larger machinery it's best to buy your last tool first.

Originally Posted by DomAU

Just buy the one you think is best and do not base your decision on "value for money". As has been said many times in many posts the money will soon be forgotten and with larger machinery it's best to buy your last tool first.

I agree. That is why I am canvassing the best possible opinion on what might best work for me.


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I have a Laguna LT18 3000 and am happy with it. I was initially looking at buying a 14" saw, but when I saw them in person they looked tiny. I much prefer the larger and more robust 18" saw and am glad I went that route.

It cuts very smooth veneers with the 1.25" Resaw King blade. I had some issues running a 3/4" 2 tpi bi-metal blade from Henry Bro's on it (lots of vibration and rough cut) but assume this was the blade as other blades I have tried have been fine.

Laguna now have an 18 BX model. Haven't seen or used one myself but may be an improvement over the LT18; time will tell.

Originally Posted by DomAU

Laguna now have an 18 BX model. Haven't seen or used one myself but may be an improvement over the LT18; time will tell.

Interestingly the 18 BX is a fair bit lighter and slightly more expensive than the LT 18 3000 (according to Gregory Machinery).
The Laguna website doesn't seem to have the LT 18 3000, only the Italian LT18 which is considerably more the 18 BX.

Finally bought a bandsaw after a lot of messing/driving around. Went to Gregorys, they had their demo Laguna 14BX from the Brisbane show that they would let me have for a reduced price plus extras. I agreed to buy, however, part of the fence was missing. They stated they would find it and call me the next day. Next day no phone call I sent an email, no reply. The next day I drove out to Gregorys, they couldn't find the part. They had to order another one in. Not impressed with the sales service that left me questioning what the technical service would be like.

Being out and about I drove to Carbatec to look at the JET 18 as I had considered buying the on advertised here. Lovely beast of a machine but too big for my shed. I ended up buying a Powermatic, loaded it up in the twin cab and brought it home.

Managed to unload it myself, came in 3 boxes. But still heavy for an old bloke like me. Next started assembling it. Took the top half off to lift it onto the stand, added the riser and started on the rest. Not an easy assembly unless you are double jointed with long thin arms. Lots of blue language Set everything up as per Alex Snodgrass's video.

Its been an interesting journey that ended with me buying a make I had never previously considered.

Cheers