Just received Laguna LT 14 SUV bandsaw

[BobR]

Rather than hijack Bob's thread I am starting a new one after taking delivery of the Laguna LT 14 SUV. The gross weight of the package was 170Kg. This created a bit of a problem for the delivery van as a tail lift was required and even though the top of the driveway is flat, the drive itself is on an angle leaving the bandsaw to be pulled up to the back of the truck. Despite the driver's concern all went well and I was left with a large "box" outside the workshop. To further compound the difficulty I was facing in unpacking and assembling the saw, the factory pallet to which the bandsaw is fixed had a broken base support requiring the delivery people to place it on a full size pallet with a lump of timber where placed where the broken piece used to be. This now had the saw sitting an additional 100mm above the floor. (having a problem - won't accept ENTER to start new paragraph) First image is what the bandsaw looks like when delivered - except for the bottom pallet. On the other side is a large warning letting you know that it is top heavy. Next the shrinkwrap has been removed along with the cardboard. The top cardboard box contains the motor which is already wired to the machine. Just to bolt it to the frame. The bottom box has the table in it, and under this is the standard fence. The third image shows the saw after everything has been removed. Just can't take the motor too far. Next image shows the other side of the saw. Because no motor is attached to the bandsaw there is a good chance that the saw could tip over. For this reason I clamped the base to the pallet. With the help of a neighbour I was able to get rid of the two pallets and this image shows it sitting on the slab. Bit dark now for new photos but the saw is now on a mobile base that I had in the shop. Will continue this when I get a bit more done - most likely tomorrow afternoon Unable to upload images - they are .jpg and all less than 100Kb Try again later.

[A Duke]

Hi,
There is a problem with posting pictures at the moment.
Thanks for trying to show us anyway.
Regards

[BobR]

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Still can't use ENTER for a new line :no:(Edit - You sure! ) Here are the missing photos from the original entry. The 3000 series machines all come out of China. It is in no way your standard "made in China" product. The saw is very solid, well made, and has an excellent finish. Suspect that it is out of a Laguna factory or made to Laguna specs and quality. The manual is well written and made for the American market - measurements are given in Imperial units and the warranty phone number is a US I-800- number. The first part of the manual contains the usual warnings including how to go about unpacking the bandsaw The downside is half the unpacking is done by the time you get to the manual. Have been out most of today so I will get some more work done this afternoon and hopefully some new images.

[Wongo]

New toy :U

[CMB]

Still can't use ENTER for a new line :no:(Edit - You sure! )

Have you tried clicking on the "A/A" button before entering any text etc. Top left in the format panel and illuminates blue when active.

May not be your issue but is what I have to do.

Craig.

[BobR]

Thanks Craig.

[Glenrob]

Thanks for the heads up and the great pics Bob. At least I now know what to expect when mine arrives.I finalised everything today with Gregory's and parted with my money. At least I managed to get a free blade out of them during the initial negotiations. I was given the option of having it delivered to a pick up place in town for $60.00 less, but I thought that I'd rather pay the extra and at least have a second set of hands to help unload it as opposed to going into Goulburn and having to lug it back home on a trailer. That's not saying anything about what I'd have to go through to get it off the trailer and into my shed all on my own. Even besides the fact that I can't get around as well as I used to after 3 knee replacements! ....no I don't have 3 legs. Keep the info on your progress coming please Bob .... it's all greatly appreciated and all the best with your new toy.Cheers,Bob

[BobR]

Bob, if your physical condition is as you imply you were smart in getting it delivered to the door. Your model is bigger and heavier than mine and will be much more awkward to move. I hope you have some help at least to get the motor on; maybe for the table as well. Until the motor is fitted the unit is a bit unstable - would be easy to push it over.

(Just noticed that the photos have been uploaded in reverse order ????:o)The first image is after the motor has been fitted. I balanced it on blocks and did a bit of juggling. But this is one heavy mother! Whilst installing the motor the belt on the other side has to be fitted - a bit more juggling. The belt is tightened by pushing the motor down with the bolt above the motor and testing for deflection with your finger. Quite easy really. The next image shows the belt on the motor pulley.

Next step was to install the table. Once again this is one heavy piece and beautifully machined. The image following this is the other side of the table showing the rack and pinion movement and the gas strut to help with the movement of the table.

Next is the nice and clean table.

Following this the fence is fitted. This is the standard fence that comes with the unit. It is 82mm high while the BAS350 fence is only 65mm. Like the rest of the machine it is solid and well built.

Last image is of the finished assembly and ready to move it into the shop.

Once in the shop (no photo) it was connected to the 15A outlet for a test with no blade. The test is just to hit power on then power off and confirm that the lower wheel runs and that the red button works. Then the ON button his hit again and the foot brake touched to confirm that it removes power from the saw. The ON buttin is hit again and the foot brake fully applied. This removes power and applies a brake to the bottom wheel to stop is straight away.

Next step is to fit the Resaw King blade and test it out. Might be out tomorrow so this may not take place until Thursday.

[bosox]

Congratulations to your new band saw. You should now take some tests with its blade.

[SNAFU11]

They sure are a nice solid looking piece of machinery,thanks for posting the pics mate...

Mick!!!

[Glenrob]

Thanks for the great pics a info on your assembly progress Bob. It certainly does look like I'm going to have my work cut out for me when I get to the point of assembling my own saw when it finally gets here.While my legs are my weak point, my upper half is still in fairly good working order thanks to my past years of pretty hard work and play. When I was a lot younger and fitter I was heavily into many sports mainly centring around weight training, water polo and boxing. Anyhow, no-one wants to hear about my physical ups and downs. Your generous documenting of your experience putting your saw together, gives me an insight into what I'm up against and how I'm going to get it done on my own.Wish me luck!Bob

[Glenrob]

Bob, How's the assembly going? You've got me all excited with your pics and progress reports. I'm getting all anxious waiting for my saw to arrive now. I can only imagine what you'll be getting up to over the weekend. Keep up the good work, Bob

[BobR]

Sorry for the delay in finishing this thread. The last item to be installed on the bandsaw is the fence. When I opened it the face was scratched to the extent that it would have marked any timber passing across it. I guess I could have filed/sanded it back, but after paying a couple of thousand for a new saw I wanted it replace. Gregory agreed to send a new one as soon as they received the old one. That went back this morning. Something wrong with my having to spend another $16 to send a damaged item back, but I just want to get the thing up and running. So far my experience in dealing with Gregory has been A1.

Today I unpacked the ResawKing blade - it is a cut above the other bandsaw blades I have. The kerf is about 1.5mm with random spaced teeth. I have fitted it to the saw and am in the process of adjusting the ceramic guides. Will most probably run the blade tonight. My current project is running interference at the moment. If you have not already done so I would recommend that you go to the Laguna website and look at the 7 videos relating to the LT14 SUV.

[BobR]

OK Power on with blade installed. Did a free hand resaw on a piece of rosewood 140mm wide and 19mm thick. Went like a dream. Next to no blade marks at all. In fact a scraper or some hand sanding is all that would be required to give a smooth finish. Most probably even better with a fence as I suspect some of the marks are the result of my hand feeding. Pic attached of piece after being wetted.

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[BobR]

Curre nt state of play. Was notified yesterday that the damaged fence had been received and that the replacement should be shipped today. All going well I might have it by Friday. (Once again unable to use ENTER to start a new line. EDIT button greyed out. Go figure.) As part of my current project I used the new saw to resaw some maple for drawers. The maple was 200mm wide and 27mm thick. I used a resaw fence that I made for the BAS350 and clamped it to Laguna table. I allowed 1mm for any dressing required of the resawn piece. Went like a dream followed by one pass through the thicknesser. Very happy.

[bosox]

That looks great from here. The band saw and blade must be a top notch.

[CMB]

The 3000 series machines all come out of China. It is in no way your standard "made in China" product. The saw is very solid, well made, and has an excellent finish. Suspect that it is out of a Laguna factory or made to Laguna specs and quality.

99% sure most Laguna machinery is rebranded product from chinese manufacturer Harvey.

HARVEY INDUSTRIES CO.,LTD. (http://www.harveymachinery.com/about.html)

Craig.

[Optimark]

Craig, very interesting site, really like that Shark Universal Overhead Guard. Might be tempted (one day in the very distant future) to have a go at doing a home version.

-HARVEY INDUSTRIES CO.,LTD. (http://www.harveymachinery.com/products_multipicflashshow/&productId=b2e9d515-f0bc-4aaf-bed6-02cda2aa1962.html)

Mick.

[BobR]

The replacement fence turned up today and works fine. I was able to resaw a piece of rosewood to give veneer of less than 1mm. Did not have time to take any pics.

Craig, I am not in a position to argue with you and you are closer to the action. However, compared with the other pieces of Chinese made machinery I have, this is in a league of its own.

[CMB]

Craig, I am not in a position to argue with you and you are closer to the action. However, compared with the other pieces of Chinese made machinery I have, this is in a league of its own.

I agree wholeheartedly re their build quality. I intend to make these machines the one's of choice once i'm in a position to upgrade. From what I have researched so far they are on par price wise whether you go Laguna or Harvey. Very impressive units for their price range.

I expect that you should get many pleasurable hours out of your purchase Bob, and I am very envious. I look forward to more of your updates.

Craig.

[BobR]

Craig, just a short follow on. For a Chinese build the bandsaw comes with a Leeson motor out of the USA and the saw is fitted with a number of Laguna patented features. So unless Laguna has licensed these patents the implication is that the saw is being built for Laguna.

[CMB]

Thanks Bob, handy info.

As I don't have one of each to compare side by side it doesn't surprise me that there are some differences. I only made the connecting whilst researching the table/cabinet saws. Also, the Laguna range is more extensive than Harvey from what I have seen so far.

I'm very interested to see how you go with running it in with some regular use.

Craig.

[gingerbeer86]

thanks Bob for taking the time to document this. Do you think the motor and table can be fitted by one person.
cheers

[hiroller]

I also received an LT 14 SUV in the same batch as this.
I have taken some photos but Bob seems to have it covered!
Fitting the motor and table is possible by one person.
The motor is heavy and awkward but I propped it on the foam packing that the motor came boxed in and it lined up well enough to get it bolted in place.

I rested the table in place then lifted the outer end and fitted the tightening bolts.
Fairly straight forward. The table rests on machined semi-circular rails. These were heavily greased but mine had some metal swarf in it. I cleaned it off and re-greased the rails before fitting.

[BobR]

Both Glenrob and myself have just assembled our bandsaw with out help. The motor is the awkward bit, but can be done. The table has a bit of weight in it but not a problem. The more awkward bit is getting it off the pallet and moving it on your own. This is a very heavy unit and is top heavy until the motor is fitted.

[Glenrob]

Bob,

I must apologise for not following your thread as closely as I should have, but I'm sure you can understand that I've been pretty wrapped up in my own little world with my saw since it arrived.
Glad to hear you got a new fence now and can really get into seeing what these saws are capable of.
On a slightly different note though, I just got a post from one of our "friend" who have been following our progress and am not sure what to make of it. In responding, I just hope I didn't go too far in relation to what was written. Maybe someone else can make sense of what his intentions were.
Anyhow, all the best with your new saw and good luck enjoying it.

Bob.

[delbs]

I'm sure what your 'friend' said was in good nature and not to be offending anyone. :)

[Glenrob]

I'm sure what your 'friend' said was in good nature and not to be offending anyone. :)

Delbs,
You know him better than I, so I will defer to your better judgement.

Cheers,
Bob

[BobR]

Just a quick update on the new bandsaw. As part of the new tool chest I am making I had to make three shelves. I took the opportunity to resaw the shelves rather than keep running them through the thicknesser. The shelf is 850mm long and 315mm wide. The removed piece is 2mm thick the full length. Timber is NSW rosewood. Very happy.

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[delbs]

very jealous. Nice work!

[Glenrob]

Bob,

That's a nice result and a beautiful piece of wood. Enjoy.

Bob

[Bazza]

Hi all, it's possibly a bit late but this link might be of some help with the unpack and setup of Laguna Bandsaws and some other stuff as well

Videos at Laguna Tools - 800.234.1976 (http://www.lagunatools.com/company/videos)

Cheers
Bazza

[BobR]

Hi Bazza, found the videos after the saw was unpacked but before setup. Saved a lot of messing around with the manual.