Thread: Laguna Platinum Cab saw

Hi,

I've got a laguna platinum and couldn't be happier. Be aware that a bunch of saws are available worldwide with very similar specs and seem to come out of the same factory.

http://directories.csa-international...sl/certrec.xsl

I just googled the model numbers from that page and came up with this list:

Laguna Platinum - MTS0200-0180
Grizzly - G0690
Harvey - HW110LG-30
King Canada - KC-26-FXT-i30
Oliver Machinery - 4012 Table Saw
Craftex - CX200
Baileigh Industrial - TS-1040P
Shop Fox - W1819

You should be able to find any number of reviews based on that list of machines. It appears that the Harvey and the Laguna are available in Australia. I'm sure there are minor differences between manufacturers apart from stickers - but that's left up to you to work out.

If you search this forum there's already been a significant amount of discussion on this saw.

Hope that helps.

--
zzpanic

Ditto, also have one and am happy with it . As zzpanic said there are a few threads on the forum especially in this section. I was looking at the same Jet as you and eventually it came down to the $700 price difference which I put towards my new bandsaw. Having said that the Laguna's have had a price rise a month ago so it might pay to check with Gregory Machinery to see what they can do. Not sure if they would have them at the Melb WW Show in October or even if you can hang out that long but at least you could see it in the flesh if they are there.

Cheers
Redgy

Hey Ben,

I upgraded my table saw about 6 months ago. I was set on buying the Carbatec left tilting saw but as you mentioned they stopped bringing them in. I ended up buying the Jet Xacta left tilting saw which came with the 50" rails and I've been happy with it. I don't think you can go too wrong either way.

Cheers

Andy

Hi all

Firstly Thank you so much for your replies they really helped...

in fact reading these posts today was the push I needed, so I placed the order..

I ordered the dovetail version Laguna Plat... and am needless to say very excited.

They have told me that the shipment is due in 4 weeks so now I just has to wait it out and keep sweeping over the same piece of empty concrete in the shed ready for my new toy.


In case anyone else is here looking for the same info as me I have found that according to Gregory's machinery the Dovetail version they bring in has the same 3HP motor as the non dovetail platinum even though the Laguna website states 4hp.


zzpanic: Thanks for the info, I didn't realise there where so many "rebadged" versions. I have found quite a few reviews now and a lot on the grizzly. im learning lot and this does seem to be quite a good saw, either way a massive step up for me ) again thanks for putting in the time and effort/ all those links its appreciated


Andy: I was stunned by the Jet Xacta left hand tilt. What a great machine, I think I annoyed the guy at Carbatec because I kept poking / prodding it, looking at it from every angle. It was like hardware #### to me . He must have asked me about 6 times if I needed any help. needless to say I bored the wife the whole way home...


Redgy: I cant hang out for the show, waiting the 4 weeks for them to arrive will be hard enough and yeah saving money is saving money, they still work out cheaper by about $250 to $470 depending which version Laguna you go for, they have quoted me $2545 for the Dovetail version and $2329 for the standard.

So thanks again for the info guys

Originally Posted by Darklink

in fact reading these posts today was the push I needed, so I placed the order..

Not the first or last time this forum has helped relieve people of that pesky cash stuff

Good on you Darklink, can see the excitement in your words

Redgy

Originally Posted by Darklink

Hi all

Firstly Thank you so much for your replies they really helped...

in fact reading these posts today was the push I needed, so I placed the order..

I ordered the dovetail version Laguna Plat... and am needless to say very excited.

They have told me that the shipment is due in 4 weeks so now I just has to wait it out and keep sweeping over the same piece of empty concrete in the shed ready for my new toy.


In case anyone else is here looking for the same info as me I have found that according to Gregory's machinery the Dovetail version they bring in has the same 3HP motor as the non dovetail platinum even though the Laguna website states 4hp.


zzpanic: Thanks for the info, I didn't realise there where so many "rebadged" versions. I have found quite a few reviews now and a lot on the grizzly. im learning lot and this does seem to be quite a good saw, either way a massive step up for me ) again thanks for putting in the time and effort/ all those links its appreciated


Andy: I was stunned by the Jet Xacta left hand tilt. What a great machine, I think I annoyed the guy at Carbatec because I kept poking / prodding it, looking at it from every angle. It was like hardware #### to me . He must have asked me about 6 times if I needed any help. needless to say I bored the wife the whole way home...


Redgy: I cant hang out for the show, waiting the 4 weeks for them to arrive will be hard enough and yeah saving money is saving money, they still work out cheaper by about $250 to $470 depending which version Laguna you go for, they have quoted me $2545 for the Dovetail version and $2329 for the standard.

So thanks again for the info guys

just wondering how the Platinum has gone for you? Are you happy with it, any issues?

Is the motor in the Laguna and the Harvey the same? Laguna advertise "3 hp Leeson single phase", and Harvey advertise "3 HP TEFC motor".

Am I correct in stating that the Leeson is designed and built in the USA? If so, these come with a fabulous reputation.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Yes I think they both have the Leeson. I think after talking with the suppliers I have narrowed my choice down to the Laguna and the SawStop. I've heard fantastic reviews on both so the only thing that's really separating them is the safety of the SawStop but at $1500 more than the Laguna is it worth it? $1500 is half of my planer/thicknesser.

When it comes to the purchase of a tablesaw, I believe that it is important to factor in the cost of the slider. A slider makes such a HUGE upgrade that, once you have used one, you will wonder how you got along without it.

The extra cost of the slider means that the $1999 Harvey (from BBT) must come back into the equation, at least for myself. So my question is, what is the difference between the Laguna and the Harvey (with the same 3 hp motor)? Has anyone here actually looked at them side-by-side?

Regards from Perth

Derek

My friend and I have both looked at the Laguna Platinum and Harvey, but not side by side. I own the Harvey. My friend believes that the finish on the Harvey was nicer than the Laguna but I couldn't pick any difference.

The saws appear identical aside from the 30mm arbor on the Harvey and aluminium extrusion (vs nylon) on the Harvey fence. Otherwise to my knowledge they are the same saw in every other detail.

Everyone should make their own decision and factor in confidence with any prospective supplier/local support but I personally wouldn't pay any premium for the Laguna.

I don't really have the room to add a sliding table.

DomAU, are the fences as good on both saws? The one thing I liked about the sawstop was the fence moved across the table like it was suspended in mid air and clamped down very nicely without a lot of movement, very positive.

DomAU, are you happy with the Harvey? Is there any downside to the 30mm arbor?

Are there any draw backs to purchasing from BBT? They have the Harvey for $1999 which is $400 cheaper than anywhere else.

thanks guys, this is really helpful.

The Laguna and Harvey fences looked and felt the same to me. My fence is very smooth and locks down positively and without any change in setting whilst doing so. You can adjust four large nylon dome headed grub screws on each corner of the fence rail to get it square and as firm or loose as you like. I've never played with the Sawstop aside from a quick look at the professional model, so I can't comment if it's better or worse in this regard. I assume the Sawstop would have to be a little nicer at that price but I never lust after a better fence. Maybe an incra system one day; which would be far better than both IMO.

The 30mm arbor simply means you can only buy blades with a 30mm bore. Availability isnt an issue as this seems standard in Europe and Australia. But some blades like Forrest only seem to come with 5/8 arbors. Maybe some benfit to increased stiffness but probably not noticeable.

I have no experience with BBTA so really can't comment. Not sure if Major Woodworking do any quality control above that of BBT etc. Maybe call both and have a chat.

Ok so looks like the Harvey is starting to inch out the Laguna
Laguna is $3350 with free shipping

Harvey from Major Woodworking is $2730 with shipping

Harvey from BBT is $1999 without shipping

I spoke to Major Woodworking yesterday and to be honest they weren't that helpful.

Overall I'm very happy with the Harvey. At the time I was buying the Laguna Platinum was $2750 ish and I paid $2590 for my Harvey so price wasn't a huge factor in my decision.

I'm sure the sawstop is a better saw at $5000, and I'm confident that the tilt and height adjustment will be easier / smoother etc. Mine can be a little heavy lifting the blade (relative to lowering, but still not a strain at all). Maybe the finish will be nicer etc. But i have zero complaints about the Harvey.

My friend bought a Laguna Fusion and really wants to upgrade to the Harvey. Now he is looking at the Sawstop as well (Industrial model). I'd normally get a little jealous if he was buying a superior tool but in this case I only feel smug about not spending $5000 and still getting everything I think I could want in a table saw so I have no envy of the Sawstop lol. Having said all that, it would have to be a better built saw for that money, even if you never noticed anything major.

I'd rather buy the Harvey and almost a helical head planer/thicknesser or clearvue cyclone vs the sawstop personally.