Laguna 14SUV or Hammer N4400 bandsaw

**jeremyqld** · 24th March 2013, 07:43 PM

Hi All

I am about to purchase my first bandsaw, space for me, like many on this forum, is an issue for me so i can only get one saw so it has to cover all of the sawing functions.

I have watched the videos and looked at both sites and read as much as i can, they both look like good saws, given that this is for my home workshop it will not get used daily, more likely every few weeks.

I do like the driftmaster fence system as this seems to be a good way to correct drift, and i have received a quote from Greg's, however they cannot deliver for about 6 weeks. I also like to foot break with the micro off switch.

Hammer are getting a shipment in next week and i am planning on going to see one after Easter and they seem to be a good brand.

In terms of Resawing i typically get boards that are 250mm and i like to work in hardwood so the 14" resaw capability with a 3HP or 4HP motor seems to be OK. A very typical issue is where i have some 25mm rough sawn (walnut was last weeks one) and want say a 10mm board so i have to waste quick a bit of material.

As this is my only saw it will have to cut circles as well as resaw, so in terms of Laguna i have a quote for a Resaw King blade and a general purpose 6mm blade, along with the DM fence and mobility kit, total price about $2660.

I like precision, and again having the Driftmaster fence appeals to me, with the ability to dial up a small change and cut a think slice off seems to be an advantage.

I would consider getting a 16" or 18" machine (subject to height and movement around the garage) if i could see a material improvement in functionality.

Set up time and repeatability are very important, given that i typically can only do this work on a weekend then the more time making and less setting up is desirable.

So if i exclude price then i would be very interested if anybody has the Laguna SUV, or the Hammer 4400 and what you think of the two machines, likewise does anybody have the driftmaster fence.

Best regards

Jeremy

**Stewy** · 24th March 2013, 09:23 PM

Hi Jeremy
i have the hammer machine and it has been great so far. I have only had it since December but have resawn plenty of Redgum with it and it has done the job easily. It has plenty of power and takes up to a 1 inch blade if adjusted properly there does not seem to be any problems with drift etc. can't comment on the Laguna machine but it does seem to look like a great machine as well.
the mobility kit that you can get with the hammer Machine makes it a breeze to shift around the shop and I do all the time with both my bandsaw and planner/thicknesser which is also a hammer machine.
overall I have no complaints with the hammer machine at this stage
stewy

**justplanesilly** · 26th March 2013, 11:54 AM

hi - I second that.. i bought an N4400 a couple of years ago, and am very happy with it. It is easy to adjust, has very good quality blade guides, and plenty of grunt (mine is 240 V) So far, it has done all that I have required. it looks like price-wise both machines are similar. Are you able to go out and have a look at both? This can often be the thing that helps you to make up your mind.

**DoctorBobski** · 31st March 2013, 07:02 AM

+1 for the Hammer. I don't have any problems with drift on mine. When comparing prices make sure you include all the extras like the mobility base, blades and electrical work (needs a 15 amp outlet and the plug to be wired). Like all good tools I winced when I paid but have long since forgotten the initial pain and now just enjoy having a solid machine that does what I ask of it without fuss. FYI there is some talk on the forums suggesting now hammer has a smaller version the price of the N4400 might rise. The smaller hammer will compete with the likes of Laguna and Jet leaving the N4400 to be the flagship (with flagship pricing). This is all rumor and unsubstantiated but on some level makes sense so I thought I'd include it. You might like to look at the smaller version also (N3800 - Cutting height 310mm with 2HP motor which should mean a 10amp outlet decreasing the need to factor in electrical work to the price).

**Nanigai** · 31st March 2013, 09:56 AM

Hi Jeremy,
All good advice so far. I have no personal experience with either machine but I believe both are good quality and value for money saws. I believe the cutting capacity on the Laguna SUV 14" is as big as that on my 18" Jet?

I do have experience with the driftmaster fence having recently retrofitting one to my 18" Jet saw.
Combined with the resaw blade I am using it is absolutely awesome. I am using a "woodslicer" blade which I believe is one of the best available at a reasonable cost. I mention this as I beleve the Laguna blade you are looking at is around 5 times the cost of the woodslicer and I can't see it being 5 times better even though it may be a great blade.
The Alloy fence component on the driftmaster has to be seen to be believed, two hands are needed to pick it up and the rest of it is well made and as tough as! Adjustability and usability are top class, I love it.
If I was looking at a new saw I would be drifting (sorry) towards anything fitted with a driftmaster fence. I haven't used a Hammer as mentioned above and my comparison is only between this fence and the original fences fitted to my Jet 14" & 18" saws. Hope this helps.
Cheers, Ian

**bosox** · 4th April 2013, 05:31 AM

I prefer the Laguna band saw than Hammer N4400.

**maxmac** · 16th February 2014, 01:33 PM

I have such a beast which I unfortunately have to part with. If anyone is interested I'll get off my and post pics. Price? Still thinking about it. Probably 75% of new.

**Blue-deviled** · 16th February 2014, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by maxmac

I have such a beast which I unfortunately have to part with. If anyone is interested I'll get off my and post pics. Price? Still thinking about it. Probably 75% of new.

PM sent!
Cheers,
B-D

**Big Shed** · 16th February 2014, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by maxmac

I have such a beast which I unfortunately have to part with. If anyone is interested I'll get off my and post pics. Price? Still thinking about it. Probably 75% of new.

If and when you do, please post it in the correct forum, the Market Place.

**andrewwong** · 25th February 2014, 11:35 AM

Put a Drift master on my Aga600.. Very happy with the results.

Actually could do with a longer rod, but couldn't we all ?

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