Thread: Laguna LT18-3000. Is this REALLY how they are meant to be?

Yes, I'd like to know if this is a wide spread problem as I was going to buy one of these but now I'm not so sure. I'll wait till we know more.

SB

Why possessed them to deliver a second machine exhibiting the same problems as the first? The brains were parked behind the door that day.

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

Why possessed them to deliver a second machine exhibiting the same problems as the first? The brains were parked behind the door that day.

I really don't know Chris, perhaps because they'd been using it without problems at the Bris WWW show so assumed that it was all as it should be. I've not yet cut anything with it as I'd been reticent to do so without further advice, but I spent a bit of time this afternoon aligning the guides, levelling the table and lining everything else up and, other than the problems shown, the blade appears to run in alignment.

The Laguna contact in the US has advised that he's elevated my concerns to the senior management group, the international sales rep and the manufacturer. I don't expect to hear back from the GregMach guys until next week as they're no doubt quite busy with the Sydney WWW show.

I must confess that I'm rather surprised at the lack of comment on this. Is it perhaps that we've all just come to expect this sort of build quality from equipment that we pay $2k plus for?

If it had been a CT supplied product it would be three pages long by now. Laguna's reaction will be very interesting as most American companies are as a rule very proactive with consumer problems such as this.

Originally Posted by Larks

I must confess that I'm rather surprised at the lack of comment on this. Is it perhaps that we've all just come to expect this sort of build quality from equipment that we pay $2k plus for?

My 2c is ask for a refund, buy a Minimax or a Felder

Larks, perhaps the Laguna reputation for quality does not stack up. My Platinum table saw's rise and fall blade mechanism has been very stiff from new. I have cleaned and dry lubed it several time without improvement so I am thinking it is probably an ill fitting machining problem.

The problem with buying from a dealer who is 1000ks away is that the warranty is almost useless and you are left to your own devices. I doubt I would make that mistake again.

Good luck with your problems.

Originally Posted by safari

Larks, perhaps the Laguna reputation for quality does not stack up. My Platinum table saw's rise and fall blade mechanism has been very stiff from new. I have cleaned and dry lubed it several time without improvement so I am thinking it is probably an ill fitting machining problem.

The problem with buying from a dealer who is 1000ks away is that the warranty is almost useless and you are left to your own devices. I doubt I would make that mistake again.

Good luck with your problems.

It may be a bit far away for you, but I'd expect Alan Gregory and a couple of the sales guys may be down in Melbourne for the WWW show in October. It may pay to have a chat with them directly while you have the opportunity.

Thanks Larks. I talked to the people on the stand at the Melbourne show last year. Alan Gregory was not there and the other people could offer no solutions and did not seem interested in following it up for me. I think i will have to look for a machinery expert down here who could come and have a look.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe this machine is Asian made. The problem with Asian made is a lack of consistent quality control. The machine you look at during a show or in a showroom is often different to the one you receive. It is issues just like this one that is missed by the quality control or lack there of. Even worse when you get a replacement often the issue on the first machine has gone only to have a new issue just an annoying or worse.
I have stopped buying large machinery made in China. The smaller power tool stuff from the quality brands seems to be OK.

Originally Posted by mat

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe this machine is Asian made. The problem with Asian made is a lack of consistent quality control. The machine you look at during a show or in a showroom is often different to the one you receive. It is issues just like this one that is missed by the quality control or lack there of. Even worse when you get a replacement often the issue on the first machine has gone only to have a new issue just an annoying or worse.
I have stopped buying large machinery made in China. The smaller power tool stuff from the quality brands seems to be OK.

It is Mat, made in Taiwan I think (without going out to check), but sadly we have little other choice for machinery here in Oz these days. There are Laguna saws made in Italy but they are unfortunately not available for sale here in Oz.

There are the N4400's made in Austria.

Originally Posted by mat

There are the N4400's made in Austria.

Even those have attracted some negative comments on this forum.

I have a 4300 model 17" bandsaw from Carbatec, made in China, couldn't wish for a better, smoother bandsaw.

I also have a TS10L 10" tablesaw from Carbatec, made in China, couldn't wish for a better saw.

I have a 18x47 EVS wood lathe from Hafco, made in China, smooth and well made heavy machine which cost about a third to a quarter of a similarly specced non-Chines lathe. Couldn't wish for a better, smoother lathe.

I drive a car made in Korea and a car made in Australia, guess which one would I keep if I had to sell one? No not the Australian one.

We had a front loading washing machine made in Sweden, replaced twice under warranty, broke down again after 5 years, cost of repair was considerably higher than a new Bosch made in Thailand, still going after 7 years without any problems and almost 1/3 the price of a similar Swedish one.

Just because things are made in Asia doesn't make them automatically worse than things made in Europe or Australia.

It's funny but when that Swedish washing machine broke down those 3 times, no-one ever said "well you will buy expensive Swedish carp"

Fred, you raise some interesting points about sites of manufacture.

I have one 19inch BS from Carbatec, believed to be made in Taiwan, no end of problems. 2 new Capacitors, re-wound motor and new switch box and it still earth's out once or twice a day.

The local club I'm in has two BS, both giving problems. One from H & F, the other a Metabo.

Two friends also have Hammers and both are having trouble with the top guides. (Pat I believe has the same machine and swears by it. )

Short of going all out and spending $5K on a Minimax, what is a prospective buyer to do? The way it works is that you pay for a machine that doesn't come pre-serviced. I think that's the problem here and more generally.

I can tell you that I badly need another BS but are so gun-shy that I'm too tight to part with any money.