Is a $2K Bandsaw Really that Different from an Old Bandsaw? | Laguna 14BX 

I have been running the same laguna for quite a few years in a production shop and I love it. The ceramic guides are fantastic , when set properly. I am still on the original guides after six years of steady use , mostly re sawing

Laguna looks like a good saw. You make a lot of good points. I have had a number of bandsaws, kind of still do. I have a 27" that is massive and does a great job cutting thick and large pieces but if the blade is dull or damaged it doesn't matter what kind of saw you have, its going to cut poorly.

Had a mid 90s Craftman/Delta 93 1/2" that worked well after several upgrades. Bought a Laguna 1412 115" for the resaw length....used a Resaw King blade on both. Laguna is a hella saw, don't regret buying it.

What I’d like to see is an apples-to-apples comparison of comparable bandsaw models. Same dimensions, resaw height, horsepower, etc. Like getting the Record Power, Laguna, Powermatic, Harvey, and Grizzly/South Bend saws all together with the same blade and run them thru their paces. That would be useful.

A Laguna design meeting (probably): Engineer 1: We have to figure out how we can add a break to stop the blade faster. Engineer 2: Let's go for a bike ride and brainstorm ideas Engineer 1: Wait a second, I think I just... yeah... I just had an idea Never thought I would see bike parts on a wood working tool, but it makes sense. No need to reinvent the (disc break) wheel.

You are going to appreciate your Laguna. I bought a 14/12 about three years ago and never looked back. I had a Craftsman 12" bandsaw for probably 30 years, and it served me well. However, I built a new shop and happened upon some really nice cherry, eastern red cedar and oak. Some was 2" thick. My Craftsman 12" just wasn't designed to re-saw (so I don't fault it), and I knew that after several tries, thus the Laguna purchase. Out of the box and set up I sawed a slab off a 2" thick, 12" inches wide board. The cut was maybe 1/16" (probably less) thick. It went flawless with the 3/4" Laguna blade using the included fence. After several months of use I noticed a distinct noise when running the saw. A call to customer service helped me look in the right place. It was one factory bolt loose on the lower wheel mount. A simple tightening of the bolt and it has performed flawlessly. I have to admit I was in the market for a Rikon because it was less expensive. Where I bought the saw had a teaching shop that had both saws in-use. The salesman let me try both saws. It was immediately a no-brainer. The Laguna came home with me, and I don't regret the extra cost. The quality difference was significant. While pricey, I can't imagine a higher-priced saw performing much better. (Oh, and I envy your brake. The momentum of my saw takes a while to motor down to a stop. A minor inconvenience, but I wish mine had the brake.)

I don't mind the ceramic things. Because I don't have a band saw. So I want all of it, as always. Thanks for the vid!

Thanks for this! I just bought this exact saw last week and am expecting delivery next week. Really looking forward to it. I chose it for the all the same reasons you did - power, resawing, and also ordered the resaw king blade. The ceramic guides appealed to me and interested to see how they pan out.

Loved this video Jared! Bigger than I need but am beyond aggravated with my bandsaws lack of a fence/no bolt holes to even get something aftermarket like the Kreg. Sick of clamping a wood one on when milling anything so a lot to think about!

I ordered mine on Black Friday 2020 but because of the virus I didn't get it until Feb 2021. I think then it was on sale for $1300 and a free Resaw King blade at my local Wood Craft. The only issue I had putting it together that I remember is the wing nuts attaching the tabletop. For some reason I had trouble holding the bolts in place under the table and getting the wing nuts on. I agree the instruction's manual is lacking after putting together a SawStop and using their manual. I haven't had any issues with the ceramics yet. One of its first uses was to resaw my neighbor's dead apple tree. No problems whatsoever. This is a really great saw, and I would recommend it to anyone.

I have the Laguna 14bx. I hate the ceramic guides because they keep coming loose. I bought a set of Carter ball bearing blade guides, and haven't looked back.

Nice review thanks

I have the 14BX and it seems to be a good machine. I'm not sure why folks have trouble with the ceramic guides. I get them set up easy and they run smooth for me. I was hesitant to spend that much money, but after getting is all set up and running it for 2 years I have to say it was a good investment. For a light, I use a magnetic mounted rechargeable LED and put it where needed. It is about 2000lumen so I have no light complaints. Thanks for the vid.

This would have been a perfect video had you used identical blades for the re-saw. I have a 14”” Delta and am look at a new saw currently, but would really like a 100% level comparison.

Thanks for the review, I'm in the market for a bandsaw, and based on our review, even though you said you liked it, it's dropped in my ranking of my next bandsaw purchase.

How do we make a wheel balancing in my laguna i have seen that the top wheel blade sets on the backward edge and the bottom at the toward edge is that normal ?

It is funny that I just purchased this saw from a club member at a substantial price cut! My club member did not like the ceramic guides and put bearing guides on it which I like better! Before my purchase of this saw the only other product I own was a led lathe light from Laguna. After just about 2 years of use the light stopped working. I called Laguna and was told I was out of luck warranty is over! If I had purchased a light from Woodturners wonders even if out of warranty they would repair it, Laguna is a throw away! That said so far I’m happy with this saw. The light can be mounted on top of the saw there are holes there for alternate location mounting.

Perfect timing. I'm looking for a band saw for my shop (shhhh don't tell my husband) and been researching best bang for my buck.

I purchased a Laguna 18BX and been very happy with it. I purchased my blades directly from a local company that does blade re-sharpening for saw blades for all types of saws. Cost me 65.00 USD for a 5/8 resaw blade for my Laguna and it was made while I waited and is guaranteed for three re-sharpenings. The Laguna Resaw King Blade was 159.00USD. I really like the fence setup and still have yet to get the blade guides setup correctly.

Could you do a comparison using two brand new blades for the saw instead of one used dull blade vs a mint blade?

What was the actual HP rating of both? That is more important than voltage. The voltage is about efficiency at each HP rating not output power. 1HP is 1HP, however the current draw will be significantly different. There is no difference in 110v vs 220v if the HP rating is the same.

I have the 1412...I was never able to get the ceramic guides set just right. I replaced them with the Carter guides and a Carter stabilizer . I love them both and they were game changers for me. Overall, the Laguna is great.

I have a Delta 14" bandsaw with a riser block about 25 years old got tired of changing the blade for resawing and back to a rough work blade and all the fiddling. Bought a Laguna 14" SUV at a freight auction. Parts were missing so I contacted Laguna. The parts were unbelievably expensive. I made some of them myself. Bought a ReSaw King blade after being assured they had solved the problem with them breaking. $175. Broke after about ten minutes of use resawing oak 1 X 4's. Months later Laguna has still not bothered to refund the money for the blade. (Why would anyone want a replacement blade for one that broke so quickly?) The saw is OK but I am not dazzled.

Is jet or vevor any good ? I need something for aluminum T6 billit 😟😟 Max like 3 in thick

It was worth it to me and I only got $100 off during a deal. The tool is solid, well built and does exactly what it is designed to do. Plus it isn’t an awful color 😂. I also just bought their 19-38 sander and looking forward to using that.

Laguna looks like a pretty darn good saw for the money. Thank you for the honest review. I personally think I will wait 12 or 16 months and let Laguna's R&D department address these issues before I drop the cash on one.

nice review

I have the 18bx. It was great out of the box, but it’s almost impossible for me to adjust the bottom guides since my hands barely fit in there. Additionally, I had a heck of a time with the guides wearing down. I just bought Carters bearing guides and they work flawlessly.

I recently bought the 14/12 and found the assembly videos on the Laguna site very helpful, far better than using the manual. The only issue is they keep playing loud music, though not continuously, even when the demonstrator is talking. What is the point of that? Overall I think it is a very nice bandsaw. I have the UK version. Points I am not so keen on are the doors are linked, as there is only one safety switch, which is located under the lower wheel. The lower guides are a bit fiddly to get to. Also, the measurement scale is just a stick on piece of plastic, so the first time I used it the large piece of oak took part of the scale away. Laguna did replace it but I feel it should have been an etched scale which cannot be damaged on a bandsaw of this class.

Nicely done sir.....two comments, first I would add that I find the ceramic guides easier to tune/align but, I need more time to evaluate their cutting performance as compared to ball bearings. Second, I believe the mobile base is much easier to move and position the saw as compared to a bigger/commerical four wheel unit. I would love to see Laguna add an aftermarket hand hold on the outside of the vertical post to facilitate a place to grab and move the saw around. Thanks

The inexpensive bandsaw will work for most hobbiest because they rarely do re-saw on wood. Most weekend hobbiest rarely have to cut anything thicker that 1 inch material. Once you get into thicker woods including hardwoods and re=sawing stock then you want something more suited to your needs. You got someone to pay for your upgrade, wonderful, I do I get that same deal?

i just bought an old RIDGID so i can just keep a small blade on it and resaw blade on my Rikon,really like having two bandsaws in the shop.

I appreciate the video, but if I had a 14” getting the job done, it would be a waste of money to replace it with a newer 14” maybe if going significantly larger. I know the cut quality is a bit different, but I don’t know if you’re a production shop or not. Maybe if I was production that would be worth it, but then to make money, I’d want the resawing of the 18 or 24. The 24 may be to big for your shop, but the 18” doesn’t take much more of a footprint. Thanks for your perspective and opinion and I’m myself currently saving for a new bandsaw, but I’m going from a 12” to an 18”. For chairmaking and furniture, I really hope this will be the last saw I buy and I’m already 100% satisfied with the decision to sell my table saw. All of us have different needs and I hope the 14 is all the saw you’ll need; I’ve heard good things about both the 110v and 240v 14” Lagunas and you should get a lifetime out of her. Good luck with it 👍 You’ve earned a new subscriber

I have a cheap bandsaw from Ozito and it can run nicely .... but it seems it wants to vibrate like hell and need constant re-adjustment and cleaning after short periods of use. I wonder if that is a factor to consider - how well they hold their adjustments and stay in shape.

Both are good mate

I can't see how this can be compared if you don't have the same blade on both. Blade makes a huge difference. Thanks for the video. Just not apples to apples comparison

if I was in the market for a small bandsaw. I would be looking for a walker turner, they are they best small saws ever made. and you can get one for $500

I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and have had several bandsaws in my time - from cheap to expensive. In case you are thinking 45 plus years means no mistakes, I badly messed up a 14 foot x 4 foot oak table top this week. Firstly, getting 8off 14 foot x 5.5” pieces to mate perfectly along the seams proved impossible. A combination of pocket screws and dominos lessened the irregularities but it was not smooth as you would expect from, say, a sheet of plywood. Most medium-end solid wood tables are now made out of staves of timber which makes the control of the fit much easier providing that, as in a very large commercial shop, you use hydraulic clamping to literally force everything to be where you want it to be - and then you use a wide belt sander to even out the surfaces. So, I ended up with some irregularities on the surface and some areas where the oak did not make a seamless oft. So, I thought I would v groove down each join and, effectively, not be able to see or feel the imperfections. I used a Festool 1410 (?) secured to 2.8m of Festool track to get, as I thought, perfectly long straight grooves. On 2 of those 14’ long router cuts, I messed up. The Festool fitting to secure the router bars to the track are just not robust enough if you meet any kind of resistance in the timber. Patch time: big time. Anyway, back to bandsaws. My experience is that you need a certain level of quality in the bandsaw itself. The wheels must be perfectly aligned with each other in a vertical plane (I could set the wheels on a cheap bandsaw but the bearings were so poor that they went out of line). The guides must be adjustable and stay adjusted. Lastly, and the easiest one to fix, the fence must be 90 degrees to the table. Providing you have that reasonable quality, the next factor is the blade. Buy very good blades; they are worth it. They start sharp and stay sharp longer. But they are not everlasting; they need to be changed regularly. How often? About a week before you actually do it. Lastly adjust the tension and the guides so the blade runs smoothly and quietly. I have a very expensive bandsaw; it is very stable; everything aligns and the roller guides are first class. However, it cost me about £1000 than a quality I could have lived with. So, don’t buy rubbish but you don’t need the very best if you are not a professional shop.

I don't think you talked about the table tilting or how easy/hard it is to tilt. Also, with customer service telling you to go buy the screws is a "no bueno" I was thinking about upgrading my 14" Grizzly Band Saw to a Laguna, but not anymore! Hope you see this Laguna

I'd highly recommend a small sled for resawing -- it is very easy to have a blade grab and roll a log. (I'd also recommend not using the resaw king if the log is green)

As my Jet bandsaw is currently on a pallet ready to be shipped back for a refund, I am looking at purchasing this saw. Quick question. After using the Laguna now, would you recommend getting the mobile base by Bora instead?

Thank you

What really makes a difference in performance is the motor hp. Voltage is just better for energy consumption. In this case you probably have twice much power, but with the same energy consumption, which is great

Most of these issues can be easily fixed for fairly cheap. New motor doesn’t cost much and is like 30minute swap

I think with identical resaw blades you would get closer results. How much closer is unknown. I think the major differences, in general are (1) a better saw will need much less set up and tuning, for example the wheels probably come from the factory well balanced, (2) much better capacity for resawing. That is huge or not depending on what you want to do, (3) more pleasant to use, less vibration, better dust collection (though my not very expensive 14in delta which is maybe 10 years old, has a dust collection port, and I would add a tension on/off lever like on the Laguna). Like so many things in life, a basic non-junk machine will work and if you tune it up and take care of it will be very serviceable. To get something much better takes a big jump in price. You just have to look at your finances and if this is a business you need to consider the return on investment, then make your decision. All that said, you will love the better machine, and you only cry once (when you pay!). PS: Just checked, my saw is no longer available, but I see you can get a 14 inch Grizzly with no dust collection but a decent enough looking fence and roller guides for $750 and the Laguna is another $2,000 above that.

110v vs 220v is not inherently different, to assess the difference between the motors we need to know the amperage.

Question have you noticed the power buttons are red and green on most and mine is black and white 2020 model 2.5hp like yours and did anybody here replaced brake pads because no theres no information on this in manual even though it looks straight forward like a bike but you don't know whats hidden.

A couple of years ago, I ditched my very old AMT 14” bandsaw and got a Grizzly G0513X2BF - 17" 2 HP Extreme-Series. It has been a workhorse in my shop! I also invested in a 1” carbide tipped bandsaw blade for resawing lumber. It is wicked sharp (to the point of being downright scary!) and makes quick work of everything I push through it. I’ve seen comments about Laguna Customer Support. Well, as for Grizzly support, it turns out to be really good. When my bandsaw was about 1.5 years old and just out of warranty, the magnetic power switched failed and the saw would start, but stopped as I released the green switch. It turned out to be the contactor , which I ordered and received in a few days. I was an electronics technician in my pre-retirement days, and so fixing this myself wasn’t too hard. But the manual’s schematic failed to indicate a small metal shunt on the contactor . So the saw would start but not stop! I then compared the old contactor and discovered the little metal shunt. I moved it to the new one and voila! I also updated the schematic in my manual, and wrote to Grizzly about it. I would definitely buy this Grizzly saw again.

I have had the 14BX on my list for the past 1.5 to 2 years. Would have been a lot cheaper if I would have just bought it 2 years ago!

Not acceptable for Laguna to tell you to go buy hardware. If it's available at your local store it's available for them to ship. This isn't a rock-bottom model. Should come with all the nuts and bolts.

Hey there, Laguna if you're watching. I'll go ahead and test out your bandsaw as well. Thanks in advance, I'll await the saw in my mailbox.

In my situation the older, higher bandsaw would be easier on my body for prolonged use as I am 6'8" and a higher table is a lot less strain on my back. It may not sound like much difference, but put it this way. If I wash dishes standing up straight at my sink my back will be aching before I've finished. Now, if I spread my feet apart in a sort of jumping jack position where my body is slightly lower to the sink my back won't bother me at all. If my "cut quality" is lacking any, well, that's why they make jointers and planers and sandpaper, lol. In as much as woodworking is a hobby for me and not for commercial production I'd not be able to justify virtually any machine that's over a few hundred bucks. My current bandsaw was the most expensive tool in my shop and it is a used 14" Delta I gave $400 for. It needed no work as it had been kept in mint condition and I'm quite happy with it. My newest (to me) and cheapest addition to my shop is a 1956 DeWalt MBF radial arm saw I gave a whopping $35 for, and yes, it is getting currently refurbished as I have it all in pieces cleaning, de-rusting, new wiring, new bearings, etc, but when I'm finished it will work as well as it ever has.

The power difference is the reason for the difference in the recut and milling, plus the blade.

Thanks for the video. It seems that other than the capacity and dust collection, there’s not a whole lot to justify the price. But honestly, the deal breaker here is the customer service. I bought a 650$ Earlex HVLP paint system and messed up the gun, entirely my fault. I needed to buy a few things from them and needed the part to fix my gun. Long story short, they sent me a complete new gun, all the parts I needed (100$ worth) and told me to keep the old gun for parts, completely free. That’s service, and you paid 3 times for this and got told basically your on your own. The way I look at is, you’re not just buying the tool, you’re buying the company as well. The company failed miserably here.

Stumbled upon your channel tonight. How did you make the fence for your "old" bandsaw? Bear in mind; I can't glue two popsicle sticks together. Be Well and Thanks!

Say what will about grizzly, but there manual helps put tool together then goes in depth for tuning your machine to perfection.

For the woodworker who just can't afford an excellent Laguna, a second hand 14" Asian Delta-Rockwell copy can be tricked into performing well. A 6" riser block and a 1hp motor plus a variable pitch resaw blade will save $1,000. Unless the factory guides have failed, I'd recommend not bothering with after market guide assemblies. Just use the OEM guide blocks perceptively shaped and carefully adjusted.

I think I might have an explanation for the rusted bolts that came with the Laguna bandsaw. Because of disruptions in the supply chain, many cargo vessels have been stuck at sea waiting to be unloaded, sometimes for many months, which was not planned for when being packaged. Salt and moisture have been playing havoc with a great number of items across numerous industries. This would also explain why they are having difficulties getting replacement parts to you, again because of supply disruptions. I enjoyed your video. Merry Christmas.

This seems more like a comparison between saw blades. My question is what does the Laguna bring to the table at the $2k price vs other manufacturers? Personally I like Laguna because I am a native Texan and like to support local businesses but this saw is made in Taiwan.

Other than dust collection, bandsaw technology hasn't changed in over 100 years. They've only figured out ways to make them cheaper.

Power is not a function of voltage, one saw being 110v and the other being 220v means nothing, power with electric motors is measured in horse power in US and KWatts in Europe. 1hp is about 735 Watts, and 1 watt is 1v x 1amp, voltage multiplied by the current under load.

Why wouldn’t Laguna go to the hardware store?

I would have had more of an issue with the fact that most people who are paying full price would have paid around $1800 and it came with missing and rusted parts...

I would go for Harvey personally for that price

I have a 20 yo Laguna 16HD - it kicks ass. Dust collection isn’t great as it doesn’t have an upper port… but who cares lol

Laguna is a nice saw but I don't think it's $2000.00 better than an old band saw. Maybe in a production environment but not so much at home.

I see nothing wrong when customer service suggested to purchase the parts elsewhere. They simply suggested a method to purchase the parts for the fastest possible turnaround method possible.

I do agree about customer service. I ordered a light for my lathe and received a box that had 5 lights in it. I called customer service twice. First time left message and about 3 days later called again and did get a real person. They expected me to make the effort to mail back. Finally after several phone calls and emails they sent me a address to print and tape to box as well as having a delivery service pick up at my residence. NO THANK YOU from Laguna . Very poor customer service.

You're going to be mad af when you start to try and wheel that thing around lol. Those mobile bases are awful. We have 4 lathes and the band saw with those on them at my work and man they suck. There's one wheel that swivels and the other two are fixed. And the sparks that fly off the guides make me nervous. I prefer bearings myself. I hope it works out better for you. The band saw we have is one step down from yours though. Good luck 🤞

it may seem like a small gripe. but that lack of consumer care is a deal breaker for me. it is easy as all to go grab a couple bolts and washers. the problem is the lack of pride for their quality. it would be better if they send you the parts and advise you that if you need the saw up and running today you could get x size at the hardware store.

The blade makes a HUGE difference especially in resaw. You put an old blade on the old saw the a top of the line blade on the new...hmmm...lol. Now power is definitely a difference but that goes without saying so it's not a great comparison.

I have 3 bandsaws…normal, big and huge. Paid a total of $121 for all 3. I can cut anything needed. Also make my own blades buying rolls of bandsaw blades is soooo much cheaper.

Like comparing a chevy s10 to GMC hd dually.

This is like comparing a 1988 ford taurus to a 2022 Cadillac CT5. They are both cars or bandsaws in your case…

Yup...my conclusion is it’s not worth $2000 when you already had a 14” bandsaw, albeit a weak one. Now, if you had a toy 10” bandsaw, then it makes sense to go big, but I don’t see enough advantages to go to the 14BX from where you are. I would go 18BX since you are dealing with the 240V already.

I bought a table saw from laguna the wing holes did not match and they told me to drill the holes , i said nope im returning it and thats what i did. So your story doesn’t surprise me when they sent you the rusty screws and go buy them yourself. They told me to go find someone to drill the holes for me . I also said nope. Rockler Wood working and hardware took back the table saw which laguna didn’t. So my local vendor took it back without any hassle. Shame on laguna. So Rockler wood working and hardware WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP ME OUT . Got my money back.

The Laguna has a 2.5HP motor and your comparing it to a saw with a 3/4HP motor. That HF bandsaw is holding its own.

I have an old bandsaw built in 1947, by a company that wasn't in business for too very long.. Bare-bones blade guides, frame is cast iron (weighs a ton), refitted drive motor (poorly wired). Throat depth is just under 11", max cutting height is well under 7". What a gem! Home-made wooden stand remains sturdy, despite only nailed together (?). The wheels lost their hard rubber tires in decades past. Too many features to list here! Curious? It's a Tomlee Tool and Eng. Co. Model 40 (Minneapolis). They were only built in 1947 and 1948. No Serial #, so unable to determine which. Oddly, there are numerous groups and clubs dedicated to this and other Tomlee products (the Why evades me). All that said: I'll keep this thing, and keep my $2,000.00 for that other thing. However... I'd gladly take your old $150.00 bandsaw off your hands for $75.00, if you don't live to far from the Alabama Gulf Coast (yes: I'd come get it).

Only covered wood 😢

Your decision to use different blades when resawing, invalidates you results. You gave a very clear advantaged to the laguna, then praised its better cuts. That was NOT a fair comparison.

Bullshit comparison, they are NOT equal machines. Laguna must have given you the saw so you could insult viewers. No 14" cast iron bandsaw can compete with a 14" steel frame machine. The laguna saw is made for resawing stock. The cast iron machine is a general purpose bandsaw. There is no way a 1/2 Olsen blade can compare to a Resaw King blade. OF COURSE THE CUT QUALITY IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT.

Laguna= worst customer service ever. Just saying from experience better hope their machines never have an issue

I know you got it for free, but $150 for the old saw is a silly price.

230v doesnt give anymore hp!

Having used Olson for a decade and then discovering Timberwolf and WoodSlicer blades.....your cut quality is completely non-relevant to the brand of saw. Even a cheesy no name bandsaw will give excellent cuts even with resaw and log milling with properly set up guides and a good quality blade (NOT Olson) I own a Laguna 18 and a Grizzly 14 resaw an an antique Delta 12 with the riser block and theres no difference in quality of cut between the three because they are all set up properly and use Timberwolf blades. Laguna IS a good brand, but even so will completely suck if you ignore proper set up and use a crappy blade

It's not "These ones"! It's just THESE. ffs

Comparing resaw cuts with two different blades is a completely useless test.

Don't even have to watch the video,, of course it's better,, in every way it's better,, duhhh,, it's only a matter of your budget and if the requirements of you work demand it,,

Melt down all your current bandsaws and get the 18bx. Then u r in the big boy leagues. 😝

Review is comparable to a VW vs Mercedes review.

110 vs 220 Volts makes no difference in hp. hp is how the motor was build not how many Volts the motor is wired for. you've lost all credibility

how do you not say pun intended "across the board" ... add some personality bro you'll kill on youtube , just add more "you"

In other news, a $2000 bandsaw is better than an entry level bandsaw. Huh, who would have thought?

Laguna is junk