Bandsaw purchase decision

[Howard Pollack]

Hi- I'd like to purchase a new bandsaw, I have a budget going up to about $1,500.  The maximum resaw capacity I need is 12".  I'd like a reasonably large work table.  I'd like recommendations from folks regarding well made saws available at this time.  Thank you, in advance.
                -Howard

[UpstateNYdude]

I have the Laguna 14bx 220v and it's a beast of a saw and I love it, probably one of my favorite tools to use in my shop.

[ez-duzit]

Found my like new 20" Agazzani for ~$1600 with rolling base.

[Mr Eddie]

There are usually some deals to be had on used equipment if you have the time to wait and shop.  However, if I was to buy a new one I would probably buy the Laguna 14BX with the 2.5 HP motor.  I have the original 14-12 which I bought before the newer models were available.  I like the ceramic guides and it cuts very well.  I have a Resaw King blade on it and I can cut slices 0.020" thick, that are consistent from end to end, with no problem.  I haven't resawn very wide boards much but on 6" wide and narrower it's great.  I would like to have a brake like the new ones have and a more powerful motor would be a plus if you resaw wide boards.

Lonnie

PS  I use a magnetic light from Peachtree ($20) instead of the Laguna high dollar light.

http://www.ptreeusa.com/shop_lights.htm

[Large Wooden Badger]

another vote for the Laguna - love mine.

[jteneyck]

I was strongly considering the Laguna 14SUV before I went really big and got the Grizzly G636X.  The advantage of the SUV over the BX is the SUV is made in Italy, has a larger motor and 14" vs. 12" resaw height, but both would be good choices, IMO. 

John

[Mike L B]

Uhhh.... The SUV is made in China, has a 3 hp motor and is 300.00 more than the 14 BX which has a 2.5 hp motor and is made in Taiwan. Laguna also has an 18 BX for $2000.00. If you want an Italian saw from Laguna you'll have to move up to the LT16 HD for 3500.00.

[AgGEM]

My SUV suffered lower wheel bearing failure that was easy to get bearings for (common). But I do worry about Laguna CS or proprietary parts.
The SUV is a nice saw.
I have not looked carefully but It seems the BX has some advantages over the SUV.
I would carefully look over the Rikon and Grizzly saws for CS and parts support before jumping.
Ag

[jteneyck]

I swear when I looked at it earlier it said Italian LT14 X SUV, but it seems I was mistaken.  Sorry about that.  Still a great saw. 

John

[TGW]

My 24" E.V.Beronius with 3kW (4hp) three phase motor is proven to be on the small side for resawing 10 inch boards though it can be done with a ridiculously low feed rate.
For resawing 12 inch boards you need a significantly bigger and more powerful saw.