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Laguna 14BX Bandsaw

M

Matt Fawkner

Joined
Jan 18, 2024
Messages
30
Likes
9
Location
Nelson Bay, NSW Australia
I have done my research and I have made a decision to buy the Laguna 14BX 14IN Bandsaw. I would have selected the 18IN model but I do not have 3 phase power in my workshop.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the 14BX model?
Thanks,
Matt Fawkner
 
Matt Fawkner said:
I have done my research and I have made a decision to buy the Laguna 14BX 14IN Bandsaw. I would have selected the 18IN model but I do not have 3 phase power in my workshop.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the 14BX model?
Thanks,
Matt Fawkner
Click to expand...
I also went back & forth between those 2 models, I really would've liked BX18 for the extra capacity but the deciding factor for me was it was outside of my budget. I ended up getting the 220v BX14. I've had it now for only a couple of weeks - it is a HUGE upgrade from my old bandsaw! So far, I am very happy with the quality of this piece of equipment, the accessories/blades and most importantly the performance. The dust extraction works great, the fence system is extremely smooth, and if you take the time to set everything up properly the cuts are amazing. I made a few test cuts when a friend stopped over to see the new toy --- He couldn't believe how smooth the surface was on a 11" x 2" piece of pine that we resawed into a bunch of thin slices. He was super impressed that the pieces were all uniform thickness & the surface quality almost looked like it had been run thru a planer. It was really great to see the results, but to be honest, I almost expected it - mainly because of the reputation Laguna has for their products, but also because of all the video/research, having brand new blade and taking the time to set it up properly. I think that the 14BX bandsaw will prove to be a really great purchase & will be more than adequate for the type of work that I do and for what I need a bandsaw for.
 
Matt Fawkner said:
Many thanks for your reply. Can you also tell me what blades you are using? That would be very helpful.
Click to expand...
HI Matt,
The 14BX takes a 115'' length blade - I decided to order several different blades that Laguna offers. I figured what the heck, give them a try - I was going to have to buy all new blades for the 14BX saw anyway, so I just added them to my order. The blades I bought were: Proforce 1/4" 6tpi, Proforce 3/8" 14tpi, & the Shearforce 1/2" 3-4tpi.
For the resaw test cuts I mentioned earlier, I had the Shearforce 1/2" blade installed.
I also ordered a Resaw King blade 3/4"" ---but it was out of stock - I'll probably order it when I see it is back in stock.
 
Matt Fawkner said:
I would have selected the 18IN model but I do not have 3 phase power in my workshop.
Click to expand...
This surprised me - that anyone would be selling a saw (other than for industrial use) that required 3 phase.
So I had to look. The specs for the 18BX say "Motor: 3HP, 220V, 1 Ph. 12 Amp."
Although their industrial models (LT18) do say "Can be ordered 1ph or 3ph"
 
Dave Landers said:
This surprised me - that anyone would be selling a saw (other than for industrial use) that required 3 phase.
So I had to look. The specs for the 18BX say "Motor: 3HP, 220V, 1 Ph. 12 Amp."
Although their industrial models (LT18) do say "Can be ordered 1ph or 3ph"
Click to expand...

I noticed that too, but I can't seem to find the delete button for my earlier post. :confused:
 
I had a Laguna bandsaw some years back. When the time came that part a was needed, Laguna has no support. I mean zero. Not so much as a reply to an email question. That did it for me. No more Laguna anything in my shop, ever!
 
Dave Landers said:
This surprised me - that anyone would be selling a saw (other than for industrial use) that required 3 phase.
So I had to look. The specs for the 18BX say "Motor: 3HP, 220V, 1 Ph. 12 Amp."
Although their industrial models (LT18) do say "Can be ordered 1ph or 3ph"
Click to expand...
Hi Dave, you are right - & I completely missed that! I wonder if Laguna has different specs for equipment going overseas (Australia)? I don't know...
 
Dave Landers said:
This surprised me - that anyone would be selling a saw (other than for industrial use) that required 3 phase.
So I had to look. The specs for the 18BX say "Motor: 3HP, 220V, 1 Ph. 12 Amp."
Although their industrial models (LT18) do say "Can be ordered 1ph or 3ph"
Click to expand...
I am only quoting from my Supplier (Carbetec here in Australia). I would have gone for the 18BX otherwise.
 
Matt Fawkner said:
I have done my research and I have made a decision to buy the Laguna 14BX 14IN Bandsaw. I would have selected the 18IN model but I do not have 3 phase power in my workshop.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the 14BX model?
Thanks,
Matt Fawkner
Click to expand...
Matt My Man, It’s a solid Bandsaw. I had it in my top two choices. I love Laguna Tools. However, I bought the Harvey Ambassador that is also a 14” bandsaw. I love my new Harvey and for me I made the right decision. Why did I migrate? I bought a Laguna 1216 lathe. I love my Laguna lathe. Laguna customer service was horrible. The worst ever. I purchased my lathe from Woodcraft in Portland Oregon. They also had continuous ongoing customer service issue themselves. I had a major issue with my lathe. I spent the first 3 weeks playing mechanics with their customer service telling me how to disassemble the tailstock on the lathe to fix it. I looked online and I was stunned to see how many folks had many problems with the entire spectrum of Laguna lathes. I nailed the problem down to poor quality control. You might want to check this out online or YouTube. At my request Laguna sent me out a replacement tailstock. Problem solved. When I talked to one of the sales people at Woodcraft I received glowing response in regards to the customer service on the bandsaws. We really chatted it up. What was weird was that my Woodcraft guy Rich was the Woodcraft go to guide for all things in regards to turning. He is the one that told me of Woodcraft Portland’s problems with customer service on the lathes that they had in the store that had not even been sold. Yet on the other side of the coin in a joint discussion the sales woman had nothing but glowing feedback from customers that had made contact with Laguna Customer service that had bought bandsaws. That led us to this question…. We’re the customer service folks that did lathe troubleshooting different than the representatives that helped out with bandsaw issues? We never had a hard conclusion. I am just over the top thrilled with the customer service with Harvey Tools. Harvey Tool owns Bridge City Tool Works. I bought a lot of Bridge City Tools. A LOT! The only drawback in buying Harvey Tooling is they do not have a showroom anywhere. None. I even offered to fly from Oregon down to their main distribution point in California to check out the band saw that I ended up buying. Nope. They dont even have a set-up to look at and touch and feel their machines. That said… I think Laguna Tools make very high quality tools. I do. I dont think you could go wrong buying the BX14. Its a solid machine. So you have made a good sound decision. Just do yourself a solid. Go look at Harvey Tools. Look at ALL their machines. I also bought the top of the line Compass Pro miter fence. That Bad Boy is awsome. Very expensive but its an incredible tool. I also can tell you that the roller guide that Harvey sells would be a handsome addition to your Laguna BX14. It is an amazing device. So their you have it. Too be honest with you, I have zero run time on my new bandsaw. I am retooling my entire shop and have added so many new machines that just setting them up has kicked my butt. I work / turn sitting in a wheelchair. I need stuff thats low to the ground. The Harvey Bandsaws, ALL of them have the lowest saw decks in the world of all things bandsaw. That was HUGE for me. I mean HUGE! So thats what I have to say. Do me a favor….. after you buy your saw let me know how it goes would you please? I love getting good solid advice. This forum is EXCELLENT for the very reason you posted up what you did. I hope I helped? Good Luck and most of all LIVE BIG & be happy! Best, Thom Schuck, Portland Oregon. Put my name into your browser and see what pops up…..
 
I have the 14BX, actually two, one in my home shop and one in the school shop. They work just fine. My only complaint is the difficulty in adjusting the lower blade guide. It is time consuming. Consequently, I pretty much stay with one blade type all the time: 3/8" -4 TPI skip tooth.

I have had no problems with Laguna customer service, though I have not had any real issues except when one of my students lost the key to the power switch. They were quick to send the replacement.
 
Thom Schuck said:
Matt My Man, It’s a solid Bandsaw. I had it in my top two choices. I love Laguna Tools. However, I bought the Harvey Ambassador that is also a 14” bandsaw. I love my new Harvey and for me I made the right decision. Why did I migrate? I bought a Laguna 1216 lathe. I love my Laguna lathe. Laguna customer service was horrible. The worst ever. I purchased my lathe from Woodcraft in Portland Oregon. They also had continuous ongoing customer service issue themselves. I had a major issue with my lathe. I spent the first 3 weeks playing mechanics with their customer service telling me how to disassemble the tailstock on the lathe to fix it. I looked online and I was stunned to see how many folks had many problems with the entire spectrum of Laguna lathes. I nailed the problem down to poor quality control. You might want to check this out online or YouTube. At my request Laguna sent me out a replacement tailstock. Problem solved. When I talked to one of the sales people at Woodcraft I received glowing response in regards to the customer service on the bandsaws. We really chatted it up. What was weird was that my Woodcraft guy Rich was the Woodcraft go to guide for all things in regards to turning. He is the one that told me of Woodcraft Portland’s problems with customer service on the lathes that they had in the store that had not even been sold. Yet on the other side of the coin in a joint discussion the sales woman had nothing but glowing feedback from customers that had made contact with Laguna Customer service that had bought bandsaws. That led us to this question…. We’re the customer service folks that did lathe troubleshooting different than the representatives that helped out with bandsaw issues? We never had a hard conclusion. I am just over the top thrilled with the customer service with Harvey Tools. Harvey Tool owns Bridge City Tool Works. I bought a lot of Bridge City Tools. A LOT! The only drawback in buying Harvey Tooling is they do not have a showroom anywhere. None. I even offered to fly from Oregon down to their main distribution point in California to check out the band saw that I ended up buying. Nope. They dont even have a set-up to look at and touch and feel their machines. That said… I think Laguna Tools make very high quality tools. I do. I dont think you could go wrong buying the BX14. Its a solid machine. So you have made a good sound decision. Just do yourself a solid. Go look at Harvey Tools. Look at ALL their machines. I also bought the top of the line Compass Pro miter fence. That Bad Boy is awsome. Very expensive but its an incredible tool. I also can tell you that the roller guide that Harvey sells would be a handsome addition to your Laguna BX14. It is an amazing device. So their you have it. Too be honest with you, I have zero run time on my new bandsaw. I am retooling my entire shop and have added so many new machines that just setting them up has kicked my butt. I work / turn sitting in a wheelchair. I need stuff thats low to the ground. The Harvey Bandsaws, ALL of them have the lowest saw decks in the world of all things bandsaw. That was HUGE for me. I mean HUGE! So thats what I have to say. Do me a favor….. after you buy your saw let me know how it goes would you please? I love getting good solid advice. This forum is EXCELLENT for the very reason you posted up what you did. I hope I helped? Good Luck and most of all LIVE BIG & be happy! Best, Thom Schuck, Portland Oregon. Put my name into your browser and see what pops up…..
Click to expand...
Thom,
Thanks for your very informative reply. Unfortunately, Harvey Tools does not have an Agent in Australia. One downside of buying tools from the US is the cost of post. It is very expensive. That aside I have bought lathe tools from Carter and Son and Doug Thompson. Both make exceptional products. After years of buying Pommy tools, I was glad that I became aware of Carter and Son and Doug Thompson. Nothing comes close to them.
The Laguna Agent in Australia (Carbetec) is a great seller. I'll be buying the 14BX through them. Once I have it, and have played with it I will send you some feedback.
Thanks for your feedback. I am reassured that I have made the decision to buy the 14BX.
 
Have had my Laguna 14|12 for 5 years. I didn't get the model with the brake so it's running on 110v. Love it. I used Highland Woodworking Woodturners blades. handles all my needs.
 
I have a 14BX and love it. I did change to Carter guides which seem to hold their position better than Lagunas.
I use 1/2" and 3/8" 3 or 4 tooth in Lennox Diemaster 2 Bimetal and think they are better than any others I have used.
 
Stan Pressner said:
I have a 14BX and love it. I did change to Carter guides which seem to hold their position better than Lagunas.
I use 1/2" and 3/8" 3 or 4 tooth in Lennox Diemaster 2 Bimetal and think they are better than any others I have used.
Click to expand...
Thanks Stan. I appreciate your input. I'll have a look at the Lennox Diemasters that you have suggested.
Cheers, Matt Fawkner
 
I noticed in his Youtube videos that Richard Raffan uses a Laguna 1412 bandsaw. It seems to do everything he needs it to, though he commented that he should have bought a saw with a brake, which would be the 14BX. I think a saw with ceramic guides, like the 14BX, is a good choice for a woodturner, especially if you ever cut green wood. Ceramic guides are unaffected by the moisture and resins in green wood, and help to scrape crud off of the blade. The ball bearing guides on my bandsaw compress all the crud onto the blade, and when I cut green wood the bearing usually seize and have to be replaced.
 
Thanks Geoff. I watch Richard Raffan and I like his style. I appreciate your comments. I will look closer at Richard Raffan's videos. You are right when you say that sap from a tree can lodge almost everywhere when you trim green wood. Thanks again.
 
My Men's Shed has the Laguna 14BX, it is quite an awesome machine. Works very well for the various things members have thrown at it over the last 6 or so years we've had it. Ceramic guides are excellent, but do wear out with heavy and prolonged use, easy to replace the ceramic guides, they are a stock item at Carbatec. You just need to use cyanoacrylate to stick them into the grooves.

It runs a 230V 1.8kW single phase motor.

The footbrake is brilliant, an instant stop and hard to go back to any other way to quickly and safely stop a bandsaw day in, day out.

Buy the accessory light, there is a bracket for it, as well as a power point where it plugs in on the saw. The light goes on at the rear of the machine, something not shown on Carbatech's site. It is an articulated light and can be moved around (within reason) to throw light directly down or to the side and makes things a lot easier when following contour cuts; among others.

The 18BX could also be on your shopping list, out of stock at the moment. It runs a 2.2kW single phase motor.
 
Mick Fagan said:
My Men's Shed has the Laguna 14BX, it is quite an awesome machine. Works very well for the various things members have thrown at it over the last 6 or so years we've had it. Ceramic guides are excellent, but do wear out with heavy and prolonged use, easy to replace the ceramic guides, they are a stock item at Carbatec. You just need to use cyanoacrylate to stick them into the grooves.

It runs a 230V 1.8kW single phase motor.

The footbrake is brilliant, an instant stop and hard to go back to any other way to quickly and safely stop a bandsaw day in, day out.

Buy the accessory light, there is a bracket for it, as well as a power point where it plugs in on the saw. The light goes on at the rear of the machine, something not shown on Carbatech's site. It is an articulated light and can be moved around (within reason) to throw light directly down or to the side and makes things a lot easier when following contour cuts; among others.

The 18BX could also be on your shopping list, out of stock at the moment. It runs a 2.2kW single phase motor.
Click to expand...
Thanks Mick. I appreciate your comments. Carbatec has a sale going at the moment, so I took advantage of the cost savings and ordered the 14BX. As you suggested, I did order the light and wheels for the bottom of the saw. I await delivery. It's nice to see another Aussie on this great site. Nothing comparable here (there could be but I haven't found it). Other Northern American sites that I do use is Carter and Sons and Doug Thompson. Prior, to buying some of their tools I relied on English sites. They supply great tools, although the cost of postage is high. This extra cost goes away when you start using their tools. Again, thanks Mick.
 
I’ve had the 14BX for a few months with no issues. I really like the brake feature. It is my first large bandsaw so blade installation is still a challenge but probably would be on any model for a newbie. I hang a reminder on the power switch to add tension before turning on.
 
Peter Vines said:
I’ve had the 14BX for a few months with no issues. I really like the brake feature. It is my first large bandsaw so blade installation is still a challenge but probably would be on any model for a newbie. I hang a reminder on the power switch to add tension before turning on.
Click to expand...
Thanks Peter. I have been away for a while, hence the delayed reply to you. I have received my Laguna 14BX. It is not, as yet, been fully assembled. I will get onto that when I have some time to ensure that I follow the assembly instructions. My next enquiry is to check out bandsaw blades which best go with this bandsaw. Thanks for your reply. I enjoy opening this site. So many members, and so many different subjects available.
 
David Croxton said:
HI Matt,
The 14BX takes a 115'' length blade - I decided to order several different blades that Laguna offers. I figured what the heck, give them a try - I was going to have to buy all new blades for the 14BX saw anyway, so I just added them to my order. The blades I bought were: Proforce 1/4" 6tpi, Proforce 3/8" 14tpi, & the Shearforce 1/2" 3-4tpi.
For the resaw test cuts I mentioned earlier, I had the Shearforce 1/2" blade installed.
I also ordered a Resaw King blade 3/4"" ---but it was out of stock - I'll probably order it when I see it is back in stock.
Click to expand...
Thanks David. My adventure now is with suitable saw blades. I'll check out the blades you mentioned. I really appreciate your thoughts with blades. Cheers.
 
Peter Vines said:
I’ve had the 14BX for a few months with no issues. I really like the brake feature. It is my first large bandsaw so blade installation is still a challenge but probably would be on any model for a newbie. I hang a reminder on the power switch to add tension before turning on.
Click to expand...
What blades do you use Peter? I'd like some feedback. Cheers.
 
Matt Fawkner said:
Thanks Peter. I have been away for a while, hence the delayed reply to you. I have received my Laguna 14BX. It is not, as yet, been fully assembled. I will get onto that when I have some time to ensure that I follow the assembly instructions. My next enquiry is to check out bandsaw blades which best go with this bandsaw. Thanks for your reply. I enjoy opening this site. So many members, and so many different subjects available.
Click to expand...
Gets,

On my 14bx, I keep a carabiner on the tension arm, and then when I detention, I put it on the table around the blade. It mostly keeps me from turning on the saw before I tension!
 
Matt Fawkner said:
Thanks David. My adventure now is with suitable saw blades. I'll check out the blades you mentioned. I really appreciate your thoughts with blades. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Hi Matt - you're welcome! As you know, there are many options out there --- & this is just my humble opinion base specifically on my experience cutting with the 1/2 blade on the 14bx --- it's been really great! I have not tried more than a quick test cut with each of the other blade sizes I purchased, but I have used the 1/2" blade now for several projects and the results were always fantastic! I did recently receive my order for the 3/4" Resaw King blade, but I have been busy with other work and have not had the need or a chance to try it out - I'll keep you posted ....
 
I've found that a 1/2" blade on my 14/12 is a better option for cutting large wet blanks. I've gone through a number of different 3/8" blades and find they bend and are more unwieldy than the 1/2". My local saw shop will make me 115" 1/2" 4 tpi blades for about $22 and that's been hard to beat. I keep a few spares around in the event of embedded nails and screws.
 
David Croxton said:
Hi Matt - you're welcome! As you know, there are many options out there --- & this is just my humble opinion base specifically on my experience cutting with the 1/2 blade on the 14bx --- it's been really great! I have not tried more than a quick test cut with each of the other blade sizes I purchased, but I have used the 1/2" blade now for several projects and the results were always fantastic! I did recently receive my order for the 3/4" Resaw King blade, but I have been busy with other work and have not had the need or a chance to try it out - I'll keep you posted ....
Click to expand...
Thanks David
 
Daniel Warren said:
I've found that a 1/2" blade on my 14/12 is a better option for cutting large wet blanks. I've gone through a number of different 3/8" blades and find they bend and are more unwieldy than the 1/2". My local saw shop will make me 115" 1/2" 4 tpi blades for about $22 and that's been hard to beat. I keep a few spares around in the event of embedded nails and screws.
Click to expand...
Thanks Dan.
 
Peter Vines said:
I’ve had the 14BX for a few months with no issues. I really like the brake feature. It is my first large bandsaw so blade installation is still a challenge but probably would be on any model for a newbie. I hang a reminder on the power switch to add tension before turning on.
Click to expand...
Good idea Peter. I will do that myself as a safety issue. Cheers
 
I don't know how wide of a blade that saw will handle. I have the 16HD which will take a 1 1/4 blade with teeth about 3/4 inch apart. I use that one for slabbing up log sections. I have a separate saw for cutting circles, up to 6 inches high. Some times I wish that saw, an old PM, would cut a bit higher. The 1/2 inch blade is great for cutting circles. I prefer the Lennox Diemaster bimetal blades. They cut longer and straighter than any other blade out there. The carbide tipped blades are for cutting veneers....

robo hippy
 
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