Laguna 14" Bandsaw Review - After 3 1/2 years in the shop

Laguna 14" Bandsaw Review - After 3 1/2 years in the shop
In this video I do a r review of the Laguna 14" Bandsaw, after Almost 3 Years of use. Along with that, I will give you my own impressions of this fine piece of machinery.
Items in this video
Laguna Tools 14 x 12 Bandsaw, Black/Grey: amzn.to/2VqmMIc
Laguna Tools Bandsaw Mobility Kit: amzn.to/3l0uy49
Laguna Tools 220v 2.5hp Bandsaw 14": amzn.to/2WWjDkg
Laguna Tools ALAREVO18 Light Pro Light System Dual Arm: amzn.to/3BKJ5HY
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Ridgid R86044B 18-Volt Brushless Compact Router: amzn.to/2T7rw35
DEWALT Thickness Planer (DW735X): amzn.to/3sR6lkt
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DEWALT Planer Folding Table Accessory: amzn.to/3sR0D22
DEWALT Planer Blades: amzn.to/3mzBh7I
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Rockler Router Table Steel Stand: amzn.to/2XLbBGo
Rockler Inline Stop for Rockler T-Track System: amzn.to/2XM9uC7
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Ridgid R86044B 18-Volt Brushless Compact Router: amzn.to/2T7rw35
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Taytools 506005 5 Piece Set Solid Brass Set Up Bar Gauge Blocks 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" all 2-1/2" Long: amzn.to/2T9k2g3
Incra MITER5000 Miter 5000 Table Saw Miter Gauge with Sled and Telescoping Fence: amzn.to/2BT1shh
GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblock : amzn.to/2EpRpkC
FastCap Babe-Bot, 4 Ounce Glue Bottle : amzn.to/2EeXjVm
Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit: amzn.to/2DFpJHV
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FastCap Glu-Bot Glue Bottle (16 Ounces): amzn.to/2H49EP9

[@cindybeckwith1533]

Really enjoyed your review, you are a natural in front of the camera. Covered all the bases, with no BS and answered all my questions. I REALLY appreciate you doing this after 3 years of use. Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@PeterEmery]

I'm with a community-based older men's welfare group that has substantial investment in quality woodworking tools, one being this very bandsaw, the Laguna 14/12. It's used almost every day and for most ripping jobs is preferred over a SawStop Professional table saw because bandsaws don't have kickback issues. Plus with 14" of resaw capacity we can rip much thicker stock than the table saw can handle. A really impressive unit, the ceramic blade guides are very neat. Blade speed is 965 metres per minute.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I agree with you PeterEmery, I really like my Laguna. Sounds like a great group to belong to.

[@TheHandystanley]

Today is 3/23/2023, and I just sent back to Jet my 2-1/2 year old 14" bandsaw for a refund. This is the second Jet product that I have had to send back and I will NEVER purchase another Jet product going forward. Once the refund comes in, I am looking at purchasing a Laguna 14BX. There were a number of issues with my Jet. The hole for the guide pin on the side of table was not drilled in the correct spot; the wiring for the external light was not properly wired in the plug; and finally, the frame under the table was bent. Makes one wonder if Jet has any quality control. Great video. New subscriber.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You will like the Laguna, I still like mine. Thanks for Subscribing!

[@beauw5630]

May I ask why you waited so long to send it back? I’m not trolling. In fact I was leaning towards the jet for various reasons like knurled aluminum adjustment knobs vs cheap plastic ones. Door hinge quality, etc. just curious. I haven’t had any issues with jet tools, but I do know that manufacturing can change.

[@testingtesting4534]

I do. Glad I bought it. Took about hour and a half to set up. My son in law installed the 220. Smooth running.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I am very happy with mine.

[@stevehead6527]

Great review and presentation. I'm actually purchasing my Laguna 14/12 tomorrow:)

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Good choice! You will like it. Thanks for watching.

[@johncorrall1739]

They're selling this machine in the uk now for £1500.00. More money than its competitors in the same class. Maybe it's worth the extra few quid. Great review.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

That is a big difference for sure. That is completely your call on that one johncorrall. :). I can say that the machine is still working great for me.

[@agomodern]

@@MadNerdWorkshop Up $200 here in the US too. Gotta love inflation when your paycheck stays the same. lol

[@johnmooney9016]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I'm looking to upgrade my Harbor Freight bandsaw and this saw seems to be at the top of my list.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I do like this Bandsaw. Good luck on your shopping.

[@davidlashaway]

Thanks!! Looking to purchase my first bandsaw and I have been stuck between this one and the Rikon 10-326. I'm pretty sure I am leaning more towards the Laguna now. Can't wait to check out the rest of your videos.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I think the Laguna is a good choice! Thanks fro watching.

[@unclebob8746]

Me too. I went with the Laguna.

[@testingtesting4534]

Just bought the 220v 14bx, still have to put together. My Jet is 6 inch and not strong enough on hard woods.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I think you are going to like it Testingtesting.

[@6105jakeusmc]

Great review, you've helped me narrow down my search for a bandsaw.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Glad I could help and I am still liking this Bandsaw. If you get one, enjoy.

[@jerryrudolph6603]

Excellent presentation. I have the same saw and have a tracking problem. I have tried to adjust the table by adjusting the bolts underneath. A friend down the street also has this bandsaw with no problems. I am going to keep working at the problem since I turn a lot of segmented bowls and the bandsaw is ideal for cutting a round into usable slats.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Try adjusting your blade guides to prevent your blade from wobbling back and forth, that could help with the tracking. Thanks for watching.

[@rolandkuhn9066]

I have owned the 1412 for about 4 years also and am generally very pleased with the saw. My manual states that the smallest blade Laguna recommends is 1/4" however, I know one person who has used a 1/4" blade is his but he had problems with the guides. The dust collection is fair and keeps the inside of the cabinet fairly clean but even with my 4" dust collector connected I still end up with dust around the machine base and table. I primarily use the saw for resawing and am quite impressed with how accurately the saw tracks but am undecided about the resaw king blades as I have had issues with 2 and am on my third blade which definitely cuts rougher than any of the other 2 that I have tried. If this one breaks again I will be trying another lade. I opted to build my own base for the saw to get a better set of wheels on it and adding a storage drawer below for jigs and spare blades is really nice. I was tempted to buy the light but heard reviews that stated similar issues of it getting in the way and had a magnetic light that works great when placed on the upper door which shines the light exactly where I want it and is out of my way. My only complaint is the fence which changes its angle depending on how much pressure you apply to the locking screw. The fence generally stays in place after setting but does deflect a bit especially if I use a tall fingerboard. My saw dose seem to free spin a while after shutting it down compared with my other bandsaw taking 30 or 45 seconds to come to a complete stop which is generally not a big issue. All in all I do like the saw and recommend this saw to others. If you c!n afford it I would step up to the 14 BX for the added blade break but be prepared for a steep price increase for the feature.

[@ERone43]

I like your sincerity. Great review

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@brucemanning7827]

thanks for the ideas and info.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@horatiobeaker]

Thank you. This helps a lot in my decision in choosing a bandsaw.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I am glad to help, enjoy your new tool.

[@richardbrooks3569]

I would add a couple of things from my experience with my saw. With the fence installed, the locking knob is too long to allow the lower door to open all the way. I shortened mine and drilled for a brass screw head to prevent galling on the contact end. Also, I have watched a lot of reviews that tout the ease of adjustment of the blade guides. I find the lower guides difficult to adjust. Other than that, your review was right on. I am glad I didn't opt for the light.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I would agree with both those things Richard. I like that idea of shorting the knob, you must have some machining knowledge. You did save some money not getting that light, I think the only thing it is good for is banging your head against it. Thanks for watching.

[@richardbrooks3569]

@@MadNerdWorkshop I have no machinist experience. I do have a hack saw and a drill press which is all you need to do that mod. This wasn't my original idea, but that of another Laguna user.

[@Lonnie.Macs.Garage]

Excellent review! I LOVE my 1412.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I agree with you Lonnie, it is a great machine. Thanks for watching.

[@jonathancrawford7106]

Excellent review, many thanks. You've earned my sub!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@woodshopnerdery]

Great review. Thanks for the video. I wonder if you could calculate blade speed by multiplying the circumference of the drive wheel by the motor RPMs. To my understanding an AC motor operating on 60Hz electrical service should run at approximately 1800 or 3600 RPM depending on how the motor is wound. The motor itself may have a label listing the RPMs. Of course, the motor RPMs will be "no load speeds" once it meets any resistance it will slow down depending on the torque rating of the motor.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I am sure that there is a formula for that, way pass my math skills. RPM of the motor is 1760. Thanks for watching Woodshop nerdy (Great name!)

[@chewar7537]

Great video! I will look into a Laguna when I get ready to purchase a bandsaw. Wanting one that will resaw easily. Appreciate your input, very well done.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I am glad it was helpful and thanks for watching.

[@Jgriffin3232]

Awesome video once again! I’d like to see those cabinets you are building that are in the background behind you. Is that some walnut or purple heart on the fronts? They look great!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

My wife would like to see them in the kitchen. Yes J there is Purple Heart used for trim.

[@Hodderville]

Thanks for this review. I’m seriously considering upgrading my bandsaw (my old one is a very cheap, old one I can’t do much with). This would be a huge upgrade for sure. I appreciate you pointing out that there is a window to see how well centred the blade is on the wheel. I didn’t know that! Also glad to hear you are so satisfied with it overall. I’ve read a few reviews and comments above indicating the lower guides are hard to get to, but it eases my mind to hear you find it not too bad once you’ve done it a few times. How long do you think it takes you to change blades? I know I would want to use it with a thin blade for detailed cutting but also want to be able to put a wide blade on for re-sawing purposes. Thanks!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

When I am working with it all the time, I find that I can change the blade in about 10 minutes. You get to learn what to do each time changing the blade and it gets faster. I feel 10 to 15 minutes would be the average. Tilting the table makes getting to the lower guards a little easier.

[@Hodderville]

@@MadNerdWorkshop thanks. I ended up buying a Laguna 14BX on Wednesday. Got it all set up on Thursday and tested it out. I didn’t find the guides on the bottom too hard to get to, but I’ll have to play with how to fine tune them. I tested it by re-saving a piece of ash about 8” wide and found the board was trying to drift away from the fence. Probably have a few adjustments to make but I’m pretty sure I can get it dialled in. 👍🏼

[@danphilpott6302]

Awesome review. Much appreciated

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@Snausages32]

Great video!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Thank You, and thanks for the visit

[@floridabeardedwoodworker]

Great video I have a harbor freight one and it is HORRIBLE!!! I will be getting a laguna 14" for sure and you left out that they are MADE IN THE USA!!! Thanks FBWW

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

My harbor freight one is in the backyard, I use it to cut tree trimming into firewood. I will say it had been out in the rain, snow, and sun for over 10 years and still works. But the cuts were always horrible. YOU are correct it is MADE IN THE USA, I can't believe I forgot to add that. One of the factory showroom is only about an hour away from me.

[@DKWalser]

Laguna bandsaws are high quality. Their bandsaws helped make the company's reputation. However, none of their saws are made in the USA. None are made in North America. Laguna used to, and may still do, import some of their machines from Europe. However, this particular saw is from Taiwan.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

@@DKWalser I See on Laguna Tools that they have a manufacturing facility and showroom in Grand Prairie Texas. Do they make other things there and not the Bandsaws? I have to agree with you, I checked my machine and it does have two labels that are stamped Taiwan.

[@jimbalz3017]

Can you change the speed on this tool so you could cut metal? I have an ancient (vintage) Delta bandsaw with this capability and it's the only reason that I hang onto it. As a woodworking tool, it's lacking, but I occasionally use the slower speed for cutting metal. I don't have space for two. I'd really like a better woodworking tool, but I hesitate to lose the slow speed.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Hi Jim, I understand your dilemma. Unfortunately, no you cannot change speeds on this bandsaw. It is only for wood with the higher speed.

[@screenwatcher6224]

I’d love an update now two years later.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Still using it all the time and so far, no problems as of yet.

[@sergiumardari3295]

Hi. Great review and explanation. I have a question if you ever changed the band saw tire on this Laguna 14'. If you can help me with a link so I can order. I had this Urethane 1 inch wide but the original is a liitle smaller. Thanks

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Sorry for the late response. No as of yet I have not change the tire. Not sure where you would get it, but I am sure they are available with a quick goggle search.

[@coffeelazuly]

Great Video! gracias!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You are very welcome, and thanks for watching.

[@blayne2029]

Still feel the same about the bandsaw? Thanks.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I just used it yesterday, still a great bandsaw. I would still recommend it, and they have a 10% sale on Laguna tools this month.

[@paulyanney3151]

I understand the lower blade guides are very difficult to access?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You know Paul, I don't have another Band saw to compare it to. But they are a little more difficult to get to compare to the upper ones. But after you do it a couple of times it is not so bad. I change the blades all the time using difference sizes and have to adjust them all the time. Not really that big of an issue for me.

[@tcbridges]

Does the base have storage shelfs. Do you regret not getting 220 over 110 if you had to do it now

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

No storage shelf on the one I have, they may sell an upgraded one. This band saw doesn't see to bog down, at least with all the stuff I have been using on it. So I would say no, I don't regret getting the 110 volt one. I installed a 220 outlet for my next lathe and table saw, 220 can really help those two machines.

[@raizt1596]

I don't appreciate your dishonesty in this video. You and I both know you still have that scroll saw sitting in the corner and it will likely sit there for years to come. Thanks for the video. Appreciate your review.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Thanks RaizT1, Yea that scroll saw has been sitting there for a long time already. I need to take it out to the shed one of these days and make some room. Thanks for watching.

[@jchan0425]

I am about to buy a 2nd hand 14/12 soon. Could this bandsaw fit into the back of a Subaru Outback, after being taken apart? Awesome review. I sat through the whole video. Thank you.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I think so Jchan, but I would take measurement before taking it all apart.

[@terimcleod7582]

I did

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Excellent!

[@tonyc7352]

Are you an amazon affiliate for the link you've provide for this band saw?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

it is an affiliate link. but I do not sell the band saw.

[@testingtesting4534]

I bought mine at Rockler. The price difference was $300. More for the 220volt 2.50 motor. I wanted it for resawing hardwoods for making boxes. I’ll use my Jet for smaller 6 inch cuts.

[@joeygonzo]

now $500 more expensive

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

That doesn't surprise me.

[@dmgmail7021]

That is so frustrating. I've watched Rikon, grizzly, laguna, yt videos all about a year or two old and everyone has shot up in price. I'm not sure if I should wait and see if it comes down or if I'm risking it going higher