My New Laguna 18bx. Starting To Repair It And Some Concerns

[@laurawerner]

Just so people know, Laguna is still having problems with these saws. I ordered one last month, even after watching these videos, because I figured that this problem, at least, would be solved. Wrong! My 18|bx arrived 3 weeks ago, and it has the same exact problem with the lower wheel. It has a .022 wobble side to side, and it's maybe .005 out of concentricity. The lower trunnion for my table is also fairly rough; I'm worried it's going to tear up the aluminum upper trunnions that ride on it. Laguna's customer service is still absolutely horrible. First they sent me the wrong parts: a bare lower wheel (no bearing, brake disc, or tire) rather than the full assembly, plus a single upper trunnion (the aluminum piece) rather than the lower ones. Now they claim they don't have the right parts in stock and the lower wheel assembly is "on order". They won't tell me when it's supposed to arrive. I'm not sure if that's policy or if it's just a side effect of the support tech being awful at answering questions: Moral of the story: take videos like this seriously. I really wish I'd spent the few hundred dollars extra to buy the Rikon 18" bandsaw. It doesn't have the ceramic guides, but it has a bigger motor and a better reputation for quality. I'm about at the point where I'm going to see if I can get a refund from Rockler (or maybe from Visa?) for the 18|bx, since about all it's good for is a boat anchor or doorstop. URHC: Thanks for your videos!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Wow I thought that l may have just gotten a bad one. It did take forever to get parts and luckily they had a demo unit that had a smooth running lower wheel assembly they pulled off and sent me. Otherwise it could have been months to get one from Tiawan. I can say that now it is a great smooth running saw with the replacement parts and alignment. It is no fun to buy a new tool with problem and that is why I switched from Grizzly. Now I know with these offshore built tools that every company distributing them has problems. Let me know how it works out.

[@laurawerner]

Do you remember the name of the Laguna tech who helped you? The guy who's been trying to help me doesn't seem to be a real expert on the 18|bx. Maybe if I asked to talked to whoever helped you I might have more luck. Thanks!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

His name was Brian Bennett. He opened a case directly with Laguna and the manufacturer in Taiwan because it was a new saw and he didn't know much about about the lower wheel assembly.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

That bottom wheel assembly has to be sent back to Taiwan for assembly on a fixture and reballancing if it is taken apart or the assembly screws slip. One of my main long term reliability complaints about the machine.

[@laurawerner]

The guy who's been trying to help me is also Brian, but with a different last name. He didn't know anything about the bottom wheel being part of an assembly whose pieces can't be replaced separately. I had to tell him to watch your video so he'd understand why replacing just the wheel wouldn't work. :-) When I call again Monday (they still haven't returned my calls), I'll ask to talk to Brian Bennett. Thanks for the help!

[@ryanferreira3556]

Thanks for this video. It's so important for manufactures to see customers putting up these reviews but more importantly for them to see the comments from potential customers like myself who are considering this machine saying that we are "NOT" going to buy this machine after seeing this.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

There is no way that I would recommend this machine. Don't know if they have made any changes because the engineering and customer support leaves a lot to be desired. I wish I had seen a review like this. I made a mistake buying a new model machine that only had a couple sponsored reviews. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanferreira3556]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Really appreciate the effort that you put into the review. I'm in the market for a 15" 3 hp band saw, you seem to be in incredible source of information, do you have any recommendations?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

The only other saw I have owned is a 14 inch 1950s delta so I have no idea. For 3 hp look for a motor starter with overload protection. This one is definitely not a true 3 hp the way it loads down and almost stops once I get over 8 inches.

[@morganholt9979]

I bought the same saw this April. Out of the box it has worked great, but alas the gremlins in the drive belt wheel have bittten me. This aluminum casting has gone way out of round, and the saw makes a horrible noise and the belt rubs and makes a racket. My brake was not centered in the calipers and has rubbed one side of the rotor and super heated it. It is warped as well, and probably led to the failure of the pulley wheel. So I will be calling Bret this AM and see where it goes. I need this saw to work, I have projects to build. Thanks for your video, it gives me a good direction to go in. Those of you out there who have this saw you should check the brake assembly and be sure it is alligned with the rotor, in my case it never was adjusted correctly.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I found that using the brake causes most of the problems so I no longer use it. This saw is a very shoddy design and from comments and messages it seems we are not the only ones with issues. Laguna should redesign the drive wheels and securing of them then do a recall and replace all the ones in the field. It's not a saw made for longterm trouble free use. These problems definitely give Laguna a bad name in my book. I would definitely not recommend it as is. Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@garyczerkies6924]

I have been watching your videos on this Laguna 18" because I was considering it myself. Well, you are a patient man and I appreciate your candid review. I believe my research showed this unit was made in China(amazon info) regardless of where it was built the end user should not have to do this rework. I am seriously now looking at the Powermatic PM1500. I know it is a lot more money but so far I have not found flaws to the extent you have foundwith Laguna. I have some mid 60's "green" powermatic equipment that I got from a public school and it is great old iron. My dad always told us, do the research, pay for quality and do it once. Good luck

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This is one machine I would not buy again if given a second chance. It was not designed in the USA as advertised. The company in Taiwan that designed it controls all documents and the engineering as I found out in emails back and forth looking for answers. The lower wheel can go off balance just by hitting the break hard and then the whole assembly must go back to Taiwan for rebalancing and alignment. Poor engineering to save pennies seems to be the issue. The price attracted me and I got what I paid for. Good luck with your new machine. Thanks for watching.

[@ianrose2823]

I bought the Rikon 10- 326 in January , it was a beast out of the box and is everything I want in a band saw. Sorry for your issues..

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have heard a lot of good about the Rikon but saw comments about not being able to tension wider blades so I went with this one after seeing a couple good reviews. I am starting to think it was a mistake. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisgriego549]

Yep that’s my bandsaw. No issues right out of the box. Also their customer service is much better according to several tool vendors I know.

[@ronstark1927]

That is one reason I didn't buy a Laguna the reviews I read stated that getting customer service and replacement parts was very hard and frustrating dealing with issues on new equipment. Now this was 3 years ago . Hopefully in your case they've bottom that fixed .

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

You were right. They never shipped the wheel and don't care if the pulley is centered or wheel comes off. I give up on this offshore crap. Thanks for watching.

[@SyberPrepper]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I'm sad of course that you are going through all this. I've always thought buying new equipment meant less headaches and setup, but I'm coming around to your way of thinking that buying used might be the way to go.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Glad I didn't order the new cyclone collector at the same time. I may look for a used one now. Tired of spending good money and having problems no matter who you buy from. Thanks for watching.

[@dangermartin69]

Didn't you have really good luck with the Grizzly table saw? I know the planar gave you some trouble, but they hooked you up pretty quickly, didn't they?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

The tablesaw is great. The support for the planer is the reason I didn't buy a grizzly bandsaw. Took a couple months, several hours on hold and several videos. Plus I had comments from 2 viewers that had trouble with their saws. Luck of the draw.

[@robertoduranos5196]

Thankyou for sharing this info with us, hope it all works out for you either way.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's definitely not a machine that I would buy again. Thanks for watching.

[@SidebandSamurai]

I noticed that the pulley hub has counter sunk holes. Would using a counter sunk bolt work better? See 8:54 It appears that they used flat bolts to mount the pulley, and using counter sunk bolts would help properly center the pulley on the bearing.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They are flat head but there are oversize clearance holes and very loose threads. Looks like thet left the flange off the pulley when it was machined. Hopefully the new one will have it. 3 hp will shift the aluminun pully very easily with that little surface area contact. Thanks for watching.

[@SidebandSamurai]

I love your videos. Keep up the good work. I am interested to see how you make out with this saw. Why such a large bandsaw anyway?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

For resawing. Laguna says there is nothing wrong with it. They just copied the low hp 14 inch design.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

I understand how frustrating all this is, so thank you for taking the time to make the video!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

At least the table twisting problem is solved. The wheel never shipped so it looks like it will be a while before it is back together. The design issues will never be solved. Thanks for watching.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Too many companies think customer service is not important.

[@daleellington1840]

I looked at this saw at Woodcraft, and wanted to like it. Based on your troubles with the Laguna I bought a Powermatic.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think you made a good choice. This seems to be a new model that could use improvement in some areas. Thanks for watching.

[@Fight2BeFreeNeverGiveUp]

I have got the LT14BX now for 6 weeks, I have not used it yet and carefully just making sure its all set up, I have viewed a couple of KZbin clips and have noticed that it takes a long time for the flywheel to come to a stop, I have switched mine on and off it stops quite quickly so I am trying to figure out the braking adjustments as it don't seem right. Any suggestions as can't find any clips on brake set up thanks

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Mine spins for a long time. Could be your bearings are to tight. Mine doesn't use a bearing spacer and the wheel nuts are finger tight. Try to tighten them causes bearing binding. I added loctite because the nut spins the same direction as the wheel. If yours is like mine don't use the brake because everything is mounted with big clearance holes that can slip throwing the balance off and it must be sent back to Taiwan to be ballancein their fixtures. Worst tool I have ever purchased. Thanks for watching.

[@Fight2BeFreeNeverGiveUp]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Would i be loosening both fly wheel bearing nuts ? Would a spring washer be a idea to keep them locked. Would you know if they are meant to be running freely or as you power off is there meant to be some resistance. As from watching your video yours seems to run on for ages. I cannot find any info on this. So anyone have knowledge would be appreciated please Thanks for your reply 👍

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Remove the blade and spin the wheels by hand. They should spin freely. If not it's the bearings or adjustment. Have. they added a motor brake? Best to try and contact Laguna Support with a new saw. It took me weeks to find someone with a brain in their staff.

[@Fight2BeFreeNeverGiveUp]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Hi yes I did that removed the blade the top runs freely but the bottom is stiffer and can hear a catching noise, i have tried to free the brake and loosen the belt to see if that helped but still same. Will contact the seller tomorrow cheers

[@davidbeckwith7598]

is that pilot in the pulley the same dia. as the bearing od ?? if so add a matched set bearing spacers ( id. & od.) to spread the bearings and move the outer bearing out to pilot the pulley & wheel ? looks like you could greatly improve this spindle by spreading the bearings as far apart as possible. house the outer bearing completely into pulley the od bearing spacer becomes the pilot for the pulley & wheel after you settle the trunion i would add shims near the bolts grout it in... good luck

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I just put loctite on the nut instead of just leaving it finger tight as they said. Now that I have a good bottom wheel I don't want to mess with it because there is no way to reassemble and balance it without sending it back to Taiwan. They definitely cut corners to save pennies. Thanks for watching.

[@jacl4953]

bonjour , snowblower , planer , band saw , all substantial $$$ and all kind of issues is the new standard ?? good luck if i may ask on what kind of products you work , merci

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I am going to go back to buying used. This offshore equipment seems to be hit or miss. I worked on electronic test equipment, ultra high vacuum equipment for laser diode production and coating, medical devices, precision wire bonding equipment, tooling for manufacturing, new product development and the list goes on and on.

[@daleellington1840]

Have the rest of your parts come in yet?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

The lower band wheel is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. It is a long story and they finally had to remove one from another machine because the wheel is ballanced after assembly. I willdo a follow up once it is back together.

[@MrAussiejuice]

I was planing of upgrading to laguna bandsaw, Bobbin sander and table saw, glade I didn’t do it looks like it would of been an expensive DOWN GRADE. Thanks for sharing your experience, it is getting harder to find reliable independent review these days they are looking more like advertorials, praising machines for discounts. ;-(

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I definitely would not buy it again. I had trouble with a grizzly planer and thought Laguna would be better because they advertised it being designed in America. Turns out it really was designed and controlled in Taiwan by someone that had no knowledge of bearing preloading or designing for future repairs. I saw recent comments from a woman that purchased this same saw with similar issues and no parts available still. Seems to be luck of the draw with these offshore machines. Thanks for watching.

[@colinblankenship2401]

Try the high end of the Delta products, a friend set his shop up with all of their tools and seems to do well with them.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They may have better control over the engineering. Looks like Laguna just buys this machine from a Taiwanese bandsaw manufacturer and resells it. There seems to be no engineering when they enlarged the 14bx to this 18 inch machine. Hopefully a couple fixes and it will serve my needs. Thanks for watching.

[@janambrose4917]

I'm sorry for your worries about the shoddy machining of the saw. I wonder what would have happened to a woodworker without your specialized knowledge in recognizing the machine defect. He may not have known of the defects, then what? Some kind of major failure? I'm hoping you get it set up to your standards, which seem to be much higher than Laguna. Good luck and thanks for sharing. Still hoping for the nightstands video. Be safe.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have better luck with appliances. At least they are assembled and tested. This one should have been better for the money and there is nothing to stop those wheels from flying off. They still haven't shipped out the other part. Poor customer service. I am so far behind from the cold weather that the nightstands will be put off. I usually have firewood cut, the garden tilled , lawn rolled and furniture out by now. Not one of them is started yet. Hope it drys up and warms up soon.Thanks for watching.

[@janambrose4917]

Life has a way of getting in the way of our plans, doesn't it? Best of luck to you with this issue.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Life is good, the weather this spring stinks.😃

[@lodprice2343]

Great video! I hear you "going back to the old American made tools."

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I am starting to feel these offshore machines that I can afford have corners cut in many areas that are looking for trouble. Getting too old for this. Thanks for watching.

[@jaykepley5238]

What a mess. I'm very sorry you're having to deal with this. It's like the planer all over again.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I am giving up on offshore tools. I thought Laguna was the best. It is a new product and hopefully there will be updates. I never saw a loose nut being used to hold a 40 pound wheel spinning at 300 rpm before. Thanks for watching.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I am no longer going to recommend any large tools. I love my saw and several others that bought them after seeing the videos love them also. 2 viewers that I have heard from received saws with improperly machined castings and had to ship them back for repair. So if you get a good one there will be no issues. I am starting to think it is hit and miss with all offshore machines no matter who you buy from.

[@jwar2163]

I was told today 02/12/2019 that the Laguna 14/14bx and the Laguna 18/18bx are now made in China. The 20 inch and bigger Laguna bandsaws are still being made by an Italian Manufacture for the Laguna Corporation. The Representative was from a Laguna Authorized dealer near me. I was there to order a Laguna bandsaw and he stopped me from doing so until all the issues with the Chinese produced Band Saws have been worked out. He also told me that Jet, Grizly, Power Matic and Rikon are also produced in China. From what I was told, I am not even sure it is no worth the money to buy one of these newer band saws. He also told me Agazzani has sold out to an investment group and has discontinued sales in America. There are still models avail in America with a high price tag. Why is it so hard to find finely made tools in America for the woodworker?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This one came from Taiwan and a Taiwanese company seemed to own the design and took several shortcuts in the engineering that I am not happy about. I feel all these homeowner priced offshore machines are luck of the draw and can have issues no matter what brand name they are purchased under. They must have recently moved production to China and hopefully they will update the engineering and make a couple changes that could make this one of the best saws for the price. Thanks for watching.

[@dan__________________]

Weird, I bought a 14bx and its has been awesome apart from some flat spots on the tires from the factory. My Rikon 10-325 was an absolute pile of trash, including the bearing guides on it. I must have replaced the bearings 10 times in a year. I would never buy a saw with bearing guides again.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I would never buy a saw with ceramic guides again. I may switch this over to Carter guides if I keep it around much longer. Thanks for watching.

[@bigboper111]

thanks for this video not sure if Laguna has made corrections to this model yet was thinking of buying it until i saw this not having second thoughts. question i follow your videos a lot and noticed you were a grizzly guy why didn't you purchase a grizzled band saw/

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I hope they have made changes. I purchased a grizzly saw and joiner and they are great. Then I bought the 15 inch planer and had problems. It was from the first shipment when they switched manufacturing to China which may have been a big part of the issues but their customer service stunk so I decided not to put any more grizzly tools in my shop. That's when I decided to try the Laguna bandsaw because it was advertised as designed in the USA. Well their design is not done in the US as advertised. I was in on many emails with the engineers and manufacturer in Taiwan that actually owns the design and they cut corners to save pennies. My bandsaw was also from the first shipment and I had emails from others with similar issues on theirs. I also have had electrical problems due to cheap components and one other thing is there is no motor starter or thermal overload on this underpowered motor. I see videos where some are happy with theirs but I wouldn't buy this again. I bought 2 Jet sanders recently and they are excellent quality so it will be Jet for me from now on. Thanks for watching.

[@flatlander523]

I was considering a 14BX until I saw your video. Certainly no now. I guess I will just keep looking. What do you think of Harvey's?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I don't know about the 14 but I wouldn't recommend this one. Thanks for watching.

[@lakebum6211]

I'm really shocked. I thought Laguna was better than that. For the price, they damn sure should be. Looks like some engineers fresh out of school was involved in that design and wasn't supervised. You'd think all machining would be complete, the bearing id's would be different with a step in the shaft and a washer behind the nut and maybe rh threads. This is a fine example of how not to manufacture a bandsaw.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I totally agree with you. Doesn't look like a reliable solution. I was told this is just a copy of their smaller low hp saws. It seems that at least a spacer between the bearings to set the preload so you could torque the nut. I was told to just finger tighten the nut and don't worry about centering the pulley. Plus the wheel never shipped so it looks like another 2 week wait. Thanks for watching.

[@themadhillbillycustoms5013]

It amazes me the money some of these tools cost and they're bigger pieces of junk than some of the cheap tools. I hope you can get your saw fixed. Is there any possible way of sending it back and getting your money back?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think it can be fixed and will be a good saw. Just amazes me how it was engineered. I don't want to move it again so it is here to stay. Thanks for watching

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Have you received the replacement drive wheel yet?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Been waiting 4 weeks now and no. They found the wheel and pulley are ballanced after assembly so you can't just change the wheel. Seems like a screwy way to do it if you ever have to replace a bearing later or it slips off center. They were going to pull one from another machine over a week ago and it hasn't arrived yet. I will do an update once it is back together. I am disappointed by how slow they are. Luckily I an working in the yard now.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

That has to be so irritating. Sorry to hear. Sad when a new machine has caused this level of aggravation. Im pretty sure that will be the only black in silver in your shop. Maybe it will arrive this week....

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I sent them an email requesting tracking info so I should find out soon. Glad I didn't order the cyclone collector I was going to at the same time.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Im sure you are. I havent checked prices in a long time but i know the oneida is good and im sure most other major brands will do a good job as well. I took my regular single stage and vented the fines out the back of the shop. It made a drastic difference just unrestricting the exhaust.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Im sure you are. I havent checked prices in a long time but i know the oneida is good and im sure most other major brands will do a good job as well. I took my regular single stage and vented the fines out the back of the shop. It made a drastic difference just unrestricting the exhaust.

[@rickgreen9936]

How much do you charge per hour to trouble shoot & rebuild bandsaws? For $2000.00 Laguna blew it. They are suppose to be a German based company but I guess once the manufacturing is out sourced the only thing different from one company to next is the pant job. I think you are right, look for older US made products and call it good.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I thought they were Italian but these lower end saws are from Taiwan. They never shipped the wheel so it looks like a couple more weeks wait. This is supposed to be an American design, but it doesn't look like one. Thanks for watching.

[@rickgreen9936]

I was thinking Hammer which is part of Fedler. Regardless it should be usable out of the box. Hope they do you right, but right now not impressed. They say it runs in 3’s planner, snow blower, bandsaw, you should be good to go on the next one😏.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

At least the stove microwave and dishwasher bought after this was ordered work great. You may be right about the 3's.

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

ALWAYS look for British made kit! Does that sound ridiculous to you in the States? If it does, so does looking "always" for US made stuff...

[@jerryjohnson2270]

Thanks for sharing, Question i bought a 14BX used 700$ i was going through it and the brakes were not stopping adjusted front allen and works but pads seen 1/16 to a metal tab on pad-like thats a indicator of some sort. I don't know how thick the originals pads are and Laguna tech cant help , i order new ones. Replacing pads ,are any surprises i should know or is it just unscrew the back adjustment to move off disk and unscrew whats in front of me on brake assembly take pad off monkey see monkey do ? Thanks

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have not changed the pads. Only removed and replaced the whole assembly. Afraid to use the brake because it can throw the wheel balance off. As always sounds like Laguna support is useless. Keep calling till they find someone that knows the answer. Wish I saved the email info for the company in Taiwan that owns the design of these machines because they have all the documentation. Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@jerryjohnson2270]

I do like most of the engineering with exceptions to tolerances and perhaps the ceramic disc which seems like cost cutting measure but yet to see how long they last., I don't like when you call Laguna and wait 3 days for a reply and you call them because you been waiting so long all to get a person that doesn't have information is a problem for this caliber of tools. Just like most things in this world you want and expect a quality ,consistent ,product with customer service backed by a warranty. If i get that number to someone that cares i will forward it. Thanks.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I am looking at the Carter guide upgrade for mine if I don't sell it on Craigslist and buy a better machine. Very poor engineering if you look at the design and electrical setup on mine.

[@jerryjohnson2270]

I was looking at the carter products also, The 14bx at 700$ was good used deal 2021 model 2.5hp the guy i bought it from made 60 corbels, but is less the fence if he finds it on his recent move this weekend would be nice! How is that fence because as i was looking at my options that fits Kreg which doesn't fit and i saw that Carter makes one Magfence maybe get the extra magnets .The bandsaw video you shown has some form, fit and function issues as mine I'm sure is the same at a New price i would had departed Laguna after seeing your video. At the present the brakes pads on my 14bx was the only issue that looked a bit thin but don't know what they were to begin with and manual doesn't show or tell info and you saying that using the brake causes true issues then this is maybe only in a emergency stop scenario when you cant push the off button. I did read that Laguna is made in China, Taiwan , and a Italian version for the Bx models , the commercial side of the business that would have tight tolerances.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

I would be raging if id paid that price for that machine and found all that. That pulley mount is crap and the floating trunnion im not keen on. Is there any way to put disc pulley and wheel on the shaft and be able to get to the bolts or is there too much slop for even that? I need to watch you remove it again. What bothers me more than any of this though is that you still dont have all the replacement parts basically 2 weeks later. Those parts shouldve been over nighted! Im glad i ordered 513x2 instead of buying that saw now. I got lucky again and the biggest thing i can gripe about is a plastic throat plate and .0025ths runout on the drive wheel. I really hope yours runs like a top when you do finally get it back together. After looking again looks like your pulley was probably rubbing. I wonder if there is enough gap between shaft and pulley i.d. to make a bushing to center it?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Just got a note back from laguna and this is a copy of the 14 inch saw design and they have not shipped the wheel yet. They think it is a good design. What a joke. I should have believed what I read about their support. Looks like i will have to make something to fix it.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Wow just wow... still havent shipped your drive wheel.... that pisses me off i cant imagine how you feel. And that is a heavy table combined with material weight and working pressure on floating mounts seems like it could flex but i do not know that. I think your troubles and their actions have convinced me i will never own a laguna tool now. I really hope they get you going soon.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

First and last Laguna for me. Glad I didn't order the cyclone collector with it I was going to.

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Dont blame you at all. I looked at it again and the pulley looks to fit over the large diameter on the shaft without touching it i suppose. A bushing would center it but there is no telling how long it would last because it would be very difficult to lubricate. How much harder would it be to pull the shaft and install wheel, pulley and brake on the shaft where you can bush the pulley, torque it then remove the bushing or spacer before installing the shaft back in the saw. I dont know how difficult it would be to get the shaft adjusted back to spec though.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I don't see it staying centered with all the surface area removed by that machined pocket and having those long screws with all that aluminum thermal cycling under them from belt friction and oversize clearance holes. Plus the brake and 3 hp pull it in different directions with quite a bit of force. Looks like they forgot a flange on the wheel and there is no easy way to patch it.They told me to just fingertighten the nut and that also scares me. Could also be some of the vibration issue.

[@aserta]

Funny how every piece of new equipment these days needs to be home worked before it actually works as described. There should be a way to bill them back for all the work you put in to it. Edit: i would try and ditch the cable actuated brake. Get a second hand Shimano unit with hydraulics from fleaBay or local. Those pull operated disc brakes never work right in the long term and always chew too fast through pads because you have to put twice the force through them as you would on a pump style (hydraulic) caliper. And i'd also try and find the smallest blade welding unit as well, buying blades as a pack and welding them your self, saves cash in the long term.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think that I am going to go back to old american made tools. Just so many corners are cut on this off shore stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have been warned that you don't want to try and stop these to fast or the bands can snap. That may be why this style brake was used.

[@aserta]

That's exactly why i'm recommending a hydraulic brake. ;) It gives you a very long range of feathering until you reach dead stop. I started myself with cable disc brakes (because back when it started, the hydraulic ones costed as much as 2 regular bicycles) and moved up to hydraulics once the prices started dropping. And it's a huge difference.

[@BensWorkshop]

Many thanks. Interesting.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Laguna is slow to respond and I feel they have cut corners. Thanks for watching.

[@BensWorkshop]

Seems so. Cut corners? More like put curves where there should be corners and corners where there should be curves. You'd need a jig to set that up properly.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They say just tighten the screws and don't worry if it is centered. This is a exact copy of their smaller low hp saws. Also just finger tighten the nut and don't worry about it.

[@BensWorkshop]

Good to know.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

There is so little surface area left with that big pocket even setup with a jig won't last. Plus 1 1/2 inches of aluminum expands a lot when heated by the belt along with the way the screws seat at the top surface. Offshore engineering at it's best.

[@nashguy207]

Yes its sad that mfg in this country is not what it used to be. I bought something a few years ago and it had a couple of issues when i called the mfg the customer service person me they did make things perfect anymore and the flaws where acceptable to there quality control standards. I said oh brother and had to make it right on my own. Curious to see how it goes with the new wheel installation. Good luck thanks for sharing.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This is another offshore item and they seem to be hit and miss. I was hoping by spending more with what is supposed to be a higher quality supplier that there would be no problems. It is a new product and hopefully there will be upgrades. Thanks for watching.

[@jimsjacob]

Well, I have been thinking for some time now that when I was ready to get a bandsaw, it was going to be a Laguna. But after seeing all this, I’m back to the drawing board. I don’t see a quality build and the mechanics seem to be flawed. I don’t mean to make you feel bad and I’m certain you’ll iron out all the kinks but I’ll have to start my research all over again.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I was told this saw is a copy of the 1412 and 14bx saws so the mechanics are the same across the line with no concerns about the higher hp and increased load. There is no worry about concentricity of the pulley and say the nut should be finger tight. Paying more doesn't mean a higher quality product. It is a new model and I can only hope updates will be coming. I had only seen 1overall review of this saw and now think the guy works for Laguna. I know it doesn't meet my standards and know you can see why. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisgriego549]

I have had no issues with my Rikon.

[@rentjur2911]

And here I was under the impression that Laguna produced quality "stuff". Apparently not, sad indeed!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

That is what I thought. I think the higher end Italian stuff is good but I am surprised by this homeowners grade saw. Last one for me.

[@josephspina7827]

Where is quality control? is this an inferior Company. I'm in the market of purchasing a similar size band saw and i was considering the same model . Now i have to reconsider this brand.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

The same design is also used on their smaller models. Slow response for parts and the concerns that I show would prevent me from purchasing this saw again if I had to buy another.

[@josephspina7827]

if the issue is not resolved have the company pick it up and let them fix it and tune it properly on their own time and money., or get your money back. i tend to buy new equipment so i don't have to deal with someone elses headache

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

At least the table is fixed. Hopefully I can figure out a way to keep the pulley centered and lock the nut once the wheel arrives. I just want ot be able to use it. Thanks for watching.

[@mikedickson2925]

Not a very good review for Laguna. Sure hope they step up and help you with your concerns.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Just heardback and this is a exact copy of the 14 inch saw and how it should be. Last Laguna product for me.

[@dangermartin69]

Send it back and get a Grizzly. You spent enough money with them they will probably give you a discount.

[@aserta]

It centers on the bearing which was supposed to pop up a smidge, i'm willing to bet on it :)

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It is bigger then the bearing. Looks like a machined flange is missing from the wheel.

[@aserta]

Interesting. Well, that's a bummer.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

That machined pocket cuts the contact area in half also. Laguna said this is a copy from the 1 1/2 hp 14 inch saw and is how it should be. What a joke.

[@jimpritz4169]

It's shameful that you have to have all these issues on a brand new, high dollar machine. What is even worse is the people selling these machines barely know anything about them. It is a good case for buying vintage machines and restoring them.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have not had great luck with these offshore machines. I think I will go back to buying used. At least the trunnion fixed the table warping. Thanks for watching.

[@ericpeterson336]

This is really surprising to me and not good advertising for Laguna. I really thought their machines were better quality than this. All I ever hear from them now is advertising their CNC equipment. It really does seem there's a rush to the bottom in quality. You can get cheap equipment from Taiwan and China but this sure shows why it's buyer beware.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think their cnc equipment may be better and has been around longer. This just seems to be a resold tool from a generic Taiwanese manufacturer and I am not impressed. I was told this saw is just a copy of the smaller low hp saws. Takes a long time to get replacement parts from them. Found out they still have not shipped the wheel. Glad I didn't order the new cyclone collector at the same time. Thanks for watching .

[@NathanSafran]

Shame on you Laguna! Dumb question: why not return the pile of junk and cut your losses and move on? Given all the problems with the machining, aren’t you worried about it in the long term? Have you tried making a bunch of noise about them on social media? Sometimes you can shame a co into responding.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I need a saw and it looks like it can be properly repaired to be a good saw. They say don't worry about it just finger tighten the nut and there is no centering needed. The table issue is fixed now and hopefully the new wheel will fix the vibration. Some of it may have been caused by the pulley so I will make an alignment tool for reassembly. They never shipped the replacement wheel or notified me agrivates me more right now. They have the manufacturer in Taiwan reviewing the video now and I hope changes will be made to address my concerns for future buyers and updates to mine. This is a fairly new product and I want to share my actual experience with it from delivery to long term use. I would have chosen a different saw if I had seen this before making my decision. Thanks for watching.

[@Dobbo2958]

You must be really disappointed from what seemed at first to be a quality machine to a few cost savings that almost ruin the experience.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I seem to run into issues with these offshore machines. This is a new model and I hope it will be updated. Somehow basic engineering seems to be lacking. Thanks for watching.

[@steveblack4576]

Just shocked to see the lack of quality control on such a machine might as well come from China. 🤔

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This is made in Taiwan and worst then Chinese junk. They advertise designed in the USA but turns out a Taiwanese company owns the design and cut serious corners to save pennies. Thanks for watching.

[@steveblack4576]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Im greatfull that I watched this I was going to spend that vast amount on the supposedly quality product but what do you get south Africa is limited with what you can acquire. 🥵

[@Northeast_Mainiac]

This is Rediculous, I know this saw was not cheap, QC should of been second to none befor it was shipped and made sure it was what you were paying for.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

One thing I learned from this is never buy the first shipped machines of a new product line. Laguna claimed this saw was engineered in the USA and that was a bunch of crap. I wound up being in the conversation with the company in Taiwan that owned this design and the engineering that was poorly implemented. Also supposedly a 3 hp motor but no starter or thermal overload, just a cheap contactor that was poorly wired. I do not recommend this saw to anyone especially after dealing with their tech support and trying to find someone that could help with this product line. Thanks for watching.

[@Northeast_Mainiac]

Unemployed Redneck Hillbilly Creations it is a beautiful looking saw but they obviously have some issues to work out.sorry for your misfortune

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

First

[@Clausbase]

I guess this is "you get what you pay for"...

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This was not a low cost saw. Hopefully they will come up with a solution.

[@Clausbase]

Low cost is relative. I settled for a comparable Hammer N4400 because I cannot afford to spend 5K on a Felder FB-510. But I already regret it...