Laguna 18bx 3HP Bandsaw: Deep Dive Examination by ToolMetrix
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- čas přidán 21. 11. 2017
- Laguna 18bx is available here: amzn.to/33KnbUq (buying from this link will help support this channel, so thank you!)
The new 18bx 3HP bandsaw from Laguna extends the product line that includes the 1412 and the 14bx. In this video, Paul Mayer from ToolMetrix examines the key capabilities of the new machine, and compares it to the Laguna 14bx. - Jak na to + styl
This thing is a beast. Only had mine for a few days and I've already plowed through some small (15" tall) maple logs without any problems. This is going be a huge addition to my shop
Awesome Jered! Glad you are having the same experience as I am. 👍
Thanks for taking the time to make a quality unbiased review.
Thanks, Bootzey. I appreciate the feedback. Cheers, Paul
Well made video. This convinced me to get the 18bx rather than the smaller version. Thank you.
Thanks, Lonnie! Hope you're loving it. Cheers, Paul
You moving the saw 360 degrees and the weight sold me on this saw! The best reviews are the ones which show the machines running, cutting real stuff and a doing a 360 degree video and close ups in high resolution! Static video shots are not much better than photos on paper ad literature.
Thanks for the feedback, William. I try to incorporate lots of action into these tool videos. Someone once told me "nobody wants to watch a video of an old man talking. They clicked to see the tool in action, so show that."
Thanks Paul...really helpful video with 14BX and 18BX. Helped me make a good decision for my shop.
My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful. Cheers
Really good review,I've got to start saving!!!
Thanks, Steve!
Paul, Thanks for the Video! I was wondering what that stop was as my instructions that came with the saw did not mention it. I am loving my 18BX! Thanks again for your informative videos, I really enjoy them!
It took me a while to figure the stop out as I've never seen one like it before. Glad you're liking your 18bx as well, and thanks for the nice feedback!
Thank you!
Right on MM.
Great review thanks!
Thanks for watching!
I have a big Felder FB 710 as my primary bandsaw and wanted to get something smaller so that I could keep a big resaw blade on my Felder and a smaller blade on my second bandsaw. I was going to go with something like the 14BX but ended up ordering the 18BX instead (ordered in early April and still do not have a shipping date). The 18BX just seems to be a lot more saw for not that much more $. My biggest consideration was space...14BX would obviously fit better in my quickly dwindling space but I will make it work!
That Felder must be pretty sweet. I like your logic on the 18bx vs. 14bx. I've heard that starting tomorrow the prices are going to jump, so you are probably getting an 18 for about the same price as what someone will pay for a 14 tomorrow.
I plan to do some Venere work and other things like that I have quite a few projects that I need to do around the house and I just enjoy doing this with my grandfather years ago I just don't want to overspend or not by the right tool first time
Hi Brian, if this one is out of your price range, check out 14" bandsaws. Laguna 1412, Jet, etc. Most people can get by with a 14" bandsaw. 18" saws are for "power users". :)
Wow I LOVE IT!!!!!
Thanks, Eric! Cheers, Paul
I just got one as my first bandsaw, figured stepping up gradually is a waste of money. I happen to need to resaw some 12 1/4 material so everything else wasn't big enough lolz. Got tired of not having a shop so my living room is now a shop.
I like me having a shop but I’m also jealous that you have a bandsaw in your living room! 🤣
Thanks for the video. I have been trying to decide between the 2 saws for use on my channel. Just looking at them side by side I think it will be the 18. I give up on Grizzly tools and the Laguna saws look like a high quality build for the money.
Thanks for the comment. I just subscribed to your channel. Great content!
Thanks, I subscribed to you . I may have to look into one of the laguna cyclones you did a review about in the future also.
Ordered the 18BX today, hope they ship out quickly. Thanks for your videos about it.
Awesome! Let me know what you think.
It would be nice if Laguna didn't keep moving the ship date. They don't seem to care once they have your money.
Sweet machine but still a head scratcher as I have a 101 ideas on how I want to set up when I do get my shop built. But plenty of time for that because of the situation that adorns our presence LOL Keep'em coming big guy and thanks. Stay safe stay healthy
Thanks Gary. Yep this is a great time to do some shop planning! Stay safe as well, sir. Cheers, Paul
@@ToolMetrix I'll bounce it off ya when I think on it a bit more but yes it does include Laguna and actually not thinking on a table saw
Super helpful video. Deciding on this right now (as well as some others) and think I’ll go 18bx. Only concern is will it take up too much garage space for extra size I’ll never use. For example, I went with the 36” SawStop table instead of 52” table and an very glad I saved that extra couple feet in my garage. But maybe in this case it doesn’t take that much more?
Thanks, Mark. I know exactly what you mean about minimizing footprint in the shop. I have a combination planer/drum sander for that reason, and I think about footprint (a lot) every time I buy a tool. When I bought my table saw I wanted a 36" model, and stumbled upon a deal on a 52" and went for it. I have found that I don't need a 52" saw, and I'd rather have the space back, so my next one will probably be a smaller one (ore a bigger shop). The difference in total footprint between the 18bx and the 14bx is a tad under 3 square feet by my measurement, so it is not insignificant, but it just doesn't feel like that big of an impact for some reason. In my case I don't really need the additional power of the 18bx, although it is nice. The additional resaw height is nice, not as much for resawing in my case but for cutting bowl blanks. But I think the nicest upgrade for my usage is the big throat and huge table.
Great analysis for the Laguna 18bx, Paul. Based on your review I ordered an 18bx over the 14bx…it’s on its way from the factory. Is the 1 inch Resaw King the best choice for an all around blade?
Thanks Bob. Sounds like a good plan. I’d say the Resaw King is the best base for resawing but it’s not good at all for curved cuts. The blade that sits on my saw most of the time is a 3 TPI 1/2” blade. It’s pretty good at everything; resawing, green bowl blanks, gentle curves, tenons, rips, etc. when I have a special piece of wood where it’s important to get a resaw cut that is as flat and smooth as possible I put on the resaw king. For most resaw cuts I run it through a planer after the cut, so flat is important but smooth isn’t.
I see pictures where the 14 and 18 bx have two lights added on. Can you run two lights at the same time? Is this necessary? Thanks
Hi Jason, there are two places to install a light on each of these machines, but only a single outlet, so it's just more of a choice on whether you want it mounted on the side or the top. I've installed in each location and I prefer the side mount but either way works. With the single outlet, if you want to run a second light you could run a splitter, or run a separate extension cord for the second light. That said, a single light casts plenty of light for my needs, and I've never felt a need for additional light. Be sure to get the double armed light, as this is much nicer than the single arm version. The double arm allows you to position the light right where you want it.
Thank you for the video! Is the table cast iron??? I have my eye set on this saw.
Hi Robert, thanks for the comment. Yes, the table on the 18bx is cast iron.
@@ToolMetrix Thank you so so much for the quick response! That was the one and only question I have; PERFECT. I'll be purchasing this saw in the next 30-60 days.
Thank you for the review. quick question - while the max blade capacity of the 18BX is 1 1/4". Do you think it's too big of a blade and it'll stress the motor or reduce cut speed? Would a 1" blade allow the motor to run better while also resawing as expected?
I never put a max size blade on a bandsaw because it’s tricky to get it positioned properly on both wheels. It wouldn’t stress the motor or affect cutting speed though. 1” would be better. I usually have a 1/2” blade on the saw. Good general purpose size, good for curves and good enough for resawing. For bigger resaw runs, or when cut quality really matters, I put on the 1” Resaw King. But that’s pretty rare actually.
@@ToolMetrix Thank you!!!
Hi there good info.. But what do you suggest for a resawing blade other than RK?
2 TPI 5/8” Timberwolf. Great resaw blade.
I'm doing this as a hobby and I'm struggling with what band. Saw to buy the grizzly 17" or the 18 or 14 laguna would love your thoughts
Hi Brian, it depends on your space limitations, budget, and what you are planning to use the saw for. For typical hobby use, curved cuts and occasional resaw, then a 14" saw will serve you well. I've had a Jet 14", Laguna 1412 and Luguna 14bx. These are all good saws. The big difference between the Jet and Laguna (experientially) was the ability to quickly change blades and set up for resawing without a lot of tweaks to the saw. When I did this on the Jet it took me a looooong time to switch over and make all the necessary adjustments for resawing. At first, I only did this a couple times per year so it wasn't a huge deal. Later, as I began to resaw a lot more, it was a pain. With any of the Laguna saws that I've used, I am able to switch blades back and forth (resawing and curved cuts) with no hassles. The blade swap is easy and resaw typically "just works" without having to pull out a youtube video and follow a bunch of steps. That said, most commonly I just leave a 1/2" 3TPI blade on which is "good enough" for both curved cuts and resaw, and I only switch blades when I need to make a lot of tight curved cuts (then I'll put on a 1/8" or 1/4" blade), or if I have a big batch of resawing to do (then I'll put on the Resaw King blade). Another area where a big bandsaw comes into play is for preparing large turning blanks. The extra power and capacity on the 18" saw is very nice for this. But if you are doing mostly curved cuts and an occasional resaw cut, I'd lean toward a 14" saw. I don't have any personal experience with Grizzly saws (I do have a Griz jointer). It seems that people who buy their higher end bandsaws are generally pretty happy, but if you try to go too cheap in their product line it can be problematic. But I base this primarily on ready people's accounts on woodworking forums, so I'm probably not the best source of this info for you.
I saw some reviews where there was a problem with the table not being flat and the fence having to be shimmed. Any problems with anything like that? I am about to upgrade my 14 inch Bandsaw
The table on the 18bx arrived dead flat. I have an early model 1412 and the table was uneven (you could see it when you removed the pin and observed where the table is split for blade installation) and a Laguna tech walked me through making an adjustment to the trunnion. That was a few years ago and I don't remember the exact details on the adjustment, but that remedied the problem. I haven't had to shim the fence, but there is not adjustment for vertical orientation so I could see where that might need to happen on some saws.
I just ordered this saw and can’t seem to find where to get the mobile base. Please help. Great video too. Very informative
Hi Joshua, thanks for the feedback. You should be able to order the mobile base from any dealer. If they can't figure it out I'd suggest contacting Laguna directly at (800) 234 1976.
ToolMetrix thank you
My pleasure, sir. Cheers, Paul
Very nice video. Thanks for all the information I just purchased an 18 BX and am wondering if there are any instructional videos that you know of regarding the drift master fence that I purchased along with the saw.
Hi Scott, thanks. Sounds like a nice setup. I don't have the Driftmaster myself, but I found this video which covers some info on that fence: czcams.com/video/8zucJs-K4iA/video.html. You might ask Laguna if they have anything more current.
Howdy. Great Video....thank you! What size blade are you resawing with I am having growing pains learning this new saw (bought the 18bx for my xmas present to myself!). I am having trouble with wobbling with thicker blades and am starting to doubt that the saw can properly tension the 1 1/4 blade. Thanks a million!
Hi Bradley, the 1.25” resaw king works extremely well on mine. I’m guessing that’s what I used in this video. It’s rare that I use that blade however. I use the saw for a huge variety of cuts so I mostly just leave a 5/8” x 2 TPI on the saw. That’s a great resaw blade and also handles most curved cuts fine. It doesn’t leave as smooth of a surface as the resaw king but I usually run it through the planer anyway so it doesn’t matter. For a bigger resaw job or a higher value plank I’d install the resaw king. I don’t notice any vibration or tensioning problems either way.
@@ToolMetrix thanks so much for your response! What blade do you like for log to lumber sawing?
That same blade works great for that. The 2 TPI makes for easier cutting and less clogging. The RK works well for that too but isn’t a good use of such an expensive blade IMO.
@@ToolMetrix Thanks again. One last question....where do you get your blades and what make/model do you like. I have had horrible luck with Laguna blades as I have been in a 2 month fiasco with them trying to get blades with good welds. I have been going through the warranty process, getting a replacement blade shipped out and it having a bad weld also. So far only 1 out of 4 blades from them had been good.
I have a Laguna Resaw King and my main go to blade is a Timberwolf.
I was wondering I was trying to find a BX18 bandsaw But all I can find right now is a BX14 bandsaw do you think I'll be disappointed if I buy that saw
Hi Kent, it really depends what you want to do. But overall, I'd be really surprised if you'd be disappointed with a 14bx. I had a 14bx in my shop for a year or so, and it definitely did everything that I need a bandsaw to do. The main thing that I enjoy about the 18bx is simply the additional power, and that really only comes into play when I'm rouging out large bowl blanks. To put it into perspective, I turn about 10 large bowls per year. I can rough one out about 30 seconds faster on the 18bx vs. the 14bx (It's 2.5 vs. 3 HP). So, for me, the advantage is about 5 minutes per year. :) Another benefit for bowl turning is that I can stand a log on end and halve a log that is 16" long, vs. 13" on the 14bx. My "typical" bowl is about 14 - 15", so that is actually a nice advantage for me. If I had a 14x, I'd simply have to make that cut using a chainsaw, or reduce the bowl size a bit. A production shop would certainly take better advantage of the additional power and capacity, as well as the ability to run longer and wider blades, but in my case I just don't do enough large scale work to really justify the difference. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the 18bx, but I'd struggle to justify it vs. the 14bx if I was called out on it. :)
@@ToolMetrix George over at WWGOA raves about his 14BX in a video I saw recently...I think he said "I love, love, love it"!
Yep he definitely loves his 14bx. I’ve used it over at his shop. It’s the 110v version. It serves him very well.
How much price the Laguna 18 BX ship to PHILIPPINES?
Hi Philip, I’m not sure. Check with Lagunatools.com
Does anyone know were to get an outlet for the 18bx bandsaw. Hardware store gave me the wrong one.
Any home center should have this. Or you could get one here: www.amazon.com/Legrand-Pass-Seymour-5851WCC8-Heavy-Duty-Receptacle/dp/B000BQKWAQ
Thanks. I'm ordering it as we speak.
You're welcome. Have fun with that saw!
Up and running and resawing!! Thanks.
I think you just set a new world record, going from asking about an outlet, to ordering one, to installing it and being up and running with resawing IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!!!!! You are seriously the man. :)
Is the light worth the extra cost for it ?
I use mine all the time. To me it’s worth it. If I was 20 years younger I might not need it as badly.
Poz . gdje kupiti .i koja cijena te manje zage
check www.lagunatools.com