New bandsaw choice

[Democritus]

Hi Guys,
Some time ago I came on this forum to say that I was thinking of getting another bandsaw. I was hoping to get to the Harrogate show in November, but in the end couldn’t get there. So,I’ve resorted to t’internet.
I’ve come down to either the Record Power Sabre 350, or the Laguna 14 12. I’ve watched YouTube videos on both, but still can’t decide. The RP looks a bit fiddly, even with a RP demonstrator doing the demo. The Laguna, too, has its issues.
Has anyone got experience of these machines, particularly with their set up, and subsequent performance?

 

[Democritus]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your response outside of this forum. You make some good points, some of which I found a bit difficult to follow. You seem to suggest that Laguna bandsaws are now not as good as they were because they are now produced in the Far East.
What is the ‘conglomerate’ that inhibits you from commenting on the UK Workshop forum. Is it something I should be aware of?
Thanks again
D.

 

[Bojam]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your response outside of this forum. You make some good points, some of which I found a bit difficult to follow. You seem to suggest that Laguna bandsaws are now not as good as they were because they are now produced in the Far East.
What is the ‘conglomerate’ that inhibits you from commenting on the UK Workshop forum. Is it something I should be aware of?
Thanks again
D.

Without being able to see Tom's message I can't speak directly to what he said. However, my experience with a bandsaw made in the Far East (Taiwan) has been excellent. It is not a Laguna saw but from what I have seen/read on forums the vast majority of Laguna saw owners seem to be very happy with the quality of their machines. I know Tom has a preference for European - usually Italian - made bandsaws. These are typically high quality but carry a premium price unless you can find them second hand. This may not actually be difficult depending on where you are, but buying a used machine may involve some additional work to restore/refurb so it's a choice you have to make.

Generally I think there can be a bit of snobbery towards Far Eastern manufactured machinery. The truth is that quality standards have improved over the years and some really good stuff is produced in places like Taiwan and China today. But it depends on the demands of the particular company and the quality controls they put in place. With a company like Laguna who have a very solid international reputation, backed by countless positive reviews, I wouldn't worry about the origins of their machines.

If you are interested in Italian made bandsaws then check out SCM/Minimax, Centauro, etc. Scott&Sargeant sell new models and sometimes have used machines as well.

Regarding the other thing, there is another UK woodworking forum where some people prefer to post (or use as well as this). I wouldn't worry too much about it to be honest, you'll find good helpful (and free) advice here.

 

[pe2dave]

I've the smaller Record machine, 300. Faultless for DIY use over 10 years.
IMHO most bandsaws are 'fiddly' to set up properly, but do a good job once set up.
Just my view.

 

[TRITON]

I think the RP has a 5 year guarantee, and the Laguna has a 1 year(dont know if theres an extension avail')
RP has 2 blade speeds, to the Lagunas single.
RP is 11 1/2" Laguna is 13"
£250 price difference, which pays for a lot of blades
It is pretty close, though the 5 year warranty is a bonus to have. and the slower speed option for deep ripping has to be a good option

I think if it was me i'd go for the RP, for the cheaper price, extra speed and extended warranty, even if it is 1 1/2" less depth of cut.

 

[TRITON]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your response outside of this forum. You make some good points, some of which I found a bit difficult to follow. You seem to suggest that Laguna bandsaws are now not as good as they were because they are now produced in the Far East.
What is the ‘conglomerate’ that inhibits you from commenting on the UK Workshop forum. Is it something I should be aware of?
Thanks again
D.

Sounds scammy to me

 

[Orraloon]

Record is a bit less depth of cut but a bit more horse power. Well the laguna one I looked at anyways was less HP. My thinking is the extra depth should have some extra grunt to drive it and get you'r moneys worth. My saw FWIW looks pretty much the same as as the Record power, similar specs although with a different paint job and name. Its done me pretty well for the last 17 years.

BP355 Wood Band Saw - Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse
Regards
John

 

[thikone]

I've the smaller Record machine, 300. Faultless for DIY use over 10 years.
IMHO most bandsaws are 'fiddly' to set up properly, but do a good job once set up.
Just my view.

Yes, I can second that... Also have Record Power 250 and recently got Felder FB 510 with full upgrades. Fiddly for sure, especially when no prior experience.

I admit that my expectations were like of gunsmith level. But in fact the price mostly reflects how many kilogrammes it weights, e.g. transportation and handling costs. As rule of thumb each 10 kg cost about 100 EUR. And the same goes to any machine, be it a bandsaw, a thicknesser/jointer, a lathe, or a drill press. By the way, the only drill press that I like is that Voyager DVR or drill presses made by Flott. But then they cost like 200-1000 EUR per each 10 kg...

It does work out with cheap ones too in the end, once you gain some experience. And bandsaw being a rough tool that seems to be good enough for the industry somehow. But oh boy I wish they had more stainless parts at least...

 

[Democritus]

Thanks, guys. Some really useful information.
Much appreciated.
D

 

[deema]

The very best bandsaw I’ve ever come across that’s small, compact and yet has really good capacity is a Startrite 14S5 (or 14S1) they are Cala le of cutting metal as well as wood and therefore are extremely well built. Far better built in my view than most modern saws. The big bonus is that the blade change is a doddle. They are not very sought after, so prices tend to be very modest. It’s about the same size as the saws you’ve mentioned. They don’t make them anymore so it’s a trawl for a good one secondhand.