I am considering the purchase of a Laguna 18BX bandsaw but prior to doing so would appreciate input on the pro’s & con’s of a larger vs smaller machine. I have looked at a variety of saws in the 14″ range and while I was originally focusing on that group, upon having the opportunity to view the 18BX and comparing the different saws side-by-side, I began to lean toward the 18BX. “On the plus side, the Laguna 18BX offers a much longer blade – thus lasting longer between sharpening, the option for a wider blade and less overall stress on the blade due to the larger diameter wheels. The table size and fence is also considerably larger on the 18″ vs the 14″, and additional horsepower comes with the 18”. While each saw can run similar smaller width blades, I was wondering how much of a hindrance the larger machine would be for everyday use or in smaller projects and cutting.
The magnetic strip makes the bandsaw blade change quickly. An additional feature that does not allow the machine to start as you are changing the bandsaw blade, makes it safe to use. Key features of the Laguna 18bx Blade size The 145-inch blade is the perfect size for an industrial bandsaw.
To make your band saw shopping experience a bit easier I found the top three recommended band saws by the most common sizes: Benchtop, 14 inch, 17 inch and 18 inch band saws. >> Best 14 Inch Band Saws14 Inch Band Saws are the band saw size of choice for most serious hobbyists woodworkers. >> The Best 17 Inch Band SawsYou could be just as hampered by a 14″ band saw as by a bench top if your projects call for higher capacity.
Upon attending a demo on resawing, speaking with a dealer, and having the ability to actually view the some saws in person, my perspective and horizons began to broaden. Sitting in the row of saws and beside some of the models I was considering was the Laguna 18BX. Comparing the mass of the machine to my previous focus saws, as well as having some tinker-time with it’s features, I quickly became quite attached. The 14BX and the 14SUV both seem like great machines and with their many similarities with the 18BX, I think I could be satisfied with either saw.
So…I REALLY like the looks of the new Powermatic 14 incher, more so than the Delta 14 inchers available. “1. A Powermatic 14”, the new model that just came out, the PWBS-14CS. Nice, solid machine with all the bells and whistles for a sale price of $765. “2. A Delta 28-206 1 HP 14” Professional Band Saw, for a sale price of $520. “3. The new Delta X5 14” Closed Stand Bandsaw for around $800. OR…. A bigger saw. Maybe that’s just silly thinking, and the General would be great for me, right now, and even if do end up buying a Laguna a few years down the road, my life would be better with the big General than the 14 inch Powermatic.
bandsaw 14 vs 18 Related Question:
Is a 14 bandsaw enough?
For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
What does 14 mean on a bandsaw?
Rob Johnstone: Band saw sizes are derived from the diameter of the wheels in the saw. So a 14-inch band saw will have wheels that are 14-inches in diameter. There is another measure that indicates how wide a board you can resaw.
Is a wider bandsaw blade better?
The wider blades are stiffer overall (more metal) and tend to track better on the band wheels than narrow blades. When cutting thicker material, the wider blade has less ability to deviate because the back end, when in the cut, helps steer the front of the blade, especially if the side clearance is not excessive.
What size bandsaw is best?
For a hobbyist, a 12″-14″ bandsaw is the ideal size. This size saw will provide plenty of power and a good deal of resawing capability. A professional will be better served with an 18″ bandsaw for a larger resawing capability. Choosing a 14″ band saw would provide plenty of power in a smaller footprint.
Is 1 hp enough for a bandsaw?
1 Horespower is a lot of power, it is aproximately 50% more work than a horse can do on a long term basis, and aproximately 6 times what a person can do. A 3/4 or 1 HP bandsaw is pefectly adequate for re-sawing stock at home….
How do I choose a bandsaw?
The two main things to consider when choosing a band saw are the depth of cut and the throat. The saw’s depth of cut is the distance from the table to the upper blade guides. Many band saws are marketed on this feature alone, which tells the prospective buyer how thick of stock can be cut using the band saw.
What is the smallest band saw?
The Proxxon Micro Saw is by far the smallest, lightest, most easily portable and stowable saw in this bunch. It has only 5-7⁄8″ of throat depth and about 3-3⁄8″ of cutting depth.
Does bandsaw blade thickness matter?
Bandsaw Blade Thickness The thickness of the blade depends on the diameter of the wheels, and the work to be done. Thick blades withstand more cutting strain from straight cuts but can break more easily from the bending and twisting action. Thinner blades perform well for lighter work.
Is more TPI better?
Woodworkers quickly learn that the number of teeth-per-inch (TPI) on the blade has a big impact on the quality of a cut. The general rule of thumb is “the more TPI, the smoother the cut.” The true answer, however, is just a little more complicated than that, as you’ll learn once you understand how saw teeth work.
What is 14 TPI for cutting?
8-14 TPI blades are capable of cutting wood and the occasional nail. Demo blades fall into this category. 14-24 TPI is the range of metal cutting, PVC cutting and finish cut blades. The blades cut slowly, but leave being a very smooth edge.
How much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.
How do I know what size bandsaw blade I need?
In inches, determine the radius of each wheel, by measuring from the center to the outside of the wheel. Apply the following formula: (R1 x 3.1416) + (R2 x 3.1416) + (2 x C) = Saw blade length. Put a strip of tape on the floor to mark a starting point.
How long is a 14 bandsaw blade?
Olson® All Pro&trade band saw blades 93-1/2″ length fits most 14″ band saws (Delta, Jet, etc.), hard back and exclusive material, in skip, hook, or regular teeth.
How thick of wood can a 9 band saw cut?
There are several $99, 9 inch band saws on the market in my area (Ryobi, Skill). The are able to cut a thickness of 2 ½ inches.
What size bandsaw do I need for resawing?
To get started with resawing, I recommend a band saw of sufficient power and with a large depth of cut. Any motor smaller than 1hp and depth of cut less than 10″ will limit your effectiveness. (Some 14″ band saws have about a 6″ maximum cutso you’d be limited to a 12″ wide book-matched panel or less.)