Bandsaw Advice

[Climber39]

I'm considering buying the 2.5hp 220v Laguna 14BX or a Grizzly G0513X2 17 inch 2hp. They both have cast iron wheels,  the Grizzly is larger,  but the Laguna has a slightly more powerful motor.  They are within a couple hundred bucks of each other right now. I have no brand loyalty,  and no real preference between the two.  I just feel like these are my best 2 options at or around 1500 dollars.  I want a reliable saw,  with good resaw capacity. Unfortunately the Minimax and Felder machines are beyond my budget. So I've narrowed it down to these 2. I definitely want a warranty,  so I'm not interested in buying a used machine. I was just curious if anyone had experience with these saws. Or if you prefer one brand over another.  Thanks for any help you can provide. 

 

[Birdhunter]

Probably not too helpful, but I really like Powermatic bandsaw.

 

[Dick Mahany]

If I was looking to buy another bandsaw, I wouldn't consider anything smaller than 17" if you want to do any resawing, especially with a carbide tipped resaw blade.  I have a trusty old US made Delta 14" cast bandsaw and it has broken two very expensive Laguna Resaw King blades in short order.  Both failed from stress cracks and I have since learned that it is due to the small diameter of the wheels.

I can't comment on either of the saws that are being considered, but I have to use blades such as the Woodslicer for resawing on the 14" saw and they just don't last as long as the Resaw King did.

 

[bryanjtx]

I have a 1.75hp Laguna 14bx and have been very happy with it.  All the bandsaws can cut well if they are properly set up.
If I had to do it over, I would however look at the 18bx for a little more height on the cut.  The 14" is fine, but twice in the past two years, I needed to cut something that was 16".  Like everything else, buy the best you can reasonable afford within your budget.  If you even use it once for it's intended purposes you will be glad you made the upgrade.  Can't make any comment on the Grizzly unit though as I have no experience with it.

 

[JimD]

I just got a Jet JWBS-14sfx and I am happy with it.  13 inch resaw capacity.  Cast iron wheels, no tool upper ball bearing guide adjustment (lower is ball bearing but you have to use an allen wrench (provided)).  Rack and pinion guard adjustment.  270 lbs.  I bought it August 31 but had to wait a couple weeks for delivery to the dealer.  1.75hp.  It was $999 through August 31 and will be that price again for black Friday (normally $1200).  My only other bandsaw was home made so I don't have a great basis for comparison but it cuts well.  I cut several veneers off a scrap piece of softwood about 6 inches wide that are all about 1/8 thick.  Tensioning the 1/2 blade was so easy I am sure the 3/4 will also get tensioned adequately.  I just hooked up the two 4 inch dust ports this week.  Collection is good.

 

[tiralie]

If you think you need the height because you will be re-sawing taller boards get the larger saw. If not get the 14". 14" saws are handy for smaller pieces and can re-saw hard maple fairly accurately up to 6-8 inches depending on fence and set up.
Tim

 

[xedos]

The grizzly will allow for more blade tension.    That matters more to me than 1/2h.p !

The do dads on the Laguna may appeal to some guys more than others too.