Bandsaw choice, 16HD vs 14SUV

[PanoramaProd]

Hey All,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new bandsaw to replace my ancient Ridgid BS1400. I want more resaw capacity and more horsepower.

My main uses of the saw will be to resaw, cut curves, some bandsaw boxes, rounding turning blanks and riping rough stock. It would also be nice to get close to the capacity of my hammer a3-41 jointer/planer (16" capacity).

I've landed on two different saws, both by laguna that I can get locally.

1st choice is an Italian made Laguna 16HD, made in 2015. Its been in a showroom for the past 3-4 years and I can get it for about $4000 CAD. (4.5HP, 16 3/8 resaw, 15.5" throat). The saw has never been used, and from what I can tell, may be discontinued as there is not a lot of info on it.

The second choice would be a new Laguna 14SUV for its regular canadian selling price. About $1500 less than the 16HD. (14" resaw, 13.5 throat, 3HP).

So what is the wisdom of the group, is 2" extra capacity and 1.5 extra HP worth an extra $1500? I always want to get my last tool first, but also want to make sure I'm getting the best value for my dollar. Anybody with a 14SUV wish they got a bigger saw?

Thanks!

 

[ScotF]

I would opt for the HD model. They are very well made saws. I have the 18 inch size of this model that is going in 20 years old and runs great.

 

[PanoramaProd]

Thanks ScotF!

Yeah it seems like an incredibly well built machine.

 

[etds4u]

I've had the 14SUV for about five years. Great bandsaw, but my only complaint is that the table height is too low (I am about 6' tall). I believe Laguna pushed the table height lower to increase the resaw capacity.

 

[PanoramaProd]

I've had the 14SUV for about five years. Great bandsaw, but my only complaint is that the table height is too low (I am about 6' tall). I believe Laguna pushed the table height lower to increase the resaw capacity.

Oh? Interesting, the 16HD is about 2.5" lower than the 14SUV.

My current saw is about 45" high, which is too high. I'm about 6' as well.

 

[ScotF]

Table height is for resaw. But, you can add casters to raise it up a couple inches.

 

[RDMuller]

Horsepowe is your friend!

 

[PanoramaProd]

Thanks all, going for the LT16HD!