The Laguna 18bx Bandsaw is a Heavy-duty Saw With a 12 Amp, 3 Horsepower Motor for Industrial-size Cutting
What We Like
- Powerful 12 amp, 3HP motor
- 16-inches resaw capacity
- Amazing 145-inches blade
- Magnetic starter and disc brake
- Tool-free adjustment and flip stop
- Heavyweight and stable base
- Dust collection port
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- 2 years warranty
- Doesn’t come with a mobility kit
Bottom Line
The Laguna 18BX Bandsaw review highlighted that it is one of the best mid-range saws with heavy-duty cutting capabilities out there.
Everything from the steel structure, high horsepower, all the way to the disc brake, combine to make this bandsaw a great option for professionals.
However, it’s not something the average homeowner can afford, especially when they don’t intend to use it to generate money.
Secondly, Laguna only offers a 2-year warranty for the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw.
This is discouraging since most companies offer up to five years for products in the same category as the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw.
Bandsaws come in different shapes and sizes. While the size and weight of a bandsaw are key identifiers of strength and efficiency, the most important identifier is the capacity of the motor.
Bandsaws with less than 1HP are classified as small, those between 1 ½ HP and 3HP are classified as mid-range while those above 3HP are classified as large or industrial-sized bandsaws.
The Laguna 18BX Bandsaw, which we will be discussing in this review, falls in the mid-range category.
It is a great option for professionals who handle a lot of commercial large scale and even industrial-level cutting.
Our goal in this Laguna 18BX Bandsaw review is to determine if it is worth the $1,700 + price tag.
Related Reading: Laguna 14BX BandSaw
Features of the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw
Powerful 12 AMP, 3HP Motor
Our favorite feature of this Laguna 18BX Bandsaw is the power of its motor. The motor has what it takes to cut through high-density wood and metal without stress.
So, whether you’re a homeowner who creates your own furniture, a commercial woodworker who creates furniture for others, or someone who does a lot of metal cutting, you can make do with the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw.
The 12AMP, 3HP motor will provide you with more than enough power for all your cutting projects.
The motor is made of anti-corrosion steel for increased durability. The powerful motor allows you to cut through the densest materials.
However, if the motor gets damaged, getting a replacement will cost you a lot of money.
However, the chances of this happening are slim. So, you don’t need to worry about it.
Amazing 145-Inches Blade
The blade on the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw is another great feature that makes it an excellent choice for heavy-duty, high volume cutting. It is 145-inches long which is just perfect for a bandsaw of this size.
The blade is protected by an upper and lower guide. These guides ensure that it doesn’t fall out of place while in use.
The adjustment for the blade is completely tool-free just like every other adjustment you’ll need to make on the bandsaw.
The blade is powered by the motor and it can cut through anything precisely and quickly.
Changing it is easy thanks to the magnetic strip feature that allows you to remove and replace it without hurting yourself.
There is also a safety feature that ensures that the machine doesn’t start when you’re changing the blade or when the blade isn’t tight enough.
Amazing Resawing Capacity and Precision
As expected, the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw has a great resawing capacity. The precision you get when you’re ripping is equal to what you will get when you’re resawing.
Thanks to the strong rip fence, you will get the support you need when you want to make multiple, identical angled cuts.
All the remnants that are produced during ripping and resawing are moved directly to the 4-inches dust port collection system which is linked directly to the blade.
You can use the sawdust to make mulch, grow mushrooms, or do anything you want.
If you use your bandsaw commercially and produce a significant amount of sawdust, and you don’t know what to do with it, you can sell it.
Related Reading: Laguna 1412 BandSaw
Heavyweight and Disc Brake
The Laguna 18BX Bandsaw weighs about 440 pounds with a dimension of 81 x 33.5 x 23.5 inches. It isn’t too wide but it isn’t in the compact category either as you would expect from a 440-pound saw.
The motor makes up for a lot of the weight, but the wide base, aluminum fence, tall face and everything else contributes to the weight.
Since the base is wide and the machine is heavy, it’s not a surprise that it is sturdy. It stays firmly on the ground with no risk of wobbling or falling due to vibrations when the machine is in use.
There is a feature that buffers vibration for your safety. This also promotes precision. To move the product from place to place, you can install a mobility kit.
However, this mobility kit doesn’t come with the package. You’ll need to buy one separately for about $170 to $200.
The pump disc brake cuts the power instantly with a single pump. This comes in handy when there is an emergency.
Related Reading: Powermatic PWBS-14CS 14″ Band Saw
Laguna 18BX Bandsaw Review The Verdict
The Laguna 18BX Bandsaw review above shows that it is the perfect heavy-duty mid-range saw for anyone who needs high cutting power.
Whether you need a saw for ripping, resawing, or both, you can achieve your aim with this bandsaw.
If you have around $1700 to $2000 to spend on a power tool, the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw will be perfect for you.
You will need to spend some extra money on the mobile kit. This is discouraging when you consider the price of the bandsaw.
Also, the Laguna 18BX Bandsaw comes with a 2-year warranty card. Laguna should have given its customers at least 5 years like its competitors.
If you don’t mind the 2-year warranty, you should feel free to make the purchase.
More Band Saw Related Articles:
