[dhar]

All,

I know similar questions have come up multiple times on this forum. I have read through a lot of these threads.

However, I am hoping we can limit this thread to a simple vote between the two aforementioned saws.

Woodcraft has the Laguna 14-12 for 10% off - with final price of approximately $1,000
Woodcraft will have the Rikon 10-326 for 15% off in march, resulting in a final price of approximately $850.

That's a $150 difference between the two saws, but I'm not sweating. I am more interested in buying the better saw

Please note these are the ONLY two saws I'm considering. So with all due respect to other brands (Grizzly, Jet, Delta, etc., etc.), I would likely to kindly request fellow forum members to simply vote which between the two aforementioned saws would you choose.

Thanks in advance.

D

 

[jplemons]

The specs on the Rikon look good. I own the Laguna and really like the build quality on it. I chose the Laguna over the Rikon because of some iffy reviews on the Rikon-I'm not positive it's the same model, though.

 

[Steve_C]

I literally just went thru the same dilemma! After a LOT of time spent online and in the store I chose the Laguna. I have only had it setup for two days and so far I love it. The main reason came down to the ceramic guides. I really believe both saws would be tough to beat, and would suite my needs. But the Laguna really hit every button and I think the ceramic are my preference.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either,

 

[BrettLuna]

I recently bought the Laguna 14|12 but I've never pawed the Rikon model. A lot of the specs and features look very, very similar. As mentioned, the Laguna comes with ceramic guides but the Rikon guides look like they're stout and easy to adjust. Aside from other bells and whistles (like the Laguna's blade tracking window) the choice may come down to what you think of the build quality and ergonomics. Like Steve_C, I'm really happy with my saw.

 

[dhar]

Thanks fellas. I'm hoping others would continue to chime in.

FWIW - I spoke to the staff at Woodcraft and they confessed that they have much higher profit margins on the Rikons than the Laguna. However, even with that being the case, the claimed that if "[they] were to give an honest recommendation, [they] would recommend the Laguna". This is all assuming that we were pushing the $150 price difference aside. They added that "Lagunas just seem to have a better build quality." Lastly, they added that they have a Lauguan 14-12 setup in their woodshop attached to the store that is pretty much running day-in and day-out by club members and the members seem very pleased with it.

All that being said, I have heard that Rikon made vast improvements between their 10-325 models vs 10-326 models. The 10-326 now has 1.75HP (similar to Laguna), larger table and more versatile fence, etc. all for $150 lower.

As I was conducting my search, I fond the following two reviews very helpful re the Laguna:

The user from the second review above rated the saw a "B-" and claimed that they "would NOT" buy the saw again. He claimed the main reason for not recommending the saw is because of the ceramic guides. Which really puzzled me because others users have been very excited and pleased with the ceramic guides.

Please continue posting thoughts. I plan on making my decision very soon.

 

[brtech]

The problem you have is that no one buys both and compares them over time. You either get first impressions of one or sometimes both, or you get reasonable review of the one the reviewer purchased.

I have the 14/12 and I like it a lot. I like the ceramic guides a whole lot. I think the small stuff, like the fence, the window and the dust collection are great. Build quality on mine was excellent. I did have two issues, one of which was just an adjustment, handled over the phone fast, and the other required a replacement part (the blade insert) and it was shipped promptly. So, for me Laguna service has been very good.

 

[rustynails]

My vote would be the Laguna. I have a Luguna LT 18 and love that saw, and also have looked at the 14/12 in person and thought it was better than the Rikon.
I also have a older Rikon 10-325 that I put on Carter guilds (there guilds were there week spot ) which made the saw.
I think the ceramic guides are the way to go.

 

[Wilt191]

Hey D, any final decision yet? I have been agonizing over the same choices as you for quite some time. Especially with the Rikon sale approaching. While I have no personal experience to speak of with Rikon, based on research it does appear Rikon has stepped up their game with the 326 vs. 325. It sounds like customer service for Rikon gets a passing grade based on reviews and Laguna has steadily improved in that department as well. I don't have personal experience with either. An interesting comparison on ceramic guides is CWI Stallion bandsaws. They talk about dovetail attachments vs. glued in guides. Not sure if that means anything to you, but interesting nonetheless.
http://www.cwimachinery.com/product/stallion-deluxe-14-bandsaw-1-5-hp/

I am intrigued by the Rikons tool-less adjustments. I fell into the trap of not changing bandsaw blades as often as I should have because the guides on my Grizzly were time consuming. Nothing particular tricky, but when it's tough to balance life with shop time on the weekends, anything that saves time I'm all for. I have been leaning towards the Rikon for some time now and am looking for that final push

Let us know if you have decided.

 

[Steve_C]

After using the New Laguna for a while longer I can say I love it. Exceptionally smooth and quite. I have changed the blade three times now just to try different blades and changing them is a snap, but re-adjusting the lower guides is very tight fit for your hands. I do have to tilt the table, but that's very easy and it has been spot on after I rotate it back.

I made a cabinet to raise it up to an acceptable height for me and add some drawers and wheels. Other the the tight confines of adjusting the lower guide I can't imagine I could ask for anything more. The cabinet has been clean after cutting a fair amount so the dust collection and the brushes are working fine.

(Sorry about the sideways Pic, I can't find a way to rotate it????)

 

[dhar]

Wilt191,

Sorry I haven't posted here in a while. I ended buying the Laguna 14-12. In addition to the comments posted above, I had few fellow forum members Private Message me sharing their experience with the Laguna 14-12. They did not want their comments to be misconstrued as bashing other brands and thus preferred to PM. In addition, it was also the members and staff at Woodcraft that convinced me to go for the Laguna.

All that being said, I have yet to open my saw. Usually, I can't wait to unbox my new purchases; however, I fell sick (flu) shortly after my purchase. In addition, this time of the year is extremely busy for me - I'm in public accounting .

I hope to unbox my saw in the immediate near future and share my experience.

Thanks,
D

 

[scatruler]

So how'd you make out?

Great thread - I was at the exact same place - Laguna 14-12 vs Rikon 10-326, and had settled on the Rikon, but now I'm back to Laguna damn it…lol

 

[Putttn]

I'm in the same boat. Local Woodcraft employee says he prefers the Rikon326. The sale really makes it difficult to spend the extra dough for the Laguna and Rikon has stepped up their game. Kind of like choosing between a Ford and Chevy.
I'm leaning 326.

 

[ravensrock]

I think you'll be pleased with the Laguna. It's the one I have and have had no complaints. I think I use it on every project. Have fun with your new toy!

 

[HorizontalMike]

I have had my RIKON 10-325 14in for 7yr and counting. After an initial learning curve, I eventually fell in like with this RIKON. Had some frustrations with the upper and lower rollers, along with my learning curve. That said, I have no problems with my Rikon, though I would like to see that new "tool-less" roller adjusting mechanism. Sounds great.

And just like Wilt191, I too have fallen into the trap of leaving my 3/4in re-saw blade mounted all-of-the-time… 8-( Because of that, I am now considering picking up the 10in RIKON 10-305 for doing curves and smaller stuff. I have switched out my BS blades on projects, but as soon as I do, I find that I need to go back and re-saw something else before continuing! Hence, I have been putting off "other" projects for the above bad habit… 8^(

I also have an old 16in Delta Scroll Saw, but that just does not cover the deficit…


My vote is for having TWO (2) bandsaws! One for re-saw and one for curves/detail work. After all, my 14in BS has more than paid for itself in re-sawing 8/4 and 12/4 lumber. In other words it has earned it's keep.

 

[Putttn]

I have a Hefner 18" and hoping that will cover the gap between the two.

 

[nitro28]

I have the Rikon 10-326 and am very happy with the purchase. I have used the Laguna at a friends and have nothing bad to say about it. It certainly looks cooler. They are great at making their machines look cool. I just didn't like the issues I kept reading about with their manuals being poorly written for certain tools and less than stellar customer service at times. I'm sure Rikon probably has some issues with that as well though. I have a big resaw 3/4 blade on the Rikon right now and it does a really nice job of plowing through my hardwoods. Only issue I have is when I am cutting logs using my jig, I need more table on the outfeed.

 

[HorizontalMike]

BTW, I forgot to mention that the replacement roller bearings for the 14in RIKON 10-325 are cheap!...

http://reviews.vxb.com/Miniature-Bearings/10-Skateboard-Bearing-608-2RS-Sealed-8x22x7-Miniature.html

$13 BUCKS for 10! That works for me anytime! After finding this out, all problems went away!...

 

[Minnesotawood]

I've been going back and forth myself. I had picked the Rikon and I even went into Woodcraft to buy one on the last day of this most recent sale and someone had gotten it 20 minutes before me. So I started comparing the Rikon 10-324 to the Laguna 14BX. It wasn't even close. The sales guys said go with the Rikon as they sell more, but I really wanted that foot brake so I think I might get the BX after saving more. I went in today and chatted with my sales guy I know well. He said they use the Laguna in the back and everyone loves it. The thing that kind of bugs me about the Rikon is that fence and how it hits the miter slot when you move it. You have to lift it up. I know..stupid thing, but there is something about a smooth gliding fence. Keep saving is what my plan is.

 

[Wilt191]

Minnesotawood, your concern on the Rikon 10-326 fence is no longer a concern. The saw ships with an instruction addendum and a reconfigured HDPE add-on on the fence bottom at the far end of the fence away from the rail. I have not spent enough time with the saw to offer a valid revue other than I have not had any issues or regrets in the 2 months since I have purchased it. Adjustability of fence, table and guides are all simple and accurate. So far, so good.

 

[Carloz]

If your life is not complicated enough yet look at JET 14" DELUXE PRO, they have 10% quite regularly