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If you want to get a smaller saw, the TriMaster is available in a 1/2" X 0.025" as opposed to the Woodmaster CT which only goes as small as 1" X 0.035".

But on the other hand, a narrower and thinner blade will require more precise guide adjustment.

Kevin Looker

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I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.

One thing I noticed about the 16 and 18" saws is that the tables are very low. Seems like using it for a multi purpose saw would give you a sore back pretty quickly...

If buying Laguna saws, only buy the LT16HD and up as they are quality made in Italy, and Bulgaria for the 24" and larger. All the smaller and cheaper saws are China made.

Bob

They seem to have very high build quality though. I was looking at one today. They seem to get very good reviews as well...

Having had a Laguna 16HD as well as a Jet 18 and most recently the Grizzly 18" Extreme series I can honestly say that the Grizzly is every bit as good as the Laguna. The Jet was awful. We also have the Laguna Horizontal Re-Saw and a 14" Grizzly Extreme Series which is an excellent saw for the money. If you don't buy a Laguna or other brand like MM made in Italy or Bulgaria then it is likely made in the same factory as the Grizzly. So if you think that the Laguna name on a Chinese saw is better than a Grizzly it is not. Grizzly makes a horizontal re-saw that we have ordered replacement parts for our Laguna and they fit like a glove. Same saw different paint job. Just trying to save you some money.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
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(716) 874-1498

Thanks Bob,

There's at few other considerations for me as well. The first being that I can go talk to the Laguna rep. I believe he will help me with any problems that may arise, as we already have a working relationship, whereas who knows what could happen with grizzly?

As well, by the time shipping, taxes, and import duties are paid,the price difference will pretty much be a wash.

Also, the Laguna has a 3hp motor in the footprint that will fit in my shop. I may (probably) have to settle for 'what is best in this situation' over 'what is actually the best resaw saw'. Basically in my small shop, a 16" or larger saw would require basically transforming the whole shop and reducting etc. which I may do, but I'd rather not. So, I am leaning towards the 14 SUV, but I'm not 100% committed. I'm aware that the carbide blades wear out faster on a 14" saw, but I may have to live with that if that ends up being what's practical in the trench. Worst case scenario I use the wood slicers instead of carbide.

In the meantime, I'm trying to find places to buy musical grade lumber in plank or billet form in the woods we use. No point buying a new saw if I can't consistently find the right lumber...

Thanks everyone for your insight and suggestions so far!

i bought some nice pattern grade Honduras mahog. from AM Woods in Cambridge, And Exotic Woods in Burlington often has some nice stuff

Brent

Also, I guess I may have worded my first post better. While I do need the saw to be capable of resawing, it will be the only bandsaw, so it will be needed as a general purpose saw as well, it's not going to be left strictly as a resaw saw. Maybe when I juice up the garage...

I use the 19" Grizzly Extreme with the Woodmaster CT 1.3" tpi and I couldn't be happier. No such thing as drift on that saw, even after shipping it from NY to Alaska. Also runs on a 220 3HP motor with footbrake and that thing sings through 9" of maple/walnut/rosewood. I've only ever bogged it down/had to slow feed rate while re-sawing through 9" Gabon Ebony. I don't wish that abuse on any saw/blade, that's some very hard material.