Laguna LT16 bandsaw or Grizzly GO55 ?

[Dee Dee Martin]

I'm a MM fan with Languna being a good second choice, BUT, 16" bandsaws are not recomended for carbide blades,(to tight a dia.) so now we need to determine if you have a need for carbide blades or not. I think you should consider the MM 20.

You may be right, Richard. Comparing the MM20 to the Grizzly 24"....

Wheel diam: MM=20, Grizzly 24
HP: MM 4.8, Grizzly 5
Resaw: MM 15.75, Grizzly 16
Biggest blade: MM 1.5", Grizzly 2" (1/2" being the smallest, which is fine)
Table size: MM 19.75x27.5, Grizzly 23.75 x 31.5
Weight: MM 750#, Grizzly 900#
Cost: MM $3,100, Grizzly $2,425.
My interpretation of these specs is:

The 24" wheels of the Grizzly are better if I decide to run a Trimaster carbide down the road to do any resawing.
Motor size is a wash.
Resaw is a wash.
Blade size is a wash for my needs.
Table size is an issue, since a big table is really nice when humping those big 'ol chunks up fromt he ground.
Grizzly comes in 200# heavier, which everyone tells me means it a much beafier saw.
Grizzly is MUCH more affordable, tho I can afford either.

Minimax comes with world class support and service, that I think is 2nd to none, and I know their quality of machinery is outstanding.

I'm kinda leaning towards the Grizzly.....

[Dee Dee Martin]

Now that I've bumped my price range up to about $2500, I just noticed Grizzly's new G0568 24" saw. It's only $75 more than their G3619 24" bandsaw.

Looks like the 3619 is geared more towards resawing, so I think the 568 fits my needs better. The 568 will also handle a 1/4" blade, if I need to generate some smaller bowl blanks. It also has 2 dust ports which is sure nice, and a quick release blade tension arm. At 957 pounds, this thing must be gigantic!

I think I may have found my bowl blank winner.

Anyone know anything about this model?

[Richard Wolf]

Dee Dee, one last plug for the MM. Give them a call, it seems to me that deals are meant to be struck with them. Free blades, free mobility kit, free shipping. Sometimes you have to ask, but they are very friendly people.

Richard