Laguna 14 SUV vs 14bx | Which Is the Better Bandsaw?

Last updated on November 30th, 2022 at 03:02 pm

I have used many band saw models in my career. I have wondered which is better: the Laguna 14 SUV vs 14bx. There are a few features that differentiate these two bandsaws. You need to look at the dust collection system, saw blades, height, cost, fence system, splitting capacity and mobility. Match the features with your preferences to find a saw that meets your needs. That’s what this article explains.

Overview of the Laguna 14 SUV

The Laguna LT14 SUV bandsaw has a 3hp motor. The fence is short. It minimizes the support it gives to the material. The sturdy fence design stays sturdy. Installing blades is easy as well as the blade guide. A taller fence could have been better for wide materials. The manual is easy to understand, and the setup is easy. The table is solid, and the gear mechanism is innovative. The guides are adjusted using Allen wrenches. 

The sides of the unit are adjusted using two hand knobs upfront. The knobs are a bit challenging to handle when they loosen. The aluminum table is flat and solid. It has a thick layer of paint that easily comes off. The edges of the table are a bit rough. The industrial frame complements the heavy-duty castings. The fence system has two positions that bring it closer to the blade. 

The fence mounting has a measuring tape that measures inches and centimeters. The accuracy of cuts depends on the feed rate. If you are fast in pushing your material, the performance becomes clear instantly. If you take time, you have clean cuts. The bandsaw has two miter slots that fit the miter gauge. However, the bandsaw does not come with a miter gauge. The throat makes the crosscuts. 

Pros

• Sturdy
• Strong table lock
• Improved foot brake
• Sealed doors
• Improved fence system

Cons

• The fence could have been taller
• It makes noise

Key Features of the Laguna 14 SUV

Motor

It has the Leeson American motor that is solid and powerful. 

Guides

The guides come with thumbscrews that are easy to adjust. Thumbscrews keep the saw guides sturdy. The Ceramic guides are set up correctly. They have to stay meters away from the carbide teeth of the blade. The guides are adjusted using an Allen wrench to move the unit forward and backward. The side of the unit is adjusted using two hand knobs. 

Blade

The package does not include a blade. You are allowed to use blades from a different brand. I recommend the Laguna blade with the standard diameter, although it comes at a steeper price than other budget blades. A silicone blade does justice to the job. 

Fence

The fence system has dual positions that are close to the blade. That does not compromise the saw position of the blade guard. The fence could have been taller so that it supports wide material. The fence system mounts on a round bar,  and you tilt it past the blade when you remove it. 

Rip capacity

It rips 4 x 4-inch hardwood since the blade is fast. It even rips hard maple and walnut smooth. The bandsaw remains sturdy. The saw blade can run as deep as 13 inches long into hardwood. Cutting hard logs is easy and accurate as it is on softwood. 

Blade guard

When you want to change your blade, you need to remove the blade guard first. The blade guard is on top and underneath the table. The blade guard is parallel to the blade. If the alignment is not perfect, you have to correct it. 

Mobility kit

The function of the mobility kit is to make the bandsaw mobile. That is optional, as it is not included in the package unless Laguna runs a special. You may replace the mobility kit with a mobile base that is easy to store. 

Overview of the Laguna 14bx

The Laguna 14 bx is available as a 110 and 220 bandsaw. These two differ in the power outlet and motor sizes. The Laguna 14 bx has ceramic blade guides that are easy to set and use. The frame is solid, and that makes it last longer. The brakes are smooth. The table is spacious, meaning it gives enough space for wide material. The flat table allows you to make accurate cuts. It has a 4-inch dust port that makes the dust collection system effective. The major drawback of the bandsaw is that it does not come with a blade. 

It does not work on your bandsaw machine if you buy the wrong blade. It works with the standard 115-inch blade, 1/8-inch width, and 3/4-inch blade. The bandsaw comes with a tension indicator that gives you the compression of a spring. The closed upper door does not compromise the visibility of the tension indicator. Make sure that the saw blade is parallel to the fence. Your hands adjust and align it, and your fingers are protected from the blade by the blade guard. 

It comes with a paper gap instruction in the manual, but it takes time to study and follow the instructions. It has a pyramid-shaped spine and a quick-release tension feature. The cast-iron wheels are electronic and balanced. They fit with tires that are cool and last longer. The rear and opinion features are smooth to run. It flexes when extended. The double windows give you visibility on the tracking of the running machine. 

Pros

• Ease of use
• Solid
• Visibility
• Adjustable
• Smooth

Cons

• It does not come with a blade
• The frame is heavy

Key features of the Laguna 14bx

Fence

It has a stout aluminum extrusion fence with low and high positions. That makes the bandsaw machine comfortable to use. You do not need tools to adjust the height of the fence. It is easy to adjust.

Dust collection system

The bandsaw comes with a 4-inch dust port that makes cleaning easy without practically having to clean after work. It collects dust from the lower and upper cabinets as efficiently as a DC. The 4-inch dust hose connects to the dust port, and they have a capacity of 1,000 CFM. They are at the back of the machine. 

Mobile base

Although the mobile base is not in the package, I recommend the mobile base that is also affordable. It is stable when mobile and when fixed in one position. You encounter difficulties if you push it from the top of the saw. The design allows you to have smooth movement.

Guides

The guides are easy to adjust. The upper guide has to be parallel to the fence. No tools and more effort are needed. There is an instruction page that helps you with the alignment. The lower guides are a bit difficult to adjust due to the position of the table.

Foot brake

The foot brake allows you to turn off the motor using your foot. That helps when you want to change your cutting position. The micro-switch turns off the saw motor with a press. For an immediate stop, you apply pressure so that it quickly responds.

Power

The Laguna 14 bx comes with a 110/220Volt outlet at the back of the Pro Light System. It has a 14Amp motor and 1.75hp. The motor drives the lower flywheel through a drive belt. 

Blade and brake system

It works with a 115-inch blade. It is compatible with a minimum blade width of 1/8 inch and a maximum blade width of 3/4 inch. It comes with a magnetic blade guide. The brake system is active by applying pressure to the foot pedal. The motor stops, and the flywheel slows down using the disc brake. The flywheel is protected from the blade by tire cushions. The lower heel drives the wheel, and the top wheel powers the saw blade. 

Blade guard

The blade guard protects the blade from hurting the user. Several guards cover the saw blade. They are installed when the saw machine is running. The guard attached to the lower door is adjustable vertically whilst the door is closed.

Similarities

• They have a foot brake.
• They come with a Micro-switch. 
• Both have a rack and pinion upper guide.
• They have a quick-release tension feature.
• They are easy to set up.
• They are heavy-duty band saws.

Differences Laguna 14 SUV and Laguna 14bx

• The Laguna 14SUV has a 2hp motor, whereas the 14bx has a 1 ¾ hp or 2 ½ hp motor.
• The Laguna 14 SUV is heavier than the 14bx.
• The Laguna 14 SUV bandsaw has more resaw capacity than the 14bx.

Cost 

The Laguna 14bx is under 1,500, whereas the SUV is under 2000. That makes the 14bx more affordable than the SUV. 

Verdict on Laguna 14 SUV vs 14bx

The Laguna 14SUV is a heavy-duty band saw with a powerful motor and great capacity. It is durable except for the heavy top layer of paint that tends to peel off. It has high resaw capacity, a large tilt range, and excellent blade tension. Build quality, heavy castings, and an efficient dust collection system. Yet, it does not come with a blade and a miter gauge. But, the Laguna 14bx is more affordable than the SUV. The wheels make it easy to move. The table is wide, and the reliable braking system reduces the chances of making mistakes. You may be interested in our Laguna 14bx vs 18bx comparison.