Start with the Right Bandsaw. If you’re still using a cast iron saw from before the dawn of time, you might want to check out steel-frame bandsaws these days. They offer double the resaw capacity and perfect blade guide alignment throughout the range. That’s great for convenience, accuracy, and overall productivity in the shop. But beyond the basics, let's check out some of the great factory and aftermarket accessories available for the Laguna 14|12.
Light it Up. Of all the tools in my shop, the detailed work at a bandsaw requires the best lighting. Luckily, the upper frame of the 14|12 is pre-drilled for optional lights like the articulated Chameleon spotlight on the left, or flexible SpineLock LED on the right. Choose from two convenient mounting locations—at the front, just above the blade viewing window, or on top of the saw. Use either or both lights to erase shadows and illuminate your cut line for maximum accuracy.
Color Temperature and Intensity. The Chameleon lights are infinitely adjustable for light output, reaching a maximum of 940 lumens. The quality of light is quite good as well, with a color rendering index (CRI) of 90 on this model. Beyond that, the color temperature is adjustable from 3000K to 6000K to suit your preference, which all equates to better quality light for better quality work.
XP Roller Conveyor One of my favorite accessories for the bandsaw is an XP|20 expandable conveyor for outfeed support. They’re available in 14” width (XP|14) or 20” width (XP|20) and collapse for easy storage. Luckily, the height range is easily adjustable from 23” at minimum, letting you tuck it under a table saw wing. Or raise it to 41.75” at maximum, making it perfect for infeed or outfeed support at the bandsaw. For reference, the cast iron table of the 14|12 bandsaw stands at 38” tall.
Mobility Kit. I didn’t get a mobile base for my 14|12 bandsaw right away. I’ve had bad experiences with aftermarket mobile bases because they can make naturally top-heavy tools like the bandsaw feel unstable. Luckily, the Laguna Mobility Kit is an entirely integral accessory designed with stability in mind from the start. Two wheels and a sturdy axle bracket mount to one side of the saw, and a large ergonomic foot lever effortlessly raises the bandsaw onto a spring-loaded caster. It’s incredible how it GLIDES across a concrete floor, yet locks solidly in place once you release the foot lever. If you ever need to move your bandsaw for ripping or resawing longer timbers, this mobility kit is a must-have.
The Hi-Low Fence Rocks. If you plan to do much resawing on the bandsaw, the factory Hi-Low fence offers excellent support and rigidity. Standing 5-1/2” tall and 18” long, it towers above a standard bandsaw fence. Add a carbide-tipped Resaw King blade, and you’ll have the perfect setup for slicing thin veneers to maximize your exotic hardwood collection. Plus, you can always drop the fence into the flat or “low” position for notching and ripping cuts.
Need to Up Your Resaw Game? If only the best resawing fence will do, you need the optional Laguna Driftmaster III. The thick, robust fence extrusion measures a full 7-1/4” tall for unlimited resawing potential. The rack and pinion track and micro-adjustable features make this system simply unbeatable for resaw work.
Aftermarket Add-Ons. The factory fence also accepts extender fences for long or unwieldy projects. Here, track saw-style clamps quickly secure the secondary fence for extra support. You can also see the internal webbing in the factory fence that stiffens the extrusion to handle any common cutting operation at the bandsaw.
Don’t Forget the Safety Gear. You’ll want to pick up some safety gear to control the cut at the bandsaw. I can’t overstate the importance of a tall featherboard to hold the workpiece tightly against the fence, especially for resawing work. But you’ll want a good selection of push paddles and push sticks to round out the collection.
Sturdy, Oversized Controls. The rack and pinion height crank on the 14|12 is a thing of beauty, and smoothly adjusts the guide assembly where you need it. Drop it down for routine ripping work, or raise it to 13” vertical capacity for resawing. There’s even a built-in outlet for accessory LED lights, so it seems the 14|12 has it all.
Time to Upgrade. If your old bandsaw isn’t cutting it, with misaligned guides and an underpowered motor, it just may be time for a new tool. The 14|12 features a 1-3/4” TEFC 110v motor with gobs of power to spare. I’ve always said it cuts with the power and precision of a 220v saw. Throw in the quick-release blade tension lever and impressive resaw capacity, and the 14|12 emerges as the steel frame bandsaw to beat.
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Willie Sandry is an Author for woodworking magazines, blogger, and tool tester with an affinity for Arts and Crafts style furniture. Equally comfortable behind a bandsaw, camera, or industrial sewing machine, he builds in white oak and leather whenever he can. Check out his cabinet building videos, or latest tool review on his YouTube channel The Thoughtful Woodworker https://www.youtube.com/c/TheThoughtfulWoodworker |
