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Laguna updates?

J

Jim Curlee

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Sep 4, 2008
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Has anyone heard anything about the 1847 lately? I was just wondering if any of the orignal problems had been worked out. It seems like everything got real quiet.
 
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What's it Marry Poppins said about promises? Can also be said of reputations. They're like pie crust, easily made and easily broken. If the Laguna people had been following the bad-mouthing their lathe was getting they might have worked to save the reputation of what appears to be a decent tool. Regrettably, they do not seem to have given it much thought. I fear the reputation of the lathe is irreparable. How much buyer wariness spills over into their other lines, don't know.

Fine old company called Delta came out with some price-pointers that they wouldn't support, and they took a huge hit throughout their line, if you can believe the forum chatter. Outfit that paints their stuff green supplied part after replacement part for their machines as they struggled to prove design and production, and they're doing well.
 
I noticed the company has ads on various internet forums. The forums are free to users, but someone has to pay for the cost of maintaining them. You don't bite the hand that feed you. Believe what you read with caution.
 
Gordon Seto said:
I noticed the company has ads on various internet forums. The forums are free to users, but someone has to pay for the cost of maintaining them. You don't bite the hand that feed you. Believe what you read with caution.
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Think about that perspective for a second. If the tin foil lathe company happens to sponsor the aaw symposium, should we all pretend that tin foil lathes are great? Lets not worry about who sponsors what and be honest about the products we discuss. If it bothers them that much maybe they could spend less advertising and more on quality control. Better for us and them.
 
AAW is financially sound organization; one department may not care what other department thinks.
I am just skeptical. I have heard stories about advertising dept was trying to get the editorial not writing negative things about their advertisers in magazines. It is just a potential of conflict of interest. I am afraid some forums, relying on volunteers and struggling to continue the service, may be influenced. I don't see evidence of any forum selling out their integrity.
I do hope you are right.

If Tin Foil Lathe advertises heavily in Media A, I doubt Media A would publish a poor review on Tin Foil Lathe. They may be silent and pretend the Tin Foil Lathe never existed if it is a poor product. Follow the money. It may not be able to buy good reputation, but it can suppress the negative on occasions. Of course, there are exceptions. Some editors may regard their reputation more than the employment they have.
 
Thanks for the info guys, I was afraid that was the case. I was hoping there was another option at the mid price range.
 
Donna Banfield said:
Jim, there are so many good quality lathes in the mid price range that you shouldn't need to consider Laguna. Just my opinion.
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Smack on, If you want a good lathe for under $1K (US) check the Teknatool 1624-44. It got a "best buy" from Fine Woodworking, and Craft Supplies has it on sale "while supplies last"
 
I've got a mid range lathe now, General 1642. I'm starting to get the itch for a evs and swing upgrade. I know the next logical choice would be the PM. I may hold off a while and go with oneway or probably robust. I figure with more viable options in the market prices may come down. Hey, I can always hope.
 
I purchased an 18/47 three weeks ago. I read all of the posts in the various forums and was well aware of the unpleasant experiences that a couple of owners had with the earlier models. But, I also spent time talking with some recent owners as well as Laguna's service department. After receiving assurances from Laguna's front office that they would solve any problems that I might encounter, I went ahead and ordered one.

So far I have been more than happy with it. Yeah, I wanted a 3520b . . . but from my perspective I just couldn't justify paying almost twice the price of the 18/47. Laguna's service department has been very helpful and ready to answer any of my questions. I'll keep y'all posted as I put more miles on the lathe.
 
DocStram said:
I purchased an 18/47 three weeks ago. I read all of the posts in the various forums and was well aware of the unpleasant experiences that a couple of owners had with the earlier models. But, I also spent time talking with some recent owners as well as Laguna's service department. After receiving assurances from Laguna's front office that they would solve any problems that I might encounter, I went ahead and ordered one.

So far I have been more than happy with it. Yeah, I wanted a 3520b . . . but from my perspective I just couldn't justify paying almost twice the price of the 18/47. Laguna's service department has been very helpful and ready to answer any of my questions. I'll keep y'all posted as I put more miles on the lathe.
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That's a Lot of SAW for ripping pen blanks Doc... :cool2::cool2::cool2::cool2:
 
Jim . . . . I've tried some over sized "pen blanks" on it. I'm getting ready to mount a big ol' chunk of alabaster on it for a large vase. I can't wait to find time to get down to the shop. It's always great hearing from an old friend!
 
Doc, looks like you should have waited a bit (maybe). Laguna is pushing the lathe on other forums and has it on amazon for $1600.
 
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