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Laguna Tools in Irvine, Calif., has been in business for more than 27 years. The company, with its full line of woodworking equipment, is best known for high-quality band saws and its DriftMaster fence system. I’ve known about the company for many years, but seldom had the opportunity for any “up close, in person” machine time. Until now, most of us have had the chance to kick the tires on Laguna’s band saws only at the National woodworking shows in Atlanta and Las Vegas, unless you live on the Left coast. But times are changing for Laguna.
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, a national retailer we’re all familiar with, announced an agreement with Laguna to be the first U.S. retailer to market and distribute Laguna brand power tools to woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers via online and retail channels throughout the United States. “We are thrilled to offer the legendary quality of Laguna power tools to our woodworking customers, and to help Laguna expand their presence across the country,” said Rockler CEO Ann Rockler Jackson in a press release.
Beginning this month (January 2011), you’ll find Laguna products at most, if not all, Rockler stores and on the company’s web site at Rockler.com. While the entire Laguna Tool line is not available as of yet, Rockler is beginning the relationship with Laguna’s star players – the stores will have 14″, 16″ and 18″ band saws, a 2-horespower and 3-hp cyclone dust collector, a new hybrid cabinet saw, and a 3-hp cast iron top cabinet saw, with more to be added throughout 2011. It’s worth your time to stop by a local Rockler and check out Laguna Tools.
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Ah, I had heard Felder’s customer service in the US was good. Let me put it this way, Felder’s customer service in Mexico is worse than Laguna’s, took 8 months and the threat of suing them to get them to fix my jointer/planer fence.
Yes, Laguna got beat up very badly a few years back not only on the internet , but also locally here in So. Cal with a number of business’s. Not only for their lack of customer service but also their European attitude about customer service. It’s not in line with how we Americans are use to being treated. Perhaps they have finally learned this lesson and are now poised to do better. For now I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe their partnering with Rockler is what they need to move beyond the past. Time will tell! And while were on the subject Felder’s customer service isn’t any better. Grizzly beats them all, hands down! I’m not just on some random customer service rant here either. I know this because I’ve had first hand dealings with all these Co’s.
Hmmm…I guess Ms. Rockler did not do a web search on Laguna and the myriad of horror stories regarding their equipment and dismal customer service. For the price I would go with Felder,Jet,grizzly, etc. before I even consider Laguna.