Follow-up review of the Laguna Tools 2 HP Mobile Cyclone Dust Collector

Marty,

Thanks for doing a follow-up. I had been contemplating a 3hp unit from JDS that looks to be the same machine. I am wondering if they have the same issues? My guess is they would if they are the same machines painted a different color.

I had suspected that the smaller cyclone would have more dust get through to the end compared to a larger cyclone that would be able to separate better. Thanks for pointing that out. It does not look like dumping the bag and re-installing it would be much of an issue.

Good job on the video. The close-ups really are a good touch and allow us to specifically see what your are talking about.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com

Hi Todd,

Before purchasing this unit I seriously considered the JDS (the 2 HP one). At the time that I was ready to buy, they were out of stock, so they missed the sale. I did speak with someone from JDS, and I left the conversation with a positive impression. The JDS prices were about 20 percent higher than Laguna’s.

If seriously considering the JDS, I’d give them a call or send an e-mail, and reference this 3rd video. Ask them specifically how their unit compares to what is shown in my video, in terms of the seam quality and dust separation capability.

The JDS does not include a remote control in the base price, and only two of their casters rotate (if mobility is important to you).

And yes, the canister bag is very easy to remove, something you’ll probably have to do every other time that you empty the primary dust bin.

Great job Marty!

I have the same leakage problems with my HF at a fraction of the cost and with a Thien separator, I get better separation than the Laguna. I think I’ll pass on Laguna tools. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard about their poor quality.

-- Chunk's Workshop pictures: http://spadfest.rcspads.com/thumbnails.php?album=135

I watched the original review. Based on what I saw, and how Laguna handled the situation, as well as the general consensus of Laguna’s customer service, I had resolved to never buy any of their equipment. There are enough manufacturers out there that make good equipment and provide excellent customer service at the same pricepoint as Laguna. And at that pricepoint, you’re still having leakage issues. This cements my decision to stay away from Laguna products.

It’s too bad it took a video review documenting all the problems you had for Laguna to step up and do what they should have done right out of the gate. Despite the favorable end result, I don’t count that as good customer service. It’s just damage control.

The original video has over 1000 views and several negative comments. I wonder what Laguna would have done if it had 10 views and no comments. Probably the same thing they did the first time, which was to make it your problem and not theirs. I am glad it worked out for you in the end as that is just too much money to settle for something that is half-assed.

Nice review, glad it worked out for you! This web page has has helped all of us with the Manufacters of products. I had the President of Triton R&D contact me and ensure that they would get to the bottom of my router fire issue. I had put a post on here and they found it. It was refreshing to see a company stand behind their product and wanting to make it right.

http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/1831

Nice review.

-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"

I appreciate the update, too.

Couple things:

1) Letting companies like Laguna “off the hook” .... benefits nobody. Not you. Not me. Not Laguna. Not other woodworkers. It’s just my opinion, but …. I would personally take them to task for the leakage. Your dust collector is failing in a very fundamental way;

2) Clearvue Cyclones

I believe there IS competition in their price range. Grizzly would be one. PSI would be one. Oneida would be one.

3) If you’re truly keeping this thing, I might suggest you look at a “stovepipe modification” to replace the flex hose between the cyclone and the filter. You can google it, or … look at my page to see how I did it. You would then seal the upper and lower joint with true metallic foil joint tape. At least that would fix the lower leak, and SHOULD give you better CFM—if only marginally.

I guess I don’t view the Laguna response the way that you do. I’m about results. Their response—to me—constitutes effort, and … while effort is nice … I don’t happen to think what they left you with is worth the money you paid.

I’ve made peace with needing to “fix” about half of what I buy from Harbor Freight, but … from Laguna ?? Not me. Your mileage may vary ;-)

I appreciate the update, but … I’m not changing MY mind on Laguna, because of this :-)

-- -- Neil

My father has a Oneida super Gorilla 3hp and my father inlaw has a Oneida 2hp portable and they are excellent machines. When I get my funds together I will get an Oneida unit also. Oneida makes fantastic units Seriously check them out

-- My wife says I have to many tools. I say there is always more to add.

Properly said. You gave the pro’s and con’s.

-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com

Ok its now been about 2 years since all of this happened. What are your views on your unit now? Do you still have it? If not what did you buy?

Thx
Gary

-- What man is a man who does not make the world a better place?

The dust collector has been working great. I’ve had no subsequent issues. It continues to have lots of power and is easy to use in my shop. I hope to continue using it many years in the future.

The one improvement that I wish it had was better separation of the fine dust from the heavier dust in the air stream. As stated in my videos, the fine dust bag that is attached to the particle filter fills faster than anticipated and with heavier dust. But this comes with having a small cyclone. I suspect their 3 HP unit would perform better in this regards.

I am looking at the 3HP unit. Most of the reviews I have seen of that unit show very good separation. I would agree that the large cyclone is what helps with that. Those units are 7’ tall and thus more room for a cyclone.

Thx

Gary

-- What man is a man who does not make the world a better place?