u/artemiyorlov

Hi everyone,

I’m setting up a small guitar-building workshop in Canada and I’m trying to decide between two open-end drum sanders:
SuperMax 16-32
Craftex CX509N (Busy Bee)

The price difference is about $1200 CAD, which is significant.

I know the SuperMax has features like IntelliSand, a built-in DRO, quick height adjustment, and a long-established reputation.
However, the Craftex CX509N is much cheaper, and Busy Bee says it’s a redesigned version with heavier-duty components and improved conveyor mechanics compared to the older CX509.

I’m not looking for brand loyalty I’m interested in real-world experience.

For anyone who has owned or used both:
Is the SuperMax actually built better?
Is the sanding quality noticeably better?
How reliable is the CX509N after a few years?
Any issues with conveyor tracking, alignment, vibration, or parts availability?
If you had to buy again today, would you still pay the extra ~$1200 for the SuperMax?

Who has experience with it? My friend got it for me for 60 bucks. I could check it out personally, but for this price, it looked like it was in pretty decent shape. No fence, unfortunately.
So, what can anyone say, good or bad, about this saw? How does it behave against hardwood, and are there any upgrades that can be done?

Hey guys,

I’m planning to buy a new laguna mainly for building headless guitars.

Before anyone suggests it - yes, I understand that a 12” or 14” bandsaw is objectively a better machine in many ways. However, I’m specifically looking at the MBAND10 because I want something compact, portable and brand new with a warranty. Large 150+ kg floor-standing machines aren’t really what I’m interested in right now.

My typical dimensions:
Body blanks: up to 550 × 350 × 45 mm (21.6” × 13.8” × 1.8”)
Neck laminations: up to 900 × 80 × 50 mm (35.4” × 3.1” × 2”)
Woods: Black Limba, Roasted Maple, Wenge and similar hardwoods
Mostly guitar bodies, neck laminations, templates and cabinet parts
Only occasional resawing
For those who own a Laguna MBAND10:
What has actually broken or failed on your machine?
Any issues with bearings, blade guides, tracking or tensioning?
How has it held up after a few years?
Would you buy it again specifically for guitar building?

What’s the thickest hardwood stock you’ve realistically resawn with it?
I’m mainly looking for real-world long-term reliability feedback rather than specs.

Also heard lots of good things about rikon 10.

Thanks!

I understand it’s probably super common question around here. Would like to get an opinion. Got it for 30cad. Made in England. (This is just a paint, no cracks. Looks like 80-90s but I can be wrong. Pretty flat. Can’t see any problems really. The frog is looks fine too. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks