I went down that same path recently, and chose the SCM S540P. I use a 1” Laguna Resaw King blade. I am very happy with this saw.
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I’ve not used the Laguna or Felder saws, so cannot directly compare them. I had to rely on advertisements, specifications, and comments by other users. I can give you my thoughts on the SCM but not actual comparisons.
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At the time I was shopping there were too many negative comments in this forum about the Felder. That left a choice between the SCM and the Laguna.
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I had used only a 14” Delta bandsaw before the SCM. As you can imagine, the SCM is radically different. The large table, and the lower table make it easy to handle larger pieces. The saw cuts straight - I aligned the fence with the miter gauge slot, and the saw cuts parallel to it under all conditions. I mounted a cheap DRO to the fence, and it is quite reliable.
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Some saws have quick releases for the blade tension, but the SCM does not. The hand wheel for the SCM is conveniently located, and releasing tension is quick and easy.
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The SCM has a vertical capacity of 20”, as I recall. I have resawn boards in the 10” to 12” range so far. It does take time. I get a pretty clean cut, but not glue-line ready. I could probably get a cleaner cut if I used a power feeder for a more consistent feed rate.
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Dust collection is pretty fair. In addition to two ports low in the base I stuff a hose in the trunnion to collect dust right at the source.
If I could change one thing I would make the fence longer. It does not extend much past the blade, so it is hard to keep a board straight for the last inch of the cut.
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When my saw starts up it goes through some resonance before it gets up to speed. After a couple of seconds it is past the sensitive speed, and the vibration goes away. It will vibrate if I push too hard when resawing wider boards, so I have to watch the feed speed. My saw is not bolted down - bolting it down or sharpening the blade may help with resawing wider boards.
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A Resaw King blade for the SCM is not a stock size, so you have to order blades directly from Laguna. Not a big deal, as Laguna is pretty quick.
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John Hinman
Boise ID
Kappa 450X and A941
