AXIOM VS, LAGUNA

[Gary Clark]

opinions on buying an Axiom AR6 PRO V5 or the Laguna IQ 24x36. Thanks.

[johnb]

I would suggest that you do the following:
1) Using Google, locate reviews of each manufacturer to get a feel for what people think of their customer service. Avoid sites of the manufacturers themselves
2) Using Googles, locate reviews of the specific machines (and classes of that machine) in the range you're looking for. Again, avoid the sites of the manufacturers themselves
3) Read every thread on the boards of both manufacturers to get a feel for things related to #1 & #2 above. Most, if not all of these will be comments/problems/solutions of actual owners.
4) Join sawmillcreek.org and go through their threads as well.
5) Locate and join the Facebook groups related to these manufacturers. Most of this type of group are "closed", but most will let you in if you are a "serious looker".
6) Post here asking specific questions about specific issues that concern you. Your question above is pretty "general".

You'll learn a lot about the capabilities and limitations of each machine. An example of this: The Axiom machines are not designed to have "overtravel" which permits you to work on the ends of long boards (without serious modification discussed elsewhere in this board). The Laguna machines do permit this...subject to the limitations of machine bed height of course. If this aspect is of CNC work is not of interest to you, just move on and ignore that difference. You'll find other differences in the manufacturers' approach to things which will give you an idea of "how things are". Some of these may be irrelevant to your current quest, but are still indicative of this. An example of that...The Laguna machines that have a water cooled spindle use an aquarium pump in a bucket placed under the machine. The Axiom water cooled spindles use a gantry mounted pump and a small radiator with fan to provide a closed system. While the latter is not "maintenance free", you aren't worrying about dust and dirt in the cooling system either.

Happy Hunting

[Gary Clark]

Johnb, thanks for the reply and info, i have pretty much been doing what you have suggested, basically looking for info from members who may have had experience with both machines. Thanks again, all info is greatly appreciated.

[woodchoppa]

I am looking for the same thing as Gary. I am not ready to pull the trigger, but have begun my journey of learning. It took me a couple of years for example to finally pull the trigger on selling by 6" Delta joiner and Dewalt planner for a 12" multi-function jointer/planner from Felder. It was worth the wait and knew going in all of the pros and cons. I would like to understand user experiences and recommendations from those who have used these machines. Laguna and Axion are at the top my list right now.

Thanks

[traindriver]

The Axiom supports a 4th axis, the Laguna doesn't. Cost of the Axiom is a little cheaper, I'd get the Axiom.

[cavguy]

I doubt Laguna has nearly the customer service Axiom does.  They are extremely efficient.  The training program is one of a kind as well.  Good luck!

[dickdelmi]

I have an Axiom AR4 which does everything I have asked of it except dovetails.  There  is a work around(Gadget) which I have tried and it is slow and cumbersome compared to the Leigh FMT Pro which I used before.  The Laguna has an overhang at the front which permits direct machining of the end of boards. I have not personally used the Laguna but this is a feature which would induce me to buy another Axiom if they incorporated it in their machines.  It would only take about a 2" overhang of the spindle to make it work. 

Something to think about in your comparisons.  Good Luck. 

[johnb]

Apr 30, 2020 15:44:11 GMT -5 dickdelmi said:

I have an Axiom AR4 which does everything I have asked of it except dovetails.  There  is a work around(Gadget) which I have tried and it is slow and cumbersome compared to the Leigh FMT Pro which I used before.  The Laguna has an overhang at the front which permits direct machining of the end of boards. I have not personally used the Laguna but this is a feature which would induce me to buy another Axiom if they incorporated it in their machines.  It would only take about a 2" overhang of the spindle to make it work. 

Something to think about in your comparisons.  Good Luck. 

Dick

Once your warranty is up, you might give some thought to this:  

[christcrosscrafts]

I work for a distributor that offers several CNC brands - Laguna and Axiom being two of them. I get calls all the time about the (very) poor customer service from Laguna. I did all the necessary research before I finally went all in and got an AR8 Pro. I made the right choice. I did so for many reasons mentioned above, but the support Axiom offers is hands down better than other manufacturers. It is so worth the money.

Better controller, water-cooled spindle, and many other features. I would do as johnb mentioned above and figure out all the features you want and research them all and compare machines.

[scg804]

This comes from personal experience. I paid Laguna $7000 for an IQ series CNC. Estimated deliver from receipt of purchase was 4-6 weeks. I took that time to completely reorganize my shop in anticipation of new machine arrival. After 7 weeks there was no word from Laguna. I reached out to Laguna about my order. Their response was delivery in another 6-8 weeks. I could not believe after paying that much cash that no one had the professional courtesy to let me know this information. I requested a refund immediately and did a deep dive on google about Laguna customer service. I found pages of customer service nightmares. I gave up on CNC after that until finding the Axiom AR8 Pro. Machine was far superior to the IQ with onboard coolant system (not bucket set next to machine) and Axiom had 2' by 4' bed rather than the 2' by 3' bed on the IQ. Axiom customer service is hands down the best you could ever expect from any company.