Laguna Fusion Table Saw Review
Contents
The Laguna Fusion table saws pack features usually found on pricier saws into a mid-range price. Laguna Tools introduced three Fusion models: the F1, F2, and F3.
All three have cast iron table surfaces, above-the-table dust collection through an overhead hose, and a precision rip fence. Each saw is built for a different kind of user.
In this review, we compare the three Fusion saws to help you choose the right one.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top choice is the Laguna Fusion F2 Table Saw, which sits between the entry-level F1 and the heavier F3. It is a hybrid saw that runs on a standard 110V circuit and has a 36-inch steel rip fence.
Our Top Laguna Fusion Table Saws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Laguna Fusion F2 Table Saw | 1. Laguna Fusion F2 Table Saw Top Pick | - 1.75HP TEFC, 110V Single Phase Motor - 36" Rip Capacity - Blade: 10" - Steel rip fence | Check Current Price |
| 2. Laguna Fusion F1 Table Saw | 2. Laguna Fusion F1 Table Saw | - 1.5HP TEFC, 110V Single Phase Motor - 30" Rip Capacity - Blade: 10" - Aluminum rip fence | Check Current Price |
| 3. Laguna Fusion F3 Table Saw | 3. Laguna Fusion F3 Table Saw | - 3 HP TEFC, 220V, Single Phase Motor - 36"/ 52" Rip Capacity - Blade: 10" - Cast iron trunnion | Check Current Price |
1. Laguna Fusion F2 Table Saw: Our Recommendation
We start with our top pick, the F2, which sits between the F1 and the heavier F3. It is a hybrid saw that shares many features with the F1 but adds a more powerful motor and a unibody design with a solid cabinet as part of the base, as Woodshop News reported at launch.
A cabinet-style base adds mass, which helps damp vibration and keep the saw stable during long rips.
The F2 has a 1.75 HP TEFC motor that runs on 110V. That means it plugs into a standard household circuit, though a dedicated circuit is best for any table saw.
TEFC (totally enclosed, fan-cooled) motors keep dust out of the windings, which helps them last in a dusty shop.
The F2 also has above-the-table dust collection through an overhead hose and a blade shroud below the table. That keeps the work surface cleaner and reduces dust buildup inside the cabinet.
The cast iron table adds mass for vibration damping. The high/low European-style 36-inch steel rip fence slides smoothly and locks firmly with a cam lever.
The adjustable fence face lets you switch between a tall face for upright work and a low face for thin rips. You can see some of these uses in the video below.
Other features include a blade guard with independent side panels and anti-kickback pawls, plus a riving knife. Keep the guard, riving knife, and pawls installed for through cuts.
Specs
- 1.75HP TEFC, 110V Single Phase Motor
- 36″ Rip Capacity
- Blade: 10″
- Steel rip fence
Pros
- Easy and quick assembly
- Sturdy with low vibration
- An efficient dust collection system
- Accurately aligned out of the box
- Adequate power for some heavy-duty work
- Runs on a standard 110V circuit
Cons
- The riving knife doesn’t work with a thin kerf blade
The Euro-style fence offers more ways to set up a cut than a basic fence.
Overall Rating – 4.0/5
2. Laguna Fusion F1 Table Saw
The Laguna F1 is the entry-level hybrid saw in the Fusion series. It packs good features into the lowest price of the three.
It has a 1.5 HP TEFC motor that runs on 110V, so you can use it in a garage shop without adding a 220V circuit. The F1 sits on an enclosed stand, with the trunnion mounted under the cast iron table.
Laguna added webbing to the table casting to support the weight of the trunnion and motor, which helps the table stay flat.
The cast iron table, stamped steel extension wings, and aluminum trunnion give the saw enough stability for accurate cuts.
The F1 has an integrated dust collection system with a blade shroud and the same overhead hose as the other Fusion saws. Many saws in this class sell above-table collection as an add-on.
The F1 has a 30-inch aluminum rip fence, which handles most cabinet and furniture parts. The fence slides smoothly and locks firmly.
The F1 has onboard storage for the wrench, miter gauge, and fence. Handwheels raise and tilt the blade. A mobile base, thin kerf riving knife, and dado insert are optional.
Specs
- 1.5HP TEFC, 110V Single Phase Motor
- 30″ Rip Capacity
- Blade: 10″
- Aluminum rip fence
Pros
- Premium features at a mid-range price
- Has a highly efficient dust collection system
- Has a very easy setup process
- Performs precise rips and crosscuts
- Accurate out of the box with minor adjustments
- Low vibration and noise
Cons
- Manual is not user friendly with the small font
- Stamped steel scratches easily
The Laguna F1 offers more standard features than most saws in its class. The dust collection, rip fence, and TEFC motor are its strongest points.
Overall Rating – 4.6/5
3. Laguna Fusion F3 Table Saw
The F3 is the heavy-duty model of the series, with a larger body, more power, and heavier components for busy shops.
The F1 and F2 are hybrid saws designed for home workshops. The F3 is built more like a cabinet saw and has a built-in mobile base.
Inside, the F3 uses a cast iron trunnion instead of the aluminum trunnion on the smaller saws. That adds rigidity and helps the saw hold its alignment.
The F3 has a 3 HP, 220V single-phase motor for ripping thick hardwood. You will need a 220V circuit in your shop to run it.
Like the F1 and F2, the F3 comes with above- and below-table dust collection. On many cabinet saws, overhead collection is an extra-cost upgrade.
Depending on the package, the F3 can include extra support such as an outfeed table and a right-side extension table for large panels. Confirm what is in the box before you order.
The F3 has a cast iron table and a removable throat plate for blade changes. Zero-clearance inserts are often made of phenolic resin material, a hard, stable plastic.
The upgraded miter gauge has an adjustable extension face and locks down firmly.
The heavy steel fence and rails come in 36-inch or 52-inch rip capacity, depending on the F3 version you choose. The fence uses a high/low European-style face, like the F2.
Specs
- 3 HP TEFC, 220V, Single Phase Motor
- 36″/ 52″ Rip Capacity
- Blade: 10″
- Cast iron trunnion
Pros
- Premium quality features for heavy-duty use
- Low noise and vibration when operating
- Comes with an integrated mobility kit
- Has a superior dust collection system
- Euro-style fence offers versatile use
- Convenient spindle lock for blade changing
Cons
- The product manual is not user friendly
A common complaint about the Fusion saws is that the manuals lag behind design updates, which can make assembly harder for first-time owners.
Overall Rating – 4.0/5
Who Is Laguna Tools?
Laguna Tools is a California-based company that sells woodworking machinery, including table saws, bandsaws, and dust collectors.
The company was founded by Torben Helshoj, who grew up in Denmark and did his woodworking apprenticeship at a high-end furniture shop there.
His experience in Europe and the United States shaped Laguna's focus on European-style machinery for American woodworkers.
Combination Tools
In a Woodworkers Journal profile from 2000, Helshoj describes the differences he saw between European and North American woodworking and machinery. That outlook led Laguna to import European machines.
Laguna became known for combination machines that do several jobs on one frame.
The Fusion saws follow a similar idea by including features that often cost extra, which reduces the number of add-ons you need to buy.
Superior Features
The best example is dust collection, which is standard on every Fusion saw. Many competing saws sell overhead collection as an extra.
Conclusion
The Laguna Fusion saws include more features out of the box than most saws at their price.
Our Laguna Fusion table saw review covers three saws built for different levels of use. The F1 is the entry-level model, and the F3 is the heavy-duty 220V machine for busy shops.
The Laguna Fusion F2 is our favorite table saw in this series. It runs on 110V, has a 36-inch steel fence, and handles a wide range of rips and crosscuts.
Whichever saw you choose, read the manual's safety section, use the blade guard and riving knife, and use a push stick for narrow rips.
Sources
- Laguna rolls out three Fusion saws, Woodshop News
- The Whole Machine at Laguna Tools, Woodworker's Journal
