Alternatives to Axminster TS250 table saw

[sammy.se]

Hi All,

I've been on the lookout for a table saw in the £200 to £300 price range.
I'm a hobby/DIY user who want to start making some good quality cabinets. I'm constrained by money but also space.

Accuracy is important for me. After some browsing it seems that the Axminster TS250 was an accurate and powerful saw (with induction motor) etc. But now sadly discontinued, and the new version is out of my price range.

Buying used is also an option for me. For example, if £200 - £300 will get me a high quality saw that is used - i'd rather do that then buy an inferior saw just because it's new... unless people think otherwise?

My question is - what are the alternatives to the Axminster TS250, that offer similar accuracy and functionality?

Thanks!

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Though clearly a site saw....I've always heard good reports about the Dewalt classic, the DW745. I've used it myself and had contractors use it to fit kitchens for me on two occasions. I really rate it and if space was a limiting factor for me I would likely get it. I really like the portability and I always found the fence knocked spots off the Makita and Bosch equivalents.

 

[SimonT]

Charnwood do a saw ive been keeping an eye on myself. With sliding bed and cast iron top. There about 480 new so im certain you'd find one aorund the top end of your budget used?
Cant remember the model but there on evilbay!!! If you wanted a look. The reveiws ive seen have been good so far and looks a good heavy saw with extending table and sliding bed. The benefit is they are detachable so fit in smaller space like you mentioned (the reason ive been wanting it too).

 

[SimonT]

Charnwood w619. Its £479 with free delivery on evilbay!! Specs copied below:-



Quiet Induction Motor

Cast Iron Precision Ground Table
Extension Tables as Standard Equipment
Sliding Carriage as Standard Equipment
Separate Hand wheels for Blade Adjustment
100mm Dust Extraction Outlet
Dust Kit Included
Solid Floor stand Base Included
Optional Wheel Kit

Specification

Main Table Size 530mm x 1000mm
Maximum Ripping Width Using Fence 720mm
Crosscut Table Size 400mm x 180mm
Maximum Crosscutting Width 600mm (700mm Using Reverse Table)
Blade Tilt 90 - 45 degrees
Cutting Depth at 90 degrees 60mm
Cutting Depth at 45 degrees 40mm
Blade Diameter 200mm
Blade Bore 30mm
Work Table Height 910mm
Motor (induction) 1100w / 240v
Motor Speed rpm
Dimensions (WxDxH) 1460mm x 1010mm x 1030mm
Weight 90Kg
Rating Light Trade
Warranty 1 Year

 

[sammy.se]

Thanks both. Does anybody have the charnwood that can give a review on it?

 

[SimonT]

There was one for sale the last week or 2, you could always pm the seller and check his opinion of saw.

 

[SimonT]

Here's the link to the original message on sales forum:-

mod-edit-sold-charnwood-w619-table-saw-t85914.html

Seller was scoffy. Selling due to not using it. Its gone now but this was under £300 (just) so they are around within your budget.

 

[RogerP]

............
My question is - what are the alternatives to the Axminster TS250, that offer similar accuracy and functionality?
Thanks!

It's a bit like searching for the holy grail. The answer is there isn't really anything much approaching a cabinet saw until you get into the £700+ range.

Plenty of site saws with their noisy brush motors and pressed or aluminium tables but that's not what you want.

I think you'd be better searching eBay for a while. Decent older saws do appear from time to time but trouble is they're usually far away and, of course, you'll need to be prepared to load and transport a big lump of cast iron.

 

[SimonT]

Although a good point made by bob is the portability of a saw in a smaller workshop. I have a rexon saw. Can lift it and move anywhere. Although the charnwood is only 90kg i imagine it would be a lump too move so maybe consider build a portable base if you purchase one (its what i will do, loads of video's on you tube).

 

[Ghengis]

I viisited Scoffy, he's in my village, and he loved it, very accurate, he just needed a larger capacity, loved the sliding carriage.

 

[Rhossydd]

If you like the idea of a TS250, keep an eye on Axminster's eBay page, they have one on there right now.
They often sell kit via there that's been returned, sometimes for no good reason or more often items that have had minor defects repaired or suffered cosmetic damage on their initial delivery. It's still all guaranteed, so there's little risk.
It's possible to pick up some good bargains from there. I had one of their pillar drills from there last year at half the retail price because of a small dent in the casing and a minor change to the safety interlock.

A word of advice; Things go quickly when sold as 'buy now' offers, don't hesitate.

 

[SimonT]

I viisited Scoffy, he's in my village, and he loved it, very accurate, he just needed a larger capacity, loved the sliding carriage.

Such a shame you missed the listing. Would of been ideal with you being so close. Definitely the saw ill be purchasing in the future.

 

[Mar_mite]

I have the charnwood. It's fine. A little small for big sheets. It is well built, runs smoothly and cuts accurately. The fence is a bit naff. But other than that it's never missed a beat. I've used it probably 3-4 days per week for more than two years. No problems.

 

[sammy.se]

Thanks all. Just to provide closure for everyone: i got a TS200, which I'm very pleased with so far....

 

[Bigbud78]

Thanks all. Just to provide closure for everyone: i got a TS200, which I'm very pleased with so far....

Which model ? I'm looking at the TS200-2 with the better fence but still yet to pull the trigger as I'm still looking for a startrite or wadkins near me for sale :/

 

[Mar_mite]

Thanks all. Just to provide closure for everyone: i got a TS200, which I'm very pleased with so far....

Which model ? I'm looking at the TS200-2 with the better fence but still yet to pull the trigger as I'm still looking for a startrite or wadkins near me for sale :/

If you are seriously thinking about buying a wadkin or startrite forget about the axi. You will be disappointed. The axi is a mini metro the wadkin is a rolls Royce.

 

[Bigbud78]

Thanks all. Just to provide closure for everyone: i got a TS200, which I'm very pleased with so far....

Which model ? I'm looking at the TS200-2 with the better fence but still yet to pull the trigger as I'm still looking for a startrite or wadkins near me for sale :/

If you are seriously thinking about buying a wadkin or startrite forget about the axi. You will be disappointed. The axi is a mini metro the wadkin is a rolls Royce.

The problem is finding something local-ish so I can get help moving it, also my garage is not huge :lol: