really sorry for starting another table saw thread, but

[skeetstar]

I'm looking for some recommendations. I am hoping to buy a table saw in the next couple of months. Budget is around £750, so I am hoping I can get something worthwhile for that? Is the budget sensible?

I'd want it to be accurate and easy to set up. It will go into and stay in my garage workshop, so I need something that will run off domestic power supplies. Primary use will be for rip sawing hardwood, been working with 35mm Oak most recently, and angle cutting same using a mitre fence. I would characterise usage as heavy hobby rather than trade.

Sooo.... I have been looking at:

1. Axminster AWS10BSB2, (I think I can sort the 16amp issue, got an electrician friend)
2. a couple of Charnwoods - W619 and W629
3. the Xcalibre 10in tilting saw cos I saw it had some good reviews on here.

I like the sliding carriages on the Charnwoods, but not sure I will have the space at first - garage has shelving on one side and workbench on the other, so I need long and thin rather than wide, but if the view that they were the best buy, I'd make it fit somehow.

I've been to Axminster and seen the AWS10, but not been to look at the others yet - depends on whether folks think they are worth looking at.

So any recommendations would be valued, thanks in anticipation.

 

[Doingupthehouse]

Hi,

I have the Axminster 10BSB2 and find it excellent. I may be lucky, but the saw was set-up perfectly on delivery, requiring absolutely zero fettling! I have the saw and extension wings, but no sliding table so can't comment on that.

I temporarily put a 13amp plug on mine until my 16a supply was installed - it's still on the 13 amp plug, and hasn't tripped the MCB yet - and it's been used quite heavily. I'll leave it like this and just use the 16a for my P/T.

Cheers
Simon

 

[jdeacon]

I'm also very happy with my Axminster 10BSB2.

I had to move the 0 and 45 degree lead screw stops very slightly for the correct tilt. I think you need to handle backlash when adjusting the blade height and always set the height on the rise as it has a slightly different angle rising than falling, which for some owners is more pronounced than for others.

And (after several months of trouble-free operation; but just because it was nagging me), I nudged the rip fence very slightly to be in better parallel with the mitre slots.

I use mine on a 13A supply with an adapter. I believe that's perfectly acceptable and that it's only the 12" than has to have a 16A supply.

 

[skeetstar]

thanks fellas, really appreciate your input, and being positive as it is, I think the Axminster machine is probably the one I will go for. Good to know that the 16a thing isn't a major drama.

Jdeacom, are the adjustments you mentioned easy to do? I am assuming it is just an iterative process of spanner or screwdriver to adjust the stop, test and repeat until happy?

Thanks both

 

[jdeacon]

Yes, it's easy enough to do. The stops are just cylindrical threaded "nuts" that are locked in place on the lead screw with a grub screw (or two?). You just need an allen key, a good angle checker and patience - it indeed being iterative. The most difficult is probably the angle checker, with or without the insert plate. Measure from both sides is probably the best thing, especially the 90 degree. And you need to take backlash into account, as ever, always coming from the same direction, when fettling and in use.

 

[navypaul]

hi
ive had 2 of your three prospective saws.

the axi
pros
was powerful enough for most things and some ran it off 13a
the fence was good enough
small and powerful

cons
i sent it back because the blade rise/fall mechanism could not control the height of the blade eg when i lowered the blade and then turned it on the blade would sink about 8-10mm, technician came out and assessed it as they all do it, but this one was pretty bad so for me it was a waste of time and money.

charn 619

pro
small footprint
quiet and well enough made
good sliding table

cons
that fence was terrible i exchanged it with the one from axminster and it was a much better saw
1.1kw not the most powerful saw there is
60mm blade height

held its value well tho sold it for a bit less than i bought it for

hope this helps

 

[Dusty]

Though I would add my 2 pence worth , I own a Charnwood W619 . I would admit it is no industrial super micron accurate saw but I have had great success with it . I spent about an hour fine adjusting it and a little tuning , bought a couple of different blades for it . I am more than happy with it , especially for a low budget option . As NavyPaul said , the fence is a little poor , not the fence itself but the mechanism that it relies on to lock it in to place , crude thread with a foot , same as a G-Clamp , but I have plans for it .

The cutting depth is more than adequate for most panel work and sizing down timber , anything over 50mm and the motor starts to bog down and you need to taked it a bit more steady . The Blade adjustment both height and angle is spot on and is easy to repeat an angle as it is printed with nice large increments of scale . Dust extraction is about 90% , I use a Charnwood can extractor , albeit noisier than the saw , works very well in tandom . The saw itself is pritty quite , you get more noise from the ripping of wood than the motor .

The sliding carriage is a good feature and is spot on for repeat work . The only downside is the croopy flip stop on it , but once again I have plans once I complete my workshop rebuild .

quality of build 8.5 / 10
Value for money 9 /10
capability 9/10

Overall , I am pleased with it , my only regret is not buying the bigger brother for sizing bigger timber but I have access to a bandsaw for that .

Cheers Dusty

 

[skeetstar]

Folks thanks to those who replied, I appreciate the input. I had a punt round the second user market, but nothing seems to match my requirements exactly... so will take a good look at the Axi and Charnwood in the flesh, so to speak, and make my mind up that way.

Thanks again

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I've sent you a pm Skeetstar

 

[whittler1507]

Skeetstar, I have the Charnwood w650 and I remove the sliding table until I need it. Can't fault it at all mate.


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