Claud1":n8xpns3u said:
Hi Rob, thanks for the reply, have you actually seen one or just on the web site like myself, I would like to see one before I make the final decision but my problem is I live north of Aberdeen and there are no dealers up here. Do you think Startrite is a good choice or would you are anyone else who reads this recommend any other make, in my opinion a lot of machinery looks good these days but then when you come to use it you find it is substandard. I have been in contact with Startrite and they will have one in stock in a couple of weeks but it is a long way to go. I also rang Agazzani dealers but they have not bothered to even get back to me. regards Claud1
I bought one from Yandles in Somerset (which is even further from Aberdeen!) last year at their show, so I got it with a bit of discount and free delivery. The 352E is the educational version, so it's key switched, interlocks on the doors and a big red 'kick-off' knob on the floor. Yes, it is made in t'Orient but I've used older English made Startrites and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference...maybe the finish isn't quite up to European standards. That said, it goes together easily, good depth of cut (around 250mm
ish) there's a good solid table with decent fence and trunions and the dust extraction isn't too bad either. The main point that was demonstrated to me was that the tensioning spring is
massive, far larger than the equivalent Record machines that were on the same stand. One awkward thing is that the blade is inserted sideways and then turned through 90deg...sounds weird, but it's OK when you get used to it. Blade guides are hardened discs and are easy to set up. I use a Tuffsaws 20mm, 3tpi M42 blade which the machine will tension when wound up to maximum and the finish it leaves behind is almost planed...certainly veneers will go straight down onto the substrate without further work. If you do a Google search of the mags, Alan Holtham did a very favourable review in Pop Woodworking (iIrc) - Rob