I have bought several of Axminister's hobby range in the past and have regretted it. Since learning the hard way I have done without until I could afford better, and saved up for their trade rated range. For example, their hobby rated scroll saw is quite a disappointment although it only cost about £55 so I suppose I shouldn't expect much. From their trade range I bought a dust extractor and a planer thicknesser, both of which are OK (but only OK) so I'm guessing the equivalent machines in the hobby range would be inadequate even for the occasional user like me.
Some of the Axminster products are not rated, so you just have to look at the price and make a sensible estimate as to whether it's just too cheap. I bought an auto darkening welding mask which I used twice before it gave up the ghost. I also bought a large sized vernier calipers which isn't accurate, and then a digital calipers which keeps running down it's battery despite supposedly being auto switch off. (Axminster replaced it with another with an identical fault).
It's all very well 'buying the best tools you can' but how many diy people can afford to follow that advice - can they justify that sort of expenditure? I think the main thing is - if it's cheap then it's likely to be a far east import, and likely to be of suspect quality. (Not that much machinery is British made these days, but at least a well known maker has a reputation to maintain) So you have to decide if lower quality is good enough for your needs.
You mentioned the Axminster table saw. I was tempted myself, but came across a second hand Scheppach 10" saw nearby and I bought it for a bit less than a new Axminster one. I've been really pleased with it, it's a joy to use - although I've never owned any other table saw to compare it with.
Overall I think Axminster is great, their catalogue is brilliant and so is their range of tools. They supply good quality stuff for those who need it and can afford it, and basic stuff for the budget conscious. If their hobby range is no good for you then don't buy it (as I said, I don't anymore) but if they didn't stock it then people who do want it would have to search elsewhere for it. You have to decide if you can justify the expense of better quality kit. Remember also that if you buy too cheap and are not satisfied with the purchase then you could end up selling it (at a loss now that it's second hand) and still having to pay out for better quality kit.
There's no easy answer. It's a dilemma. However a forum like this is often very useful in helping to make up your mind.
K
