Evolution R255TBL Table Saw

[Nick_]

I assume the new Evolution jobsite bench saw is not out in the wild yet? It seems that a few YouTubers that have been given them for free have them.

It looks fairly similar to the Dewalt 7485, certainly the fence mechanism, plus they seem to have fixed the mitre track size and the plus model has soft start.

Could it be an alternative to the DWE7485 for those that want a 250mm+ blade but don’t want to jump to the DWE7492?

 

[Stevebod]

...available for pre- order sometime around mid April...I think...

 

[John Brown]

Does soft start suggest it's not an induction motor?

 

[Nick_]

...available for pre- order sometime around mid April...I think...

Available now without the stand - https://shop.evolutionpowertools.co...with-28t-multi-material-blade#compatible-with

 

[Nick_]

Does soft start suggest it's not an induction motor?

I don’t know, but I’m assuming it isn’t induction otherwise they’d market that feature quite prominently.

 

[John Brown]

I don’t know, but I’m assuming it isn’t induction otherwise they’d market that feature quite prominently.

Agreed.

 

[robgul]

John Pullan on YT has just done an unboxing video on the new saw https://www.youtube.com/@Smallbarnworkshop and https://www.instagram.com/jps_small_barn_workshop/

 

[robgul]

Revisiting this thread - it seems that world and his brother on YouTube has a review video of this saw (in both standard and plus versions) - all seem pretty positive in terms of function and value for money.

I'm pondering purchase of the R255TBL+ model - anyone here with actual experience of one (or the non+ version)?

 

[Stevewoody]

I bought the R255TBL+ as a Christmas present to myself based on a few reviews to kick start my new hobby! Not tried it yet though. I also ordered the optional low profile riving knife which other users see as a must-have for use with a cross cut sled. Although I dont have a sled yet. The whole set up feels very solid. It took me a good hour or so just to put the stand together! I’m not one for usually reading instructions - but I did in this case . I like the collapsable stand which is easy to wheel the saw into position. I dont have room in my garage/ workshop to be for a permanent table saw so its ideal for me. The rack & pinion fence adjustment is good & has a quality feel. I’m happy with the cost & for my intended light usage, I think it will be just the job.

 

[Mike Needs Help]

I looked at lots of 10" portable saws a few months back. There are a number like the new Evolution one which appear to be from the same factory (Metabo, Evolution, Rutlands, Excel and more). I went for the Excel over the Evolution as I wanted to build it into a bench and I couldn't get some precise sizes from Evolution and, from memory the Evolution throat plate is plastic but the Excel is cast aluminium. Here's the link if you want to investigate: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16712999...BXjPX6ZM5hHyRQOQxPXlL7kA==|tkp:Bk9SR46B5f6FZQ
It worked straight out of the box and is accurate. I've cut a lot of awkward joints in 3x2 on it in the last couple of weeks and everything was fine. Possible problems: The knobs are plastic, but aren't they all? The mitre slide has a bit of play but not as bad as most. Things I like: It has a soft start and the switch is paddle type which is easy to find. The dust collection is excellent.
It's a brushed motor so it's noisy , about the same as the Dewalt equivalent but I don't notice above the sound of the extraction. All in all, a great item for occasional use and a bargain at £175.

 

[robgul]

I looked at lots of 10" portable saws a few months back. There are a number like the new Evolution one which appear to be from the same factory (Metabo, Evolution, Rutlands, Excel and more). I went for the Excel over the Evolution as I wanted to build it into a bench and I couldn't get some precise sizes from Evolution and, from memory the Evolution throat plate is plastic but the Excel is cast aluminium. Here's the link if you want to investigate: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167129990347?_skw=used+table+saw&itmmeta=01JGQYS823GS9ZJ58931712TEM&hash=item26e9b944cb:g:YxEAAOSwV~Jl9FRj&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx+KZ9MfhVJKmmy0Jl2xYE+O9P925pA1rIeCMDLNcoGIpsLMDIOSer4Wy3SStPKDb4cHgpQYR+QHMLMvSUua0IOrIP8x0pqybpZCBV7FjKBrjNLHBykaf3DaPd47R/Z7IJNJQs71/8Zi1JIJYIYaX0inCRz9qqbODjcs0MlXBUE2UZyaCuuG9tVE6RrdXAz5v68r0VecG1Q70hBx+2VXaFA8zNh2Zyu1LIsgZ82MhkJa5EBHyiGZoNVkMl2ZP3ZGcTz9xod3SX6i0QUgNHh1pd2ywKucB3w7BXjPX6ZM5hHyRQOQxPXlL7kA==|tkp:Bk9SR46B5f6FZQ
It worked straight out of the box and is accurate. I've cut a lot of awkward joints in 3x2 on it in the last couple of weeks and everything was fine. Possible problems: The knobs are plastic, but aren't they all? The mitre slide has a bit of play but not as bad as most. Things I like: It has a soft start and the switch is paddle type which is easy to find. The dust collection is excellent.
It's a brushed motor so it's noisy , about the same as the Dewalt equivalent but I don't notice above the sound of the extraction. All in all, a great item for occasional use and a bargain at £175.

Are you sure it's soft start - none of the specifications I can find from sellers says so? - the "official" Excel video makes no mention either.

The only review I can find is a bloke on YouTube who seems to operate his camera while wearing boxing gloves! -

 

[Mike Needs Help]

Hi Rob, The one I have is soft . Now you have me wondering if I just got lucky. Like you say, nothing in the literature about it but as there are several brands coming out of one factory maybe they ran out of motors for a batch and put soft start ones in to keep things moving (?) Best of luck choosing as there seem to be pros and cons with them all.

 

[robgul]

Hi Rob, The one I have is soft . Now you have me wondering if I just got lucky. Like you say, nothing in the literature about it but as there are several brands coming out of one factory maybe they ran out of motors for a batch and put soft start ones in to keep things moving (?) Best of luck choosing as there seem to be pros and cons with them all.

Soft start isn't the motor at all - it's part of the switch* that, sort of, feeds reduced juice/power to the motor when you switch on to start it slowly and then it builds up to full speed with full strength juice. I'd be pretty sure that IF it's soft-start the manufacturer would be making a point of it, as you say there's nothing in any of the literature/specifications/videos.

*CasualDIY on YT retro-fitted a soft-start module to the switch on his Evolution Rage5S saw.

I'd still like any feedback from users of the Evolution R255TBL+ from users - the extra side support, soft start and the nifty sliding table (sort of sled) and 3 year warranty look as if they're going to persuade me - price is not critical, other than I'm not going to pay £500+.

This comparison review has the Evolution scoring pretty highly [The video does work direct on YT - despite the black image]