Evolution R255TBL Table Saw

[robgul]

Missing parts arrived from Evolution this morning - checking all the settings and the only adjustment was the fence being about 1mm out of square - 2 minutes to adjust and re-check.

Ran out of time to do any serious test cuts - watch this space.

One issue that several YT reviewers noted was the mitre fence had some rocking from side to side - it looks as if a bit of filing to make the slots for the retaining bolts a bit deeper might eradicate or at least reduce the problem (I shan't do that until I've fully tested the machine)

Biggest challenge was breaking down the enormous cardboard carton to get it in the recycling bin

 

[JSW]

Missing parts arrived from Evolution this morning

Wow, impressive after sales service there!

 

[robgul]

Wow, impressive after sales service there!

Yep - I was surprised too - courier delivery at about 0915 from despatch about 1630 yesterday

 

[JSW]

@robgul @Stevewoody et al, Any updates?

 

[BCS1980UK]

I purchased the R255TBL+ about a month ago, but only recently had the chance to use it more extensively. Since this is my first table saw, I don’t have the expertise to provide an in-depth review, but I’ll share my initial thoughts based on my limited experience.

Build Quality & Construction​

For a jobsite table saw at this price point, the overall construction feels more than adequate. The machine itself feels solid, and the plastic components are well-made. The aluminum table is sturdy, though the surface could be smoother—but that’s expected at this price range.

Motor & Dust Extraction​

The 1800W motor is quite noisy but has handled everything I’ve thrown at it so far (though admittedly, not a lot). The dust extraction consists of a 60mm main port at the back. It comes with a reducer/splitter that allows simultaneous connection to a shop vac to the rear and to the blade guard’s dust port. I currently have the 60mm port connected to my dust extractor and the blade guard port hooked up to my shop vac — let me know if that’s a bad setup! So far, it works decently, leaving only a small amount of dust behind.

Out-of-the-Box Setup & Adjustments​

The saw was usable right out of the box. If I were using it for on-site framing work, I wouldn’t have needed to adjust much.

• Blade Alignment – It was off by 0.07mm, but I was able to fine-tune it to under 0.03mm. The adjustment knob is easily accessible.
• Riving Knife – Adjusting it takes a bit more effort, but it’s not a big deal, especially considering the price.
• Zero-Clearance Insert – I haven’t found a suitable one yet.

Sliding Table & Mitre Gauge​

The sliding table moves smoothly with no noticeable play in my unit. However, it requires the included mitre fence to function, and unfortunately, the stock mitre fence is rubbish. I managed to use an aftermarket mitre fence by adding a stop in the mitre slot, but it’s far from ideal. Still, the sliding table allows for cuts on boards around 36cm wide, depending on the blade height.

Portability
I ordered mine without the portable cart, so I can’t comment on that, but the table is not that heavy and it has some plastic side protectors so you can lay it sideways on the floor.

I hope this helps! My shop is a mess right now, but once I clean up and organize things, I’ll post some pictures.

Edit: please, feel free to ask me anything about it and if I will try my best to answer

 

[JSW]

Many thanks for the speedy reply So, happy with the purchase so far, worth the money? Apart from the mitre gauge, no other niggles?

edit: Pants, out of stock till April (without the stand)

 

[BCS1980UK]

Many thanks for the speedy reply So, happy with the purchase so far, worth the money? Apart from the mitre gauge, no other niggles?

edit: Pants, out of stock till April (without the stand)

Hi JSW,

So far, I haven’t encountered any other issues with the machine. I’m very happy with my purchase, and for what I expected and needed it to do, it’s well worth the money.
As a hobbyist woodworker, I mainly build small boxes and cutting boards for the family, and toys for my kids in my backyard shed/shop. Given my projects, I can’t imagine ever needing anything more than this table saw—it meets all my needs perfectly.

 

[robgul]

@robgul @Stevewoody et al, Any updates?

I've only made a couple of cuts so far - looks good.

What I have done is bolt it to a couple of lengths of timber 2x1" as "stretchers" under the sides of the frame to make it easier to clamp to my trestle bench, and also where it slides into its storage space under a bench (a bit like a sledge)

As mentioned the mitre gauge is a bit loose - I've bought a 3d printed replacement rail for it (from etsy for about £10) - and it's orange! - fits snugly in the slot - and I think a bit of filing to make the slots the fence bolts drop into will lower the fence to the table level and get rid of the slight rocking motion. That said the better quality mitre gauge on my bandsaw fits pretty well.

Set up was fine, blade was just gnat's off 90degrees - a bit fiddly to adjust and set as my angle block display is a bit flaky and kept fading out.

Next week should see some action with quite a bit of stuff to cut ready for projects.

 

[JSW]

I've bought a 3d printed replacement rail for it (from etsy for about £10) - and it's orange! - fits snugly in the slot - and I think a bit of filing to make the slots the fence bolts drop into will lower the fence to the table level and get rid of the slight rocking motion.

Wonder if a zero clearance insert could be 3d printed? Other than that, the saw appears to be meeting expectations.
I don't think any of us are under the illusion that this is a cabinet grade saw, but as a decent home woodworking table saw it seems to fit the bill.

 

[robgul]

Wonder if a zero clearance insert could be 3d printed? Other than that, the saw appears to be meeting expectations.
I don't think any of us are under the illusion that this is a cabinet grade saw, but as a decent home woodworking table saw it seems to fit the bill.

Yes - the same chap on etsy has a zero clearance insert - it comes as a solid piece and you wind the spinning blade up through it to make the slot, then just tickle the edges with a knife to clean up any tear-out in the plastic. He also has some other items - search Stuparkercreations on etsy.com/uk and you'll find them - all at very little money (You'll see the rail I bought)

 

[robgul]

Many thanks for the speedy reply So, happy with the purchase so far, worth the money? Apart from the mitre gauge, no other niggles?

edit: Pants, out of stock till April (without the stand)

These people on ebay say they have them in stock, standless https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/dvspowertools?_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211 [I bought mine from Amazon as Evo had no stock, Amazon now out of stock too]

 

[JSW]

These people on ebay say they have them in stock, standless https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/dvspowertools?_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211 [I bought mine from Amazon as Evo had no stock, Amazon now out of stock too]

Tempting me! lol

 

[BCS1980UK]

Yes - the same chap on etsy has a zero clearance insert - it comes as a solid piece and you wind the spinning blade up through it to make the slot, then just tickle the edges with a knife to clean up any tear-out in the plastic. He also has some other items - search Stuparkercreations on etsy.com/uk and you'll find them - all at very little money (You'll see the rail I bought)

Hi Robgul,
I bought the zero insert from Stuparkercreations on Etsy but unfortunately it doesn't fit. It clashes with the internal inserts where the heigh adjusting bolts are fixed.
To be fair, it is announced for the R255TBL, not the + version so I don't know if there is a difference on the two machines' fit.
I tried to scoope it out with a Dremel to fit but just made a mess.

I am still looking for a supplier and will share here if I find it.

Edit: Correction below

 

[robgul]

Hi Robgul,
I bought the zero insert from Stuparkercreations on Etsy but unfortunately it doesn't fit. It clashes with the internal inserts where the heigh adjusting bolts are fixed.
To be fair, it is announced for the R255TBL, not the + version so I don't know if there is a difference on the two machines' fit.
I tried to scoope it out with a Dremel to fit but just made a mess.

I am still looking for a supplier and will share here if I find it.

Thanks - have to say I'd be surprised if the two models have different inserts - AFAIK the only differences on the machines - basic vs + are the soft-start and extending outfeed support on the +

There are other insert plates listed on ebay, again 3d printed - might be worth a look?

 

[BCS1980UK]

Thanks - have to say I'd be surprised if the two models have different inserts - AFAIK the only differences on the machines - basic vs + are the soft-start and extending outfeed support on the +

There are other insert plates listed on ebay, again 3d printed - might be worth a look?

Apologies everyone for my brain fart. This discussion made me think if I was not missing something here and indeed I was.
I came down to the shop to try to fit the zero clearance insert one more time and it happens that if you completely remove the height adjustment bolts the zero clearance insert fits in.
Sorry, my bad.