Hello from the south west!

[Bristol_Rob]

Are you north or south of the M4? It’s only south west below the M4. There be dragons north of it.

Defo below

 

[roostay]

If possible, its best to consider what you want a table saw to do, and how often, rather than the price. Of course, the price eventually becomes an issue but let it be an issue not complicated by buying a table saw that met a price bracket but discovering that it doesn't meet your needs. You'll end up spending more to replace it.

If you can find one that's very "solid" (typically with at least a cast iron table and enough support in the frame to hold it well) that's always a plus. Saws with thin steel sheet tops or aluminium tops can be ..... lacking.

What capacity are you likely to need? Bigger is better - to a point. A 10-inch diameter saw blade is often good enough for most cabinet-making but not for larger frameworks with pieces more than 3X3 cross section.

How much power? Larger, longer, denser hardwoods require more than smaller softwood items.

If possible, buy a saw with a decent quality and capacity sliding/crosscut table. An ability to make very accurate cross cuts, in planks and in sheet stuff like plywood or blockboard is very useful and may mean you don't have to ever buy a chop saw or, like our poor USA TS users, make endless cross-cut sleds out MDF that are no substitute for the proper device.

You can get away with a smaller saw if your woodworking is confined to smaller things but as soon as you want to make tables, chairs, cupboards and beds ..... a 10" circa 3HP saw of substantial build and accuracy becomes a needful thing. That's likely going to cost a bit more than £1500 .... although the second-hand route could get you a good 'un for that, if you're careful and can arrange the transport.

Amazing info thank you!

I currently have a record power mo

If possible, its best to consider what you want a table saw to do, and how often, rather than the price. Of course, the price eventually becomes an issue but let it be an issue not complicated by buying a table saw that met a price bracket but discovering that it doesn't meet your needs. You'll end up spending more to replace it.

If you can find one that's very "solid" (typically with at least a cast iron table and enough support in the frame to hold it well) that's always a plus. Saws with thin steel sheet tops or aluminium tops can be ..... lacking.

What capacity are you likely to need? Bigger is better - to a point. A 10-inch diameter saw blade is often good enough for most cabinet-making but not for larger frameworks with pieces more than 3X3 cross section.

How much power? Larger, longer, denser hardwoods require more than smaller softwood items.

If possible, buy a saw with a decent quality and capacity sliding/crosscut table. An ability to make very accurate cross cuts, in planks and in sheet stuff like plywood or blockboard is very useful and may mean you don't have to ever buy a chop saw or, like our poor USA TS users, make endless cross-cut sleds out MDF that are no substitute for the proper device.

You can get away with a smaller saw if your woodworking is confined to smaller things but as soon as you want to make tables, chairs, cupboards and beds ..... a 10" circa 3HP saw of substantial build and accuracy becomes a needful thing. That's likely going to cost a bit more than £1500 .... although the second-hand route could get you a good 'un for that, if you're careful and can arrange the transport.

Amazing info! Thank you

I would 100% rather buy it once

I already own a Record Power Sabre 350 Bandsaw, Record Power thicknesser PT107 with Spiral / Helical Blade and picked up a Drum Sander from Axminster yesterday at a bargain price in the clearance section. Already have a large chop saw but its a bit old and i wouldnt call it the most reliable for precise cuts....

I would only go cast iron top!

I often have Oak as a friend of mine owns a chainsaw mill and regularly get Oak and Cherry so working with hardwood is a must.

Do i just save and go for a Axminster one? hHaving them down the road is great for any issues...