new table saw.

[jlawrence]

Hi all,
I've finally got completely fed up with my current table saw - a Clarke 10" thing bought cheap years ago.
I can probably spend upto £350. Due to the space in my workshop (single garage) I can't really fit in a 2nd hand cast iron thing.
I'm thinking of something like the Axminster TS200 taken off the stand and mounted on my own movable bench - what's the fence like ?
I've also seen a Metabo TS250 going for just over £300 - any one know if they're any good ?
Oh, and swmbo is away for the next few days so it's the ideal time to get it delivered. By the time it's mounted on the bench she won't notice the difference .

TIA,
Jon

 

[wizer]

The fence on the TS200 lets it down tremendously. It's such a shame. I did plan to mod it with a new DIY fence but I think, in the end, I'll just upgrade the saw. In terms of power and accuracy, the saw is fantastic.

 

[jlawrence]

The fence on the TS200 lets it down tremendously. <snip> In terms of power and accuracy, the saw is fantastic.

Tom, the two statements seem at odds with each other to me. Isn't the accuracy of a saw in a large part down to the fence ?
If the fence isn't accurate then you've no chance of getting accurate cuts (imho).

 

[Mr Ed]

The fence on the TS200 lets it down tremendously. It's such a shame. I did plan to mod it with a new DIY fence but I think, in the end, I'll just upgrade the saw. In terms of power and accuracy, the saw is fantastic.

I understand the Jet Supersaw is very good - this may suit your needs...

Ed

 

[wizer]

Well I did mean the angle of the saw, keeping it's setting, flat table, etc. The main problem with the fence is that it doesn't glide along the rail, more like clatters and scrapes. I'm also not keen on the way it uses a screw in knob to lock it. In terms of accuracy, well it can be setup to be accurate. It's just a bloody pita to use. I'm known to whinge, so this might not be such an issue for other users and plus I was spoiled by the Jet Supersaw (thanks Ed, tho I wouldn't buy another).

 

[Karl]

Hi Jon

I've got the Metabo, and think it's pretty good. For the price it has good construction, tables, capacities, rip fence, and has a 3/4" mitre track (so you could add a decent after market mitre gauge as I did). Dust extraction is pretty good if you hook up a good sucker onto both the rear dust port and the connector on top of the blade guard.

If I were to upgrade, it would be to a cast iron saw like the SIP/Axminster etc. But that's a lot more cash than the Metabo. I am pretty confident you would think it a good upgrade on your Clarke saw.

I haven't seen or tried the Axminster, so can't comment on that saw.

Cheers

Karl

 

[jlawrence]

I don't think the Jet supersaw is in the same price bracket as the TS200 though.

Karl, I think almost anything would feel like a good upgrade on my Clarke.

 

[Mr Ed]

I don't think the Jet supersaw is in the same price bracket as the TS200 though.

No, I was referring to the fact that Tom recently downgraded from this saw, prior to his recently determined need to upgrade.

Ed

 

[Krysstel]

Another vote for the Metabo TS250 here.
Had a few problems with initial setup but now it's great and I can confirm all Karl says about it.
A bit noisy (expected) and the soft-start switch arrangement is a bit strange but otherwise very good value for money. Mine also came as a package deal with stand and Metabo shop vac.
I previously had a small Rexon which is probably similar to the Clark you have and the Metabo is in another world in comparison.
Didn't you have a thread going a while ago with pictures of your TS250 Karl ?

A good alternative in the same price range is the Dewalt DW745. Very good fence but a smaller table then the TS250.

Mark

 

[OPJ]

If you're interested in the Metabo then keep an eye out on eBay looking for 'Elektra Beckum' saws - they're basically the same saw, just a little older and sometimes painted green. There was one down your way a few months ago which went for almost £300.

 

[woodbloke]

The K419 (which is the original version of Axminster's clone) uses the same sort of set up for the fence. It's not ideal and Tom is right, it does clatter and scape it's way along, but it is accurate once set up. I've had my saw for several years now though and it's something that I've got used to - Rob

 

[jlawrence]

Olly, you can pick up the TS250 for about £330 brand new - hence why I'm thinking of it. Some places still seem to have it for above £450.
Had a quick play with an Axminster this morning and I think I'll go for that one.

 

[chippy1970]

Ive got the TS250 badged as elektra bekum before it was Metabo same saw though. Its very accurate and I can highly recommend it only bad point is that it is noisy. Oh and there are no problems wth the fence its very solid and accurate. I payed £499 with stand and extract pipes and now its only £350 ish I think so even better.

 

[Digit]

I wouldn't consider complaining about a dodgy fence a winge wizer, they can drive you nuts!

Roy.

 

[matt]

The main problem with the fence is that it doesn't glide along the rail, more like clatters and scrapes.

Have you tried lubing the rail with some candlewax?

 

[wizer]

No, to be honest I haven't spent much time 'fettling' it. I need to set aside a day to get it all setup and make some jigs for it.

 

[crazylilting]

I can't imagine any table saw for that money being any good at all. Even my bosh which was almost £600 doesn't have a very good fence but it has a lot of power 3 horses, is portable and great for on site work. I have seen people put incra fences on them though which would make it a very good saw, but i wouldn't want to be moving it about with an expensive fence like that on it.

I've not even heard of the saws people are recommending here but if they say they are good i'll take their word for it. I have used the dewalt though and it doesn't even remotely compare to the bosh.

 

[wizer]

The annoying thing is that the Axminster could be much better if they'd just used a different fence system Making it either a Biesmier style or Sheppach style couldn't have upped costings by that much. Another tool designed by designers and not woodworkers.

 

[crazylilting]

You can make a Biesmier style fence. I downloaded a PDF on it one time before i got my current table saw which has the unifence on it, so now i don't need to build one. They don't look all that hard to build.

 

[wizer]

yes I have an article on it. just need a round tuit now.