Having recently gone through an upgrade, here are my thoughts.
I used to have the Axminster version of the metabo hc260 (metabo, record power etc)
Even though it was a capable machine and many swear by it and use it everyday, I went for the AC250PT
(fox, Bernardo, charnwood all have variations of the same) where you can just swing open the inner and out feed tables and use the machine.
When I bought the older machine, I transported it in my saloon car which I could find died the seats in. The new machine is twice the weight and bulk, it took a mate and a van and considerable sweat and risk of hernia to get it into the garage.
But this machine is so bloody worth it. I not realised that I hated everything about the old machine. The fence, the removing if the tables, the adjustments etc.
The new machine is a breeze.
If you go on eBay or Facebook, the hc260 versions of PT are going for anywhere between £300 and £600, I got my new one for £380 plus £100 for my mate with the van to collect it from 120 miles away.
By all means, look for old cast iron machines but beware that it will take a very good set of tools and men to move the thing.
Also, no indication of how much space you have, what budget, what specific project requirements, hobby /professional use, type of knives (straight or spiral block) means the recommendations may not all be relevant for you.
