Axminster tools

[Lurker]

Going to Devon for a few days staying a few miles from Axminster so I thought I’d check it out.
Years ago I bought a fair bit of stuff from them but virtually nothing in recent years. Not sure what a bricks and mortar store would be like.

 

[Steve Maskery]

It's...cosy.
S

 

[AndyT]

I've not visited for a long time, not since they closed their big shop in the town. Their retail outlet is now alongside the HQ, on a trading estate, so I think you'll see what Steve is hinting at.

But there's another place not too far away, which might be on your route, which I believe still has a proper range of woodworking gear on display, plus lots of good timber. I mean Yandles, at Martock, just off the A303.

Home

Yandles has been the top choice for woodworkers for 160+ years, offering quality timber, tools, machinery & finishes from the UK’s best brands.

www.yandles.co.uk

 

[Lurker]

I didn’t realise yandles was that close so might have a look. Thanks.

 

[Malc2098]

The new store is bright and airy with a training and demo area.

 

[Dr.Al]

Axminster is also very close (about 20 mins drive) to Dolphin Antiques in Beer, which is well worth a visit. Amazing selection of tools that changes frequently & prices are usually good. Just after I made my lathe I went there and they had loads of chuck jaws for £15 a set (where Axminster were charging north of £100 for the same sets).

 

[Malc2098]

Axminster is also very close (about 20 mins drive) to Dolphin Antiques in Beer, which is well worth a visit. Amazing selection of tools that changes frequently & prices are usually good. Just after I made my lathe I went there and they had loads of chuck jaws for £15 a set (where Axminster were charging north of £100 for the same sets).

Their Facebook page (No website)

 

[Eric the Viking]

I hate to say this (er, Rob), but Yandles beats Axminster in two crucial areas not yet mentioned:

1. They have a decent cafe,
2. They have a craft and hobbies section for, um, other members of a visiting party.

I've never quite understood why Axminster had neither, especially since Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's cantina has closed recently. Mine Ewe, it was prrricey!

E.

 

[RogerS]

I didn’t realise yandles was that close so might have a look. Thanks.

Bring your work clothes. If you get bored there’s plenty of work here to get stuck into

 

[Lurker]

Thanks chaps, we have a friend who moved down there a few years ago and has just finished a log cabin which is going to be let out to tourists. We are doing a test drive for her . So it might be a frequent destination in the future. Somehow it’s an area that we have never visited.
The antique place in Beer* sounds very interesting.
How far away are you from Axminster, Roger?

*moved to Axminster apparently.

 

[RogerS]

Just checked....long way South of me

 

[Stuart]

Yandles doesn’t have the selection of either hand or power tools that Axminster does and some of the staff can be a bit sullen when the mood takes them! I’m only 15 minutes away and use the cafe frequently (good breakfast). The wood selection is excellent if a little on the pricey side.

It’s horses for courses depending on what you want. Axminster used to be hands down the best for customer support but they’ve really gone downhill recently based on my direct experience.

 

[Woodbloke]

I've never quite understood why Axminster had neither, especially since Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's cantina has closed recently. Mine Ewe, it was prrricey!

E.

Detested at Axminster HQ as a 'hairdresser' - Rob

 

[Eric the Viking]

Detested at Axminster HQ as a 'hairdresser' - Rob

In my defence, I didn't do other than have a late breakfast there with the DC (because nowhere else was open). My wallet immediately regretted it.