New vs Old Machines + Optimum Drill Press

[AJB Temple]

I would not bet on Axminster being around for the next 3 years. Warranty is only as good as the finances of the seller.

 

[CMax]

Have you actually thought about the logistics of returning them if they are not suitable ? It's not that easy, in my experience especially heavy woodworking machines. They don't exactly fit in a Jiffy bag !

That's a fair point. I've had occasion to send machines back before, and although a pain in the rear end, it's still an option as opposed to being stuck with a used lemon. That's more of a concern about my ability to identify and find appropriate used machines.

 

[CMax]

Personally with the experiences I’ve had with Axminster & running my business they would be the last company I’d deal with.

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad time with, Doug. My experiences with them have mostly been pretty positive, but then that was almost 20 years ago now. What happened, if you don't mind me asking? And if buying new, and excluding Axminster, are there companies you would recommend instead?

 

[RogerS]

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad time with, Doug. My experiences with them have mostly been pretty positive, but then that was almost 20 years ago now. What happened, if you don't mind me asking? And if buying new, and excluding Axminster, are there companies you would recommend instead?

Rutlands ?

 

[Doug]

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad time with, Doug. My experiences with them have mostly been pretty positive, but then that was almost 20 years ago now. What happened, if you don't mind me asking? And if buying new, and excluding Axminster, are there companies you would recommend instead?

The main problem I had was with one of their supposed industrial machines, bought new over time I needed spares which they could get but it was an 18 week wait, not much use when you’re running a business.
Also over the last 10 years + with their move to sourcing machinery from China the quality of that machinery nose dived, after going bankrupt last year & immediately setting up shop again I can’t imagine that quality has improved, they took many companies for millions of pounds so I can’t see those companies being keen to trade with them again.
I to wonder like @AJB Temple as to how long they will be around.

16 years ago I started upgrading my machinery, like you I want new as having used second hand machines for years I was well aware of the pitfalls so opted for Felder’s Hammer brand, I’d used their machines before & whilst obviously a cheaper version of the Felder machines I was restrained by budget. As a one man business I’ve been happy with the choices I’ve made, whilst not of the quality of some of the machinery I’ve used over the last 40 years I certainly think they have been value for money for the quality I got.

As I said earlier in this thread if I was starting again I’d also look at OAV, Markfield woodworking Machinery sell them. I’ve never dealt with the company but they get good reviews.
There are many other brands out there but sadly I’m a little out of touch these days, my advice would be don’t be in too much of a rush look for the independent suppliers they usually have open days when you can go & look at the brands they sell or phone them up & organise a showroom visit, judging by the amount of social media posts I get about machinery suppliers there’s a lot out there.
Best of luck.

 

[CMax]

Rutlands ?

Hah, I'll pass on that

 

[CMax]

The main problem I had was with one of their supposed industrial machines, bought new over time I needed spares which they could get but it was an 18 week wait, not much use when you’re running a business.
Also over the last 10 years + with their move to sourcing machinery from China the quality of that machinery nose dived, after going bankrupt last year & immediately setting up shop again I can’t imagine that quality has improved, they took many companies for millions of pounds so I can’t see those companies being keen to trade with them again.
I to wonder like @AJB Temple as to how long they will be around.

16 years ago I started upgrading my machinery, like you I want new as having used second hand machines for years I was well aware of the pitfalls so opted for Felder’s Hammer brand, I’d used their machines before & whilst obviously a cheaper version of the Felder machines I was restrained by budget. As a one man business I’ve been happy with the choices I’ve made, whilst not of the quality of some of the machinery I’ve used over the last 40 years I certainly think they have been value for money for the quality I got.

As I said earlier in this thread if I was starting again I’d also look at OAV, Markfield woodworking Machinery sell them. I’ve never dealt with the company but they get good reviews.
There are many other brands out there but sadly I’m a little out of touch these days, my advice would be don’t be in too much of a rush look for the independent suppliers they usually have open days when you can go & look at the brands they sell or phone them up & organise a showroom visit, judging by the amount of social media posts I get about machinery suppliers there’s a lot out there.
Best of luck.

i've earmarked the OAV bandsaw, so thank you for that earlier suggestion. And thanks for going into more detail. I hadn't realised until recently about Axminster's recent problems. That does cast a bit of a cloud over things. I had also considered the Laguna bandsaw and lathe, but it seems Axminster is the only UK supplier for them. I wonder if they do go under completely, whether Laguna would find another UK company to partner with.

 

[AJB Temple]

i've earmarked the OAV bandsaw, so thank you for that earlier suggestion. And thanks for going into more detail. I hadn't realised until recently about Axminster's recent problems. That does cast a bit of a cloud over things. I had also considered the Laguna bandsaw and lathe, but it seems Axminster is the only UK supplier for them. I wonder if they do go under completely, whether Laguna would find another UK company to partner with.

Over in the other place the Laguna guy used to post quite often. Might be worth tracking him down. I've not used one personally but they got good reviews when I last looked a couple of years ago.