Axminster Craft AC216TS 216mm Table Saw Review 

I know this video is 3 years old but I am grateful to you for uploading it. A very good explanation of the saw.

I've been looking forward to this review! I think I'll be getting this one when I've saved up enough money. Thanks for sharing!

Looks like a great saw Matt - glad you've finally found what you've been looking for!

I've been looking forward to seeing how you got on with this saw, and you've done a great job with this video so thanks very much. Your workshop is a little bit larger than the one I have but I think with the mobile option I could make this work. Just need to save up for a few months now!

Great review and video! And it is nice to hear that you have finally found that special one :D Looking forward to seeing this in use in your future videos. Cheers.

I am looking for a new table saw so this was a very timely and informative video, I shall certainly put this high on my list of possibles as it seems to tick a lot of my requirements boxes. Thanks for taking the time to make the video...

Great review, I agree with your comments. Thanks for addressing my issue with the 45 degree tilt. I will have a look at mine and sort it out. Thanks

Excellent review. Thorough. Practical viewpoint throughout. Clear delivery. Enjoyable viewing.

Slightly different opinion. I have had the saw approx 8 months. Regarding the sliding fence, the wheels on the slide mechanism go out of true and I ended up with wavy cross cuts. The hold down bar/ pivot is almost always in the way of the stop, cannot slide it past the pivot. You have to take it off one end and put it back on the other andi it won’t sit in front of the pivot . When I received the saw the cast iron table was almost 2mm out of true to the cabinet but was true with blade. This meant when the slide was fitted ( fits to the cabinet, not the table) it was out of true with the table and fouled it at one end. I had to pack it out with washers to fit. The fence almost always moved outwards at the far end when clamped so it asn’t true with the blade. I solved that by packing the cam lock with tape to counteract the drift as i tightened it. Axminster sent a replacement fence and that seemed to be better. The riving knife is higher than the blade which means cutting half lap joints etc is impossible. I solved this by cutting the top off the knife. I found that I never needed the dust extraction from the top so no great loss. I use the Axminster AC50E using the bottom port with the top blanked off and there is virtually no escaping dust. I wanted to use a table saw sled but the out feed table mitre fence grooves stop short of the end meaning the sled would not slide all the way through the blade. fixed that by extending the groves. Finally the supplied riving knife was a tad too thick so ended up taking all the paint off and grinding it slightly. So now i have a table saw I’m happy with but why Axminster don’t have a different option for the riving knife and extend the grooves in the out feed table, sort the fence so it stays square, and don’t get me started on the sliding fence (a member of staff said to me when I bought it to use it periodically otherwise the wheels flatten, he was not wrong and I used it all the time). Don’t let me put you off all in all it is accurate, it is quiet just needs a bit of fettling

Awesome review, cheers mate. 👍🏾 I've always wondered how good those sliding tables handled. You've now got me weighing up my options! 😆

So pleased you're cured of your table saw addiction! Well done!

Hi Matt great review on the table saw. The cast iron tables nice with the extra wing for wide ripping. Its good to see a proper long saw arbor and traditional locking nut. I'm impressed with the build quality overall, the sliding crosscut table fence is a real advantage like you say. The swivelling mitre feature on the cross cut fence is amazing that's a real bonus. A point on the noise, its the size and type of saw blade that fitted which produces the noise not the motor. It looks very capable of making accurate wooden components. Tony

I m really amazed by the review . The review was so well stractured , everything explained in order the knowledge of yours , clean language ( my english are not very good ) , really amazed although i dont know anything about tablesaws ( i dont own ) . I really enjoy the video and really i am amazed . Great job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First things first "Great VIDEO Matt" .So happy that you have found the perfect Table Saw ,

Thanks for the info Matt, sounds like an awesome saw! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

I really want this setup now, I have dewalt 745 for about 5 years, great saw but very loud. That sliding table is a must, it looks so well made and smooth. Great review as always. Best place to come for honest and complete reviews. The only problem I have now is that this saw is sold out in Ireland and no date yet for when it will be back in stock.

Nice comprehensive review. Looks like a good piece of kit. Thanks.

Your reviews always do a great job of covering the most important things, giving an honest opinion, and not just a boring recitation of the technical specs. Excellent, as usual! I’m particularly encouraged to see how well it fits into your small workshop - there may be hope for me yet.

Your videos are so clear, I feel like I am in the workshop with you! The saw certainly ticks all the boxes. Interesting that you no longer need your DeWalt mitre saw, though presumably you will keep it in the garage as a back up.

Thank you for a nice review. I've been having a hard time choosing between this one, Makita Mlt100 and an older Metabo Magnum. But after watching your review this one will be my saw of choice! 👍

Very , very good review. Just bought one for our prototype workshop. Excellent machine and in all honesty Way above our expectations.

You answered all my questions about the AC216TS...I'm now sure that this is the one I'm going for - Thanks for a good an honest review :-)

I was so impressed with your review that i went out and purchased one..they are in demand at the moment as i went to my local store on a Monday to check it over, dithered and went back two days later and it had been sold, but the lady in the warrington saw located on in the Sittingbourne store and had it delivered, to cut a long story short - two days to assemble and the saw failed to start. Waiting for a replacement

Hi Matt, great table saw mate, at one time I was thinking of this model, I have had a few table saws over the years, a cast iron dewalt 746 hybrid table saw, a startrite tilt arbour, an sip 10inch cast iron saw and today my Laguna Fusion3 cabinet saw, a truly stunning beast but if space was an issue and it was for me in the early days then your choice with this little axminster saw would have made the greatest sense, stay well pal, regards Louie

A really honest review Matt well done now you just need to find more tools to review another fantastic video 👍

Nice buy Matt, looks like a beauty!

Hi Matt, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Axminster cabinet saw. I've been using the Evolution now for almost 3 years. It is so much better than the Elu flip saw that I used before, but it ain't half noisy and there is no soft start. I could live with all of that, but I'm looking for something a bit more accurate too, and wondered if you could give us an update on how you've been getting on with the saw after 18 months. 👍

I was faffing around deciding on what upgrade to get, saw your review and eventually decided to get the same. Axminster didn't have the 216 in stock, so I went mad and got the 254! Very happy with it - now to get my dust extraction upgraded!

Great review matt ..... looks like you found your soul mate in table saws ..... yeah

Excellent review, if I was in the market for a new table saw I would consider it.

Hello Matt what a great video you make really good videos and they very helpful keep up the hard work

great review video badger thank you

Thanks for that video. You have confirmed my hopes and removed my few concerns. I’m even persuaded by the sliding table argument instead of a miter saw for a small shop. It seems expensive for a hobby set up, but that’s possibly redeemed by fewer fiddle moments with cheaper solutions. A craft should be about skill and not tools (if not about just making things) but good tools do seem to go a little way in resolving some skill/experience shortages (speaking for myself of course). Thanks as always for the content.

Wow I've just watched videos of you building a stand for a Bosch table saw, then a Milwaukee, and now this new table saw? You go through quite a few!

Great video and thanks for answering our questions. I cant wait to purchase this saw as soon is i save up (but then i have to convince parents to let me buy it) Thanks again.

Your spot on about the fence, best ones only lock at the front. The ones that lock at the Back always throw out of alignment

Great review Mat.

I bought the same saw recently but haven't been able to use it yet (workspace not ready!), good to hear you're happy with it. I didn't buy the sliding table with mine so was keen to hear your thoughts. Sounds like I need to get it.

My extraction system tries me nuts so I’m going to build a little lean to on the workshop so I can put it outside any a very small shed and then I’m going to put a remote switch inside is by far the noisiest bit of kit and I don’t think it’s gonna make any difference to the performance also frees up a bit of space as my workshop is a similar size to yours could be something you might like to consider and keep up the good work love your channel especially like your tall reviews very comprehensive thank you👍

Lovely saw Matt, great review 👍 Maybe one day if I suddenly come into some money 💷 🙂 Great work take care David 👍

I was just off to bed.... Excellent and informative as always

Great product

Great clear concise review. You only missed out on depth of cut, issue with Riving knife height compared to the blade stopping through cuts and detailing how accurate the main bed of the table was (flat). For my workshop, as far as I can find, this would be the best option available despite its flaws and while I don’t need the sliding table I think actually it would be really useful given that it comes off so easily and can then be hung up out of the way. Thanks.

Great review thanks

Thank you! I think my shop is smaller than yours but I might consider this saw after your review. Maybe I can make it fit without the extension table as it is 400mm slim. I was thinking about buying the Bosch GTS10J but the aluminium table is putting me off. Regards, Etna.

Great machine. Lots of function and versatility. I don't know of an affordable version here in the US. I would go ahead and purchase a replacement set of the table rollers. You know how companies love to discontinue parts.

I considered this saw but I wanted a 10' inch blade so I got the dewalt dw745. As is typical Axminster have just released a 254mm version of your saw. Bugger! timing is everything. Glad you like your saw though.

Brilliant.

Great review, I have a question though. Do you feel that the saw is powerful enough when cutting hardwood, for example oak? How thick material are you comfortable cutting before it feels like it’s running out of power?

Hi. A great vid. I have been looking for ages at getting a table saw and settled on this one. It was so reassuring to get your view before I purchased. I’m a novice, keen but no idea. I would love you to show how to work it properly, it’s capabilities and features in action. I will recommend you when I purchase from Axminster. Thank you very much.

I reckon you should just lean into the table saw nickname and just be a table saw review guy you clearly know the market pretty well! My favourite of yours has been this one and the draper, which seemed to be a poster quality older version. I'd like to see a company like Laguna send you their tablesaw to review.

Thanks Matt ! It's clearly much improved on its predecessor. That was a really good review, right to the point. I still wish it'd been around when I bought the DeWalt, I believe the extra cost would have been worth it for the greater mass and features, not to mention the quietness.

Great review - what is the maximum size of sheet goods it can handle? Can it cope with an 8 X 4 sheet?

I have been looking at getting a Dewalt site table saw but I wasn't keen on the noise plus they just aren't as accurate so was looking for an alternative that was still reasonably easy to move around without needing an engine hoist to move. This looks like the best of both worlds to be honest and doesn't cost much more than the Dewalt. I think I will be getting the slightly larger version of this, as they now do one with a 254mm blade and 1.5KW motor and a slightly larger table. Great review.

Looks like it’s a great saw

I have the Axminster 1600 panel saw. Bought a few years ago. It has a large foot print even in a 3 car garage size workshop but one of the simplest and most useful addition to it is a Fritz and Franze (probably not spelt that last bit right) jig. Search on YT. I think he's called 'extreme woodworker' There ain't much info but a guy in the states with a seriously expensive Martin table saw shows how to make one. In your tiny shop you would get a lot of use for it with that parallel sliding table. Safely cross cutting small parts etc. Have a look it will need a bit of thought to adapt to your machine. Nigel.

Hi Matt, I watched your videos on this saw several times while choosing which machine to go with. Your positive reviews, plus those elsewhere, encouraged me to buy the table saw around 18 months ago, and the sliding table last Christmas. This is my first table saw. Have you had to make adjustments for accuracy? If so, did you find them acceptably easy to make? All along I have found the various adjustments to achieve accuracy very fiddly and awkward. Currently I'm trying to get consistently accurate mitre cuts. I've spent many hours getting the sliding table into an accurate position in all dimensions, including during the slide itself. I've managed to get the mitre angle quite close to accurate, but when I make another small adjustment to the relevant small bolt, the effect of the adjustment seems to be fairly unpredictable. I can't home in on a good enough 45 degrees. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thank you, Roger

Hi Matt, Thank you for such a good review and set up advice. I have gone for the same set-up. I would like a mobile base but was worried that the one on your link would not adjust small enough for the cabinet. The minimum adjusted size still looks too big for the dimensions of the cabinet? Thanks Paul

Hi David, have watched this video several times now and it has convinced me that this will be my next saw, after 1 cheap and one not so cheap had to be returned. Concise and detailed description of most of the working details, however you did not mention if the saw came with a mitre gage and Axminster say, "There are after sale mitres that fit the saw" Will need to speak with Axminster. Was one delivered with your saw? The fact that the sliding table has allowed you not to have a dedicated mitre bench is yet another buying point. Will need to save for the sliding table. Thanks for a highly informative video. Get onto Axminster for some sponsorship!!!

Hi Matt, glad you found a saw you like, you've been through a few to get there. Why did you never try to the dewalt dw745 like everyone else seems to have? What put you off? Any concerns over a rip capacity of 'only' 370mm on the Axminster?

Good review 👌

Looks like she’s a keeper 👍🏻 ...no more table saw purchasing required here 😆

Thanks Matt. Like many I’ve been a long time customer of Axminster with a heavy bench sander that was secondhand when I got it about 20 years ago, a floor standing pillar drill about 15 years old and more recently a bandsaw. Been soul searching over a table saw since before lockdown and had come down to this, your old Bosch or a Dewalt. Thanks to your review I think the Axminster wins. One question, have you found the reduced depth of cut a problem? On a general note while subscribing to a few channels the fact that your tools, ideas and not to forget physical work space are generally within reach most of us and that will always make you a favourite for me, keep up the good work.

Impressive saw. Could you tell me, what is the height of the table above the bottom edge of the stand and the table dimension with the rhs extension? Like you Im stuck for space and this saw seems to outstrip anything else for value and quality and use for finer woodworking. I did hear that you can get a longer arbor that might allow dado blades to be fitted- is this so? You reviews are really useful Mat- keep it up.

Great review, as usual! Only one question: can you install dado blades?

Hi Matt. You didn't mention the blade guard extractor cover with regard to blade height. In the video the blade was set much higher than I would use normally (half a tooth above the top of the wood usually). Is the riving knife adjustable to get the cover nearer the wood surface when cutting thin material?

Nice review 👍 Do you know if this saw will take a dado stack?

Hi. Great review 👍🏾. Can it fit a dado stack/blade? Excuse my incorrect names.🤦🏾‍♂️

I might have missed it in one of your other videos, but why did you change from the Milwaukee?

Hi Matt, excellent review, just one question. How easy is it to remove the riving knife if you want to cut rabbets or dadoes? Cheers best regards Jim.

Nice useful review! I hope that this one has cured you of your addiction to buying table saws.

Good power tools

I have been looking for a small induction motor based table saw and based on your review am seriously considering the Axminster. I now see they have a slightly larger AC254 model. Have you yet found the cutting depth on AC216 slightly wanting ? Have you got any observations other than the obvious price difference regarding the comparison of these two saws that may assist me as I start out in woodwork and put my workshop together?

Hi Matt, considering this Axminster saw. After a year or so what is you opinion of this model ? Thanks

Great video and review Matt. Do you find you have enough room in your shop with this saw when making projects. As my shop is 2.4 x 5.2 over all and little less with my work bench and storage.

Hello, ive seen another woodworker on RU-vid mention you found a way to increase the rip cut with this saw. Please could you link me to that video or describe how its done and what the max width cut is? Cheers E

Looks great! Especially the slider, a product segment that is really lacking in the US. We do have European sliders in production shops... $1X,000, and Sawstop recently introduced a slider option for cabinet saws, $2,XXX. But nothing in this price range. The Axminster site gives me a $575US price for the base saw, but sadly won’t deliver it here! It would not take me to the pages for the slider or the base, but I’m guessing about 800 pounds for that setup? I do have a large shop made sled for my table saw, but I am going to pivot to a shop made (Parf sys ) 20mm hole table top, with a Benchdogs.co fence and rail dogs for my track saw. I just got some additional UJK stuff from Axminster... that shipped over here in 2 days no less.

Hi Matt I’ve been out and bought the same tablesaw but I did struggle to get the cabinet I think there’s a bit of a shortage I was wondering could you tell me the internal size of your workshop mine is only a fraction over 2 m wide and a fraction of the 4 m long is yours much wider? I’m a bit concerned about the saw and the space thanks very much Ben

Hey thanks for this review, it answered all my questions, I only wish it was on ac254ts model however they seem basicaly the same except motor and blade. I also have a very narrow workshop and it is in residential setting, quitness is very important to me so once again thanks a mill for suggesting that other numatic extractor, I could never possibly know these details unless someone tells me specificaly about a particular feature. I also love the fact that it has cast iron top which doesnt carry the saw components underneath. One quick additional question, I would love to hear your opinion or suggestion on this, according to axminster Q&A riving knife doesnt come off, do I need to worry about that considering I am going to be using this saw and router lift on same bench sharing incra fence? Once again thanks for this brilliant review 👍

Dam you Matt. I was set on the dw745 but this is 100€ more including the postage to Greece. Is it worth 100€ over the dewalt in your opinion? Also what table saw will you have next week 🤣

Thanks for your review! Have you found that you miss or need a 10inch blade over the 8inch one?

Do you have any recommendations for a table saw for absolute beginner woodworkers who are looking to do this as a hobby?

@Badger Workshop hi Matt, I went to look at a second hand 216 today with all the upgrades. I have an evolution rage (higher power and deeper depth of cut) I’m torn. Would you still recommend this table saw to this day or would you go for a dewalt/bosch contractor saw still? You sold yours when you moved house was that just due to space? Thank you so much for your help!

really good review as usual can i ask what did you do with the site saw was it a charnwood i think and is this saw much better than the charnwood site saw regards james

Just ordered this but went with the leg stand, having second thoughts about changing to cabinet! Any particular pro / cons on the two options?

Hi Matt, looking for a small cast iron top table saw, stumbled across this one and found your review on it. You are quite positive about it, but if I remember correctly you changed it out for a dirrefent one later? What were yor reasons for doing so?

My shop is more or less the same size as yours. Maybe not as long, though. Since this saw look really interesting I have a few questions. What made you go for the 216 over the 254 with the 8cm cut capacity? And have you ever wanted for a larger blade? The saws seem to be more or less the same. Is there a positive stop on 90 degrees on the sliding miter fence? Did you consider the slightly larger one from Axminster? I dont remember the model name, but I think it is the one one Keith Brown has. And finally, how is the riving knife change on this saw? -Nomad

Have you seen anyway to adjust the blade alignment? mine is about 0.5mm out at the back and i can’t see a way to adjust

Hello, Nice video, how powerful is the motor. I need to buy one but not decided which one to go for? I need 10" or 254mm blade and induction motor. I need to cut big sheets of plywood, joists and hardwood. Are job site saws good compared to cabinet saws? Best wishes, Ahmed

I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re so happy you’ve found your table saw life partner 🤣. Look forward to seeing it in action in your newer videos.

Hi Matt. I am very seriously thinking of going for this machine over the DeWalt 7485 for my small, mostly hand tool shop (single garage-sized). But I need some advice on dust/chip extraction. I noticed you have reviewed quite a few solutions over the years and I was wondering, now you know what you know, and were starting again with the Axminister 216, a small (crappy) planer thicknesser, and not much else, which dust/chip extraction system would you do for? I am on a budget, and I don't really want to spend 50%+ of the saw price again on extraction (seems a lot!), but then again I do want something quiet (If I am buying a quiet table saw, there is no point if the extractor is crazy loud!) and not too big. Have seen a brand model what you feel would be best? Any help you can give would be much appreciated as extraction is part of the budget, so would like to have decided before I press the button on the saw! Many thanks, David

Good review and I think about buying this saw. Does it come with a Eurostyle plug or do I need an adapter for Germany? And your link for the cabinet brings up a 404 "Page not found". Greetings from Germany

Think I'm going to by this saw Matt on your recommendation 🤔😁👍 currently have the rage 5s screwfix version but it's just not mm accurate. Just out of interest I know we r over a Yr on from this video , would u still hold it in hi regard? Love the videos mate and also the podcasts with Keith are awsum 👍😁

Next Week: "So... I bought a new table saw.. again." 😂

Nice video.. but is this really the end of the table saw Odyssey.. ??

When you said you’d had the saw for six weeks, I thought you were going to say you’d replaced it hahahahahah!

Thanks for that. You know, after seeing this and seeing you have the bandsaw too, If I didn't know better I would say your copying me. 😉 I think your presentation skill are far better than mine though. 👍

I wonder if there is a US distributor of this saw?

BTW Axminster currently have a deal on the Heavy Duty stand - £23 off as of 8 July 2020

I always think the requirement for a quiet saw is a false goal. Start ripping into timber and you make more than enough noise.