I'm curious about Axminster as a brand. I've heard mixed reviews and was wondering if anyone here has actual experience with their tools. I'm specifically looking for a jointer plane. I was eyeing the Axminster Workshop No. 7 Bedrock jointer plane, but it only has two reviews, and I'm a bit hesitant about making the purchase. My budget doesn't quite stretch to a £500 Lie-Nielsen plane, but I'd love to know about your experiences with Axminster tools in general. Are they worth it?
3 Answers
I've had some luck with buying vintage tools off eBay, like a Record No 7 for under £100. They're generally pretty good and are often considered better value than new ones. Just keep an eye on the listings since condition can be variable.
Yep, eBay can sometimes be a hassle, but if you're patient, you can definitely find solid deals.
I actually got an Axminster No. 7 last year, and I’d say the quality does fluctuate. While some pieces arrived great right out of the box, others needed serious tuning to become usable. If you decide to go for it, getting a better iron once you have it may save you some frustration and give you better results in the long run.
Yes, for some models, especially the smaller ones, I wouldn’t really recommend them unless you’re ready for a project to make them work.
That’s helpful! I think investing in a quality iron is worth it to avoid the headaches.
I had a mixed experience with Axminster tools. I bought a Rider plane once, and while I was impressed with the performance after some tweaks, I found the finish a bit rough. If you can, I’d recommend looking for a second-hand Stanley; they can often be found for less and perform really well.
Good to know! I hear a lot about Stanley and Record planes being reliable options.
Yeah, definitely check local secondhand shops or car boot sales – I've had some good luck there!
Totally agree! Those old Record planes can be gems. Just make sure to check the pictures closely and maybe even ask the seller questions if you're uncertain.