Axminster AP3352B Bandsaw
The Axminster AP3352B Bandsaw is a premium woodworking machine manufactured by Axminster Tools, a British company known for producing high-quality woodworking equipment. Positioned within Axminster's Professional series, the AP3352B is considered one of the finest 350mm deep cutting bandsaws available on the market. The machine features a robust welded steel frame that provides extraordinary rigidity, allowing for higher blade tensions than comparable models, which contributes to its precision cutting capabilities.
The AP3352B is powered by a 230V 2.2kW single-phase motor with a mechanical braking system that stops the blade within 1.5 seconds of shutdown. This powerful motor provides ample force for cutting through thick stock without slowing down, making it suitable for professional woodworkers, small to medium-sized woodworking shops, and serious hobbyists who require reliable performance for demanding projects.
Weighing approximately 220 kilograms (485 pounds), the AP3352B is a substantial machine that provides stability during operation while minimizing vibration. Its heavy-duty construction allows it to handle a maximum cutting depth of 350mm and a maximum cutting width of 360mm, making it versatile enough to handle a wide range of woodworking tasks from fine furniture making to resawing thick lumber.
A distinguishing feature of the AP3352B is its precision-ground cast iron table with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, which creates an ultra-hard wearing surface that protects against rust and provides a smooth, low-friction work surface. This unique feature, combined with its T-square style fence system and toolless blade guide adjustments, positions the Axminster AP3352B as a premium choice for woodworkers who prioritize precision, durability, and ease of use in their bandsaw operations.
The machine is designed with several advanced features that set it apart from standard bandsaws, including dual dust collection ports, a foot brake safety system, and a key-locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized use, making it particularly suitable for educational environments and shared workshop spaces.
Technical Specifications
The Axminster AP3352B bandsaw is powered by a 230V 2.2kW single-phase motor that delivers ample power for demanding cutting tasks. This mechanically braked motor is capable of stopping the blade within one and a half seconds after being switched off, enhancing operational safety. The motor drives the bandsaw at a blade speed of 950 meters per minute, providing efficient cutting performance across a range of materials.
The machine's cutting capacity is impressive, with a maximum cutting depth (height) of 350mm and a maximum cutting width of 360mm. When using the fence, the maximum cutting width is slightly reduced to 315mm. These dimensions make the AP3352B suitable for a wide variety of woodworking applications, from intricate detail work to substantial resawing tasks.
The bandsaw operates with a blade length of 3,352mm and accommodates blade widths ranging from 3mm to 25mm, providing flexibility for different cutting requirements. The wheels that carry the blade have a diameter of 380mm, contributing to the smooth operation and substantial inertia that helps maintain consistent cutting performance.
The worktable measures 510mm x 510mm, providing ample support for workpieces, and can be tilted from 0° to 45°for angled cuts. The table stands at a comfortable working height of 870mm from the floor.
For dust extraction, the AP3352B features two 100mm dust ports, requiring a minimum extraction volume of 1,200 cubic meters per hour for optimal performance. This dual-port system enhances the machine's dust collection efficiency, contributing to a cleaner and healthier workshop environment.
The overall dimensions of the bandsaw are 750mm x 495mm x 1,720mm (length x width x height), making it a substantial presence in the workshop while still maintaining a relatively compact footprint for its capacity. The machine weighs 202kg according to the manufacturer's specifications, though in practical handling it may feel closer to 220kg as noted in user experiences.
The AP3352B operates at a noise level of 75 dB, which is relatively quiet for a machine of its size and power. This lower noise level contributes to a more comfortable working environment, particularly during extended use.
For electrical requirements, the bandsaw needs a 16 AMP slow-blow circuit breaker, with the manufacturer recommending a C-Type breaker for optimal performance. This specification is important for workshop planning and electrical infrastructure considerations.
Design and Construction
The Axminster AP3352B bandsaw features a welded steel frame that forms the foundation of its robust construction. This sturdy frame provides exceptional rigidity, which is crucial for maintaining precise cutting performance and accommodating high blade tensions. The machine's substantial weight of 220 kilograms contributes to its stability during operation, effectively minimizing vibration while cutting through thick or dense materials.
At the core of the bandsaw's design are two heavy, solid cast iron wheels that support the blade. These substantial wheels reduce vibration significantly and contribute to the machine's ability to cut through thicker stock by providing the necessary momentum and force to pull the blade through the wood without slowing down. The wheels are carefully balanced to ensure smooth operation even during extended use.
The AP3352B features a large, precision-ground cast iron table that provides a generous work area for supporting workpieces. What distinguishes this table from those on many other bandsaws is its titanium nitride (TiN) coating, which appears as a distinctive gold color. This coating serves two important functions: it acts as a lubricant, creating an extremely smooth surface that allows wood to glide across it with minimal friction, and more importantly, it functions as a rust inhibitor, protecting the cast iron surface from corrosion in humid workshop environments.
The table's high-quality metal insert plate is designed for quick removal and features four leveling feet that can be adjusted with an allen key to ensure the insert plate sits perfectly level with the table surface. This attention to detail extends to the table tilting mechanism, which utilizes a hand crank system similar to that used for raising and lowering the guide bearings. This system, combined with a supporting piston on the side, makes angular adjustments significantly easier and more precise than traditional designs that require manually lifting and balancing the table.
The bandsaw is equipped with a T-section fence reminiscent of American-style table saw fences. This fence rides along rectangular tubing and features adjustment knobs on all sides for fine-tuning and ensuring square alignment. The screw locking system pulls the fence square against the bar, creating a rigid setup that provides more stability than the cam locking levers found on standard fences. The fence face itself is constructed from a substantial piece of aluminum that can be positioned in either a high setting for resawing operations or a low setting for cutting smaller pieces where greater control is needed.
Additional construction elements include the bandsaw's dual dust collection ports, with one situated directly beneath the table and another at the bottom of the machine to capture any dust that might otherwise accumulate. The machine also includes brushes that continuously clean the wheels and blade, contributing to better dust management and more consistent performance.
All adjustment components on the AP3352B are crafted from cast iron and chrome, including the wheels for tilting the table and adjusting the guide bearings. Even the door handles consist of solid aluminum wheels with knurled edges for a comfortable grip. These high-quality materials and construction details contribute to the machine's premium feel and long-term durability.