Record Power SABRE-300 vs Axminster AW2606B
My old Scheppach BASA 1 bandsaw – which I bought many years ago before I fully appreciated what a good piece of machinery was - finally gave up the ghost a few months ago.
The motor packed in halfway through roughing out a large sycamore blank. It probably been fixed, but I wanted to take this opportunity to upgrade the workshop.
The old bandsaw had served me well, but it was always a light-duty machine. As my turning projects got bigger and heavier, it started to feel underpowered.
When looking for a new bandsaw, I wanted that can comfortably slice through large pieces of hardwood. A proper upgrade that would last me for years.
I narrowed it down to two options that both looked like serious contenders for woodturning:
(Image credit: Record Power)
And the Axminster Workshop AW2606B
(Image credit: Axminster Tools)
Both sit in that sweet spot - snuggly between hobby and trade. Powerful, solidly built, and not too big that I can’t fit in a small workshop.
Cutting Capacity and Throat Depth
When it comes to bowl or spindle blank preparation, capacity is everything. You want enough depth for thick logs, and enough throat width to swing large, off-centre pieces safely.
The following specifications are taken from the manufacturer specifications on their respective websites:
| Feature | Record Power SABRE-300 | Axminster AW2606B |
|---|---|---|
| Price (at time of purchase) | £899.95 | £649.98 |
| Max Depth of Cut | 254mm | 200mm |
| Throat Depth | 292mm | 360mm |
| Table Size | 480 × 400mm | 485 × 550mm |
| Table Height (from floor) | 930mm | 1060mm |
| Motor Power (output) | 1.1kW (1.5hp) | 1.1kW |
| Blade Length | 2420mm (95 1/4") | 2606mm (102 3/4") |
| Blade Width Range | 6–19mm (1/4"–3/4") | 6–19mm (1/4"–3/4") |
| Blade Speeds | 500 & 1000 m/min | 600 & 840 m/min |
| Dust Extraction Ports | 100mm & 63mm (dual) | 100mm |
| Weight | 89kg | 85kg |
| Warranty | 5 years (domestic) | 1 year |
Depth vs Width
The Axminster has a slightly wider throat (360 mm compared to the SABRE’s 292 mm). Which means you can cut wider blanks.
However, personally it was the depth of cut that mattered more. IN that regard, it was the SABRE-300 that wins.
Its 254 mm cutting height lets me tackle thick bowl blanks. The extra headroom also makes roughing out green logs less of a fight.
That extra two inches of cutting depth was a major factor in my decision.
Power and Blade Speed
On paper, both saws have the same 1.1 kW output, but in use, the SABRE-300 feels stronger.
It offers two blade speeds (500 and 1000 m/min), which gives me better control when cutting different types of wood. I keep it on the slower setting for green timber and switch up for dry or resinous wood.
The heavier frame, cast-iron wheels, and upgraded guide system make a big difference when you’re cutting through wet hardwoods or gnarly grain.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
The Axminster has a slightly larger table. It sits higher (1060 mm vs 930 mm). This might suit some people better, but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
The lower table height of the SABRE-300 brings the work closer to a comfortable position for me personally – I stand at 5 foot 11 inches in my socks - when handling heavy blanks.
The controls on the SABRE also feel more considered. The tension lever, blade guides, and tracking adjustment are all easy to access.
Why I Chose the Record Power SABRE-300
In the end, if you hadn’t already guessed at this point, I went with the Record Power SABRE-300.
It’s more expensive, but I was lucky enough to get it when there was a £100 discount.
The machine itself is a genuine step up from my old Scheppach BASA 1 in every way. More power, more stability, and a smoother, more confident cut.
Often the BASA would hesitate and stall. The SABRE just eats through the timber. It’s also quieter, better balanced, and much easier to tension the blade.
I’ve not owned it for too long, but already adding it to the workshop has been a game changer. I’ve been able to prep bowl blanks faster and with cleaner cuts. It’s made the whole roughing process safer and more enjoyable.
If you’re mainly doing light prep work or cutting smaller blanks, the Axminster AW2606B is still a solid and affordable option I would say, based on the specs. I don’t have first hand experience with it though.
Upgrading from the Scheppach to the SABRE-300 felt like night and day. I can’t see myself needing to upgrade again for a very long time.
