Axminster PROFESSIONAL AP254SB User manual

AP254SB
Saw Bench
Code 108516
Original Instructions
AT: 24/01/2023
BOOK VERSION: 01

INDEX OF CONTENTS
2
The symbols below advise the correct safety procedures when using this machine.
Fully read manual
and safety instructions
before use
Eye protection
should be worn
Ear protection
should be worn
HAZARD
Dust mask
should be worn
The machines Serial Number is
located on the specification label
as shown.
2003256
2022
ARip-Fence Assembly
BFront Fence Rail
CRear Fence Rail
DHigh and Low Aluminium Sub Fence
ERight Hand Extension Table
FRear Extension Table
GRear Extension Table Angle Support Brackets
HMitre Fence
IPush Stick
JCrown Guard
KRiving Knife
LFlexible Hose Support Bracket + Fixings
MFour Hose Clips
NDust Extraction Port
OOperating Handwheel Knobs
P63mm Short Hose
Q63mm Long Hose
RTool Kit
SBolt Pack
TMain Table Saw
Rear View
What’s in the box 02-03
Safety 04-05
Assembly 05-06-07-08-09-10-11
Set up / Levelling / Fine Tuning 12-13-14
General Use / Operation 15-16-17-18
Troubleshooting 19
Maintenance 19-20-21
Optional Accessories 22-23-24-25
Exploded Diagram/Parts Lists 26-27-28-29-30
Wiring Diagram 31
Declaration of Conformity 32-33

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
3
Fig D
Fig F
Fig E
Fig H
Fig I
Fig C
Fig A
Fig B
A
B
C
D
E F
G H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
Fig J
T

SAFETY
4
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO DISCONNECT THE POWER TO THE TABLE SAW
WHEN MAKING REPAIRS OR ADJUSTING BLADES AND GUARDS.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO READ THROUGH THE MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED.
• Eye and ear protection are required when operating a
Table saw. Dust extraction & respiratory PPE are highly
recommended.
• Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, jewellery, or any
dangling objects when operating a Table saw.
• Do not allow children to operate the machine.
• At all times all guards must be in place and fully
operational. If a guard seems to be missing or
damaged, adjust, replace or repair immediately.
• A riving knife MUST be used at all times when
performing through cuts and must be positioned
correctly.
• Ensure that the Rip fence is correctly aligned to the
blade to help prevent the risk of timber kick back.
• Never perform “free hand” cuts, a rip fence or mitre
cross cut fence should always be used.
• Never pull the timber through the blade from the rear
of the machine, always push through from the front.
• Disconnect the power to the Table saw when making
repairs or adjusting blades and guards.
• Hands and fingers must be kept clear of the blade,
always use push sticks when feeding smaller pieces into
the blade.
• Use only the recommended blade size and type for the
machine - see page (20) for recommendations.
• Ensure all blades are sharp and in good condition.
• Never cut pieces smaller than the table insert size.
• Long material should be supported at the same height
as the saw table.
• To avoid contact with a coasting blade, do not reach into
the cutting area until the blade comes to a full stop.
• Make sure the blade is not in contact with the material
when you start the saw.
• Never leave the machine unattended when it is running.
•Keep the table top & surrounding work area free from
excessive dust and debris to help prevent slipping or
tripping.
• Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do
not fall or lean against the blade or other moving parts.
Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any
machine operation.
• The most common accidents among table saw users,
according to statistics, can be linked to kickback, the
high-speed ejection of timber from the table saw that
can strike the operator. Kickback can also result in the
operator’s hands making contact with the blade.
• Tips to avoid the most common causes of kickback:
• Make sure the riving knife is always aligned with the
blade. A workpiece can bind or stop the flow of the cut
if the riving knife is misaligned, and result in kickback.
• Use a riving knife during every cut. The riving knife
maintains the kerf in the workpiece, which will reduce
the chance of kickback.
• Never attempt freehand cuts.
• The workpiece must be fed parallel to the blade,
otherwise kickback will likely occur. Always use the rip
fence or mitre gauge to support the workpiece.
• Make sure that the rip fence is parallel to the blade. If
not, the chances of kickback are very high. Take the time
to check and adjust the rip fence.
• Feed cuts through to completion. Anytime you stop
feeding a workpiece that is in the middle of a cut, the
chance of binding, resulting in kickback, is greatly
increased.
Kickback
Kickback Prevention
The following is a list of safety precautions you must consider when using a Table saw:

SAFETY
5
Kickback can happen even if precautions are taken to
prevent it. Listed below are some tips to protect you if
kickback does occur:
• Stand to the side of the blade when cutting. An ejected
workpiece usually travels directly in front of the blade.
• Wear safety glasses or a face shield. Your eyes and face
are the most vulnerable part of your body.
Tips for Kickback Protection
• Never place your hand behind the blade & never pull the
timber through the cut. If kickback occurs, your hand will
be pulled into the blade.
• Use a push stick to keep your hands further away from
the moving blade. If a kickback occurs, the push stick will
most likely take the damage that your hand would have
received.
ASSEMBLY  FOR SET UP  LEVELLING  FINE TUNING SEE PAGE 12
More safety information can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis16.pdf
Fig 01-02-03
1. Remove the left side panel by removing the six
caphead bolts / washers and place safely to one side.
Remove cardboard box and other items from within the
saw frame, see fig 01-02-03.
WARNING! THE MACHINE IS HEAVY ITS
ADVISED TO HAVE HELP.
2. Locate the ‘Dust Extraction Port’ assembly’, ( N ).
Remove the four screws and nuts from the extraction
port and separate the inner and outer parts, see fig 04.
3. Postion both parts over the extraction port hole to the
saws rear panel. NOTE: Fit the 100mm port spigot to the
outer side of the rear panel. Secure using the four screws
and nuts you removed eariler, see fig 05-06.
Fig 04
Fig 05-06
Continues over...
63mm
Inner port
flange
spigot
The 63mm flange
spigot is place inside
the cabinet.
100mm
Outer port
Spigot
Fixings
Hose clips
Fitting the Extraction Port
N
M
Cardboard
box & other
parts
Side panel
Caphead bolt & washer

ASSEMBLY
6
4. Locate the short flexible hose, ( P ) and two hose clips
( M ). Place a clip over each end of the hose and fit the
hose over the saws dust housing outlets from inside the
main saw frame. Nip-up the retaining clips to secure the
hose in place, see fig 07-08-09.
Fig 07-08-09
The 100mm spigot
placed on the outside
of the cabinet
Fitting the Right Hand Extension Table
1. Locate The right hand extension table ( E ) and the four
long bolts / flat washers ( S ), see fig 10.
2. Position the extension table, ( E ) against the side of the
main table, lineup the four threaded holes in both tables
and secure in position with the long bolts / washers ( S ),
see fig 11-12-13.
Fig 10
WARNING! WE ADVISE YOU GET ASSISTANCE
AS THE CAST IRON TABLE IS HEAVEY.
Fig 11-12-13
E
S
S
E

ASSEMBLY
7
S
Fitting the Rear Fence Rail
Fitting the Rear Table Extension Table
1. Locate five short bolts / flat washers ( S ) and the rear
fence rail ( C ), see fig 14.
2. Position the rear fence rail ( C) to the rear of the saw
bench across both main and right hand extension tables,
lineup the pre-drilled holes and secure in place using the
five short bolts / washers ( S ), see fig 15-16.
Fig 14
C
Fig 15-16
1. Locate the rear
extension table ( F ),
two angle support
brackets, four short
caphead bolts and four
flat washers ( G ),
see fig 17-18.
2. To the rear of the of the cabinet there are four threaded
holes on each support column, with two caphead bolts
mounted into the two upper holes on each side, see fig 16.
Loosen the caphead bolts to give sufficient clearence for
the next step.
3. Locate the two angle support brackets ( G ). Lineup
the key slots in the right hand side bracket and lower the
bracket down over the two caphead bolts. Lightly tighten
the bolts to secure the bracket in place. Repeat for the
opposite side, see fig 19-20-21.
Fig 17
F
G
Fig 19-20
Fig 18
Continues over...
Caphead Bolts
C
Key hole
G

ASSEMBLY
8
4. Place the rear extension table ( F ) down onto the
support brackets ( G ), lineup the threaded holes in the
extension table with the elongated slots in the angle
support brackets. Secure in place with the four short
caphead bolts and washers, see fig 22-23-24.
Fig 22-23-24
Fitting the Front Fence Rail & Fence Assembly
1. Locate the front fence rail ( B ) and five short bolts and
flat washers ( S ), see fig 25. Lineup the pre-drilled holes in
the fence rail with the ones to the front of the saws cast
iron table and secure using the five bolts and washers ( S )
see fig 26-27.
Fig 26-27
2. Find the rip fence assembly ( A ), lower the unit down
over the front fence rail ( B ). Push down locking
handle to lock the rip fence in place, see fig 28-29.
Fig 25
S
B
Fig 28
F
G
Caphead
bolt & washer
B
A
Fig 21

ASSEMBLY
9
3. Locate the Aluminum sub fence ( D ). Position the sub
fence against the rip fence assembly ( A ), lineup the ‘T’
slots in the fence ( D ) with the ‘T’ bolts in the rip fence
and slide the sub fence on. Nip-up the three lift & shift
handles on the rip fence ( A ) to secure the fence ( D ) in
place, see 30-31.
Fig 30-31
Mounting the Control Switch Box
Fitting the Operating Handwheel Knobs
Lineup the two holes in the contol switch mounting
bracket with the ones to the underside of the front
fence rail ( B ), secure in position with the two small
caphead scrrews and washers, see fig 32-33-34.
Fig 32
Fig 33 Fig 34
Find the two handwheel knobs ( O ), 16mm spanner and
8mm Hex key ( R ). Lightly screw the handwheel knobs
into the threaded hole in the operating wheels. Insert the
Hex key into the caphead recess to the end of the knobs
and while holding them in place nip-up the nuts with the
spanner to secure in place, see 35-36.
Fig 35-36
Continues over...
D
‘T’ Bolt
O
8mm Hex key
16mm Spanner
Fig 29

ASSEMBLY
10
Fitting Flexible Hose Support Bracket
1. Locate the flexible hose support bracket and two small
caphead screws / washers ( L ), see fig 37.
2. LIneup the holes in support bracket ( L ) with the two
threaded holes to the side of the right hand extension
table ( E ) and secure in place with the caphead screws /
washers, see fig 38-39.
Fig 37
L
Fig 38-39
Fitting the Riving Knife & Crown Guard
1. Locate the crown guard asssembly ( J )and the riving
knife ( K ), see fig 40.
2. Release the locking knob to the centre of the rise & full
operating wheel and raise the saw to its highest point by
turning the wheel clockwise, see fig 41.
3. Remove the table insert plate by removing the five
countersink screws, using the supplied 3mm Hex key.
Place it and the screws safely to one side, see fig 42.
Fig 40
J
K
4. Loosen the two bolts that hold the riving knife
clamping plate, see fig 43. Slide the riving knife ( K )
down between the plate and lightly tighten to hold the
riving knife in place, see fig 44-45. Check that the tip of
the knife has a clearance of 3-8mm between it and the
blade and tighten. Replace the insert plate and
countersink screws, see fig 46.
Fig 41-42
Fig 43
Riving knive clamping plate
Bolts
Locking knob
Rise & Full
operating wheel
Up
Down
L
E

ASSEMBLY
11
Fig 46 Fig 47
5. Loosen the Locking handle on the crown guard
( J ). ntroduce the slot to the rear of the crown guard, see
fig 47 down over the riving knife and insert the pin bolt
into the curved slot in the rear of the riving knife, see fig
48-49. Lightly tighten the handle to secure the guard in
place, see fig 50.
K
Slot
Locking
handle
Pin bolt
Fitting the Extraction Hose
1. Locate the long hose ( Q ) and the two remaining hose
clips ( M ).
2. Place a hose clip over one end of 63mm hose, slide
the hose over the extraction outlet on the crown guard
( J ). Secure in place by lightly tightening the hose clip.
Note: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN, see fig 51.
3. Fit the other end of the hose to the 63mm outlet on
the 100mm spigot ( N ) to the rear of the machine as
shown in fig 52. Insert the hose over the support bracket
( L ).
4. Replace both left & right side panels as explained on
page 05.
Fig 51
Fig 52
Fig 48
Curved slot
Fig 49 Fig 50
J
M
Q
N
63mm Outlet
Fig 44-45

SET UP LEVELLING  FINE TUNING
12
Always follow the step by step procedure in the
instruction manual. A poorly set up saw will not perform
to its full potential and may be dangerous to use.
Three crucial things when setting up any table saw
or panel saw-
• All extension tables are flat and level
with the main saw table
•All rip fences are in line with the blade
•Sliding tables are set slightly above (0.5mm max)
the level of the main saw table.
In the set up of most machinery including tables saws,
two tools that you will need to use are a 6” engineers
square and a minimum 36”/910mm straight edge, without
these toolbox essentials it is difficult to set the machine
up accurately.
1. Firstly please ensure that the table saw is stable on the
floor & doesnt rock or wobble, adjustment can be made
via the feet located on the inside of the machine. You will
need to remove both side panels to do this, see fig 53.
Fig 53
Fig 54
2. Once you have loosely bolted on the cast iron R/H
extension table , align the front face to the main saw
table,use a 36”/910mm straight edge or use the
aluminium sub fence supplied with the saw, see fig 54.
3. Place the straight edge in the middle of both tables
across the seam, use a soft face mallet to tap the
extension table up or down to align, then use the
grub screws to level. Then tighten the central 2 bolts,
see fig 55-56.
Right Hand Extension Table -
Fig 55-56
4. Move the straight edge to the front of the saw then
use a soft face clamp and a small piece of timber to align,
the grub screws to level then tighten in place, see fig 57.
Repeat the last process at the rear of the tables, see fig 58.
Fig 57-58

SET UP LEVELLING  FINE TUNING
13
Rear Extension Table -
Fence Rails & Fence -
5. Loosely Attached the rear extension table, then using
the straight edge move the table up or down to align the
main saw table, lock in place when aligned, see fig 59.
6. The table should be set at the same height as the
main saw table or very slightly lower (1mm max). This
table should not be set higher than the saw table as it
will prevent smooth feed through of timber.
7. Level the table insert to the main saw table by
adjusting the grub screws on the underside of the
table insert, see fig 60-61.
Fig 60-61
Fig 59
1. Ensure that the fence rail bracket is attached to the
front of the tables. Slightly undo the hex cap screws
underneath, measure the gap between the fence rail &
table edge to ensure that this is the same end to end,
see fig 62-63-64.
2. The mounting holes in the rear fence rail are slotted to
allow movement up or down. Ensure that the bolts are
loosened slightly then lift the rail up making sure that the
fence is around 3-4mm above the saw table, see fig 65.
Fig 62-63-64
Fig 65
3. The T style rip fence has complete adjustment to align
it to the saw blade / mitre fence slot & also to square it to
the table.
4. Firstly slide the fence over to the mitre fence slot, align
it then lock it off, see fig 66. If the fence seems out
of line then simply adjust the left hand or right hand grub
screws to align. You can also use these grub screws to
take out any movement (wobble) in the fence, see fig 67.
Fig 66-67
Continues over...
3-4mm
Fence
Table
Bolt
Rail

SET UP LEVELLING  FINE TUNING
14
5. To square the fence to the table firstly slide the sub
fence on at its high fence position, move it over towards
the blade then with the fence locked check for square,
see fig 68.
6. Adjustments are made by moving the grub screws on
the top of the fence up or down, see fig 69.
7. Finally with the sub fence still in the high position slide
the fence over until it makes very light contact with the
blade. Then undo the 2 pozi screws to move the scale to
read at zero, see fig 70.
Fig 68
Fig 69
Fig 70
Fig 73
Fig 75
Fig 74
Squaring the Blade to the Table -
Aligning / Adjusting the Riving Knife -
1. With the blade raised up to its highest point and not
tilted, offer a square up to the right hand side of the blade
plate avoiding the tips, see fig 71.
2. If the blade seems out of square a simple adjustment
can be made by moving the stop collar located inside the
machine on the threaded bar, see fig 72.
Fig 71 Fig 72
1. It is important to ensure that the riving knife ( K ) is
positioned correctly. The riving knife should be inline with
the blade & between 3 - 8mm away from the edge of the
blade, see fig 73-74.
2. To adjust the riving knife slightly undo the 2 bolts, this
will allow up & down movement to gain the 3 - 8mm
distance from the blade and will also allow for alignment
adjusting via the four grub screws, see fig 75.
3-8mm Clearance
Riving knife inline
with the blade
Grub screws
Blade
Stop collar
K
Bolts

GENERAL USE  OPERATION
15
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO DISCONNECT
THE POWER TO THE TABLE SAW WHEN
MAKING REPAIRS OR ADJUSTING BLADES
AND GUARDS.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO READ THROUGH
THE MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED.
1. Before you begin to use your Table saw, you will need
to establish that the machine and the blade you are
intending to use are suitable for the material you are
going to be cutting.
2. Check the sharpness of the blade. Is it too fine or too
coarse?
3. Does the machine have enough capacity to cope
with the size of material you are cutting?
4. Always ensure that the blade guard & riving knife
are fitted.
See Blade Selection Info on page…. 20
Rip Cuts - Cutting Down the Grain
1. Position the rip fence to the right of the saw blade and
set the rip fence for desired width of cut using the scale
on the front rail, or measure the distance between the
R/H side of the blade teeth and the fence, see fig 76-77.
Fig 76
Fig 78-79
Fig 77
4. Standing to one side of the machine press the green
button & allow the machine to run up to full speed, see
fig 80.
5. Use the left hand to hold the timber against the
fence. Use the right hand to push the material down &
through the saw, see fig 81.
Continues over...
2. Slide the sub fence forward so the end of the sub fence
is just beyond the mid way point of the blade, see fig
78.
3. Adjust the blade height to match the timber thickness
- top of the blade around 20 - 25mm above the timber,
see fig 79.

GENERAL USE  OPERATION
16
6. Use a push stick for all cuts that will bring your hands
within 250mm of the blade.
7. Position the right hand so it is NOT in direct line with
the saw blade. Remove the hand holding the stock
down as it approaches the saw blade and use a push
stick to guide the last 300mm of cut through the blade,
see fig 82.
8. Always push the workpiece completely past the blade
at the end of a cut to reduce the possibility of kickback,
see fig 83.
9. When ripping long boards use a support roller before
& after the cut to support the workpiece as it comes
through the saw, see fig 84.
Fig 80-81
Fig 82
Fig 83-84
Bevel Cuts -
1. Make sure the timber is planed flat, square, and with
parallel edges. Any warp, deviation from square, or an
angled edge, can lead to blade burn or to the timber
being lifted from the table and risking kickback.
2. Using the tilt handle on the side of the machine set the
over to the required angle, the riving knife & blade guard
will tilt with the blade, set the blade height to clear the
timber by around 20-25mm, see fig 85.
Fig 85

GENERAL USE  OPERATION
17
3. Position the sub fence to the lower position & the rip
fence to the desired cut width, see fig 86.
4. Standing to one side of the machine press the green
button & allow the machine to run up to full speed,
see fig 87.
Fig 86
Fig 87
6. Use the left hand to hold the timber against the fence.
Use the right hand to push the material down & through
the saw, see fig 88.
7. Use a push stick for all cuts that will bring your hands
within 250mm of the blade.
8. Position the right hand so it is NOT in direct line with
the saw blade. Remove the hand holding the stock down
as it approaches the saw blade and use a push stick to
guide the last 300mm of cut through the blade, see fig
89.
Fig 88
Fig 89
9. Always push the workpiece completely past the blade
at the end of a cut to reduce the possibility of kickback,
see fig 90.
10. When ripping long boards use a support roller
before & after the cut to support the workpiece as it
comes through the saw, see fig 91.
11. When the right hand side off cut is small a second
push stick should be used to push the offcut through &
past the blade.
Fig 90
Fig 91
Continues over...

GENERAL USE  OPERATION
18
Cross cuts - Cutting Across the Grain
Crosscuts are usually made with a medium to fine tooth
blade.
See Blade Selection Info on page…. 20
1. Make sure the saw guard and riving knife are in place
when crosscutting.
2. Always use the mitre gauge or sliding table when
crosscutting, do not make crosscuts free hand!, see fig 92.
Fig 92-93
3. Most workers prefer to use the left table slot for the
mitre gauge when crosscutting, see fig 93.
4. Adjust the blade height to match the timber thickness
- top of the blade around 20 - 25mm above the timber,
see fig 94.
5. Select the desired cutting angle & ensure that all is
locked in place, see fig 95.
6Hold the workpiece against the mitre fence with the
left hand and use the right hand to advance the mitre
gauge and material through the cut, see fig 96.
7. Provide support for any material which extends
beyond the edge(s) of the saw table.
Fig 94-95
Fig 96
20-25mm
above the
timber

TROUBLESHOOTING
MAINTENANCE
19
Continues over...
Table saws & panel saws are relatively simple machines, with all machinery regular cleaning, servicing & the use of
extraction (all preventative maintenance) are essential to get the best from your saw.
‘My table saw won’t cut straight”
•Check that your fence is in line with the
blade, also check that the blade is square
to the table. Information on how to correct
this will be found in this instruction
manual.
“Why am I getting a lot of
splintering along the cut edge”
•The blade is probably blunt or too coarse,
if a smoother cleaner cut is required then
change the blade for one with more teeth.
Lowering the blade height to about 25mm
above the timber can also help.
•Slow your feed speed down & check that
the fence is in line with the blade as back
cutting can occur.
“My saw slows down
when cutting”
•Blade may be blunt or too fine for the
thickness of material.
•Overfeeding, slow down the feed through
the blade.
•Drive belt may be loose or worn.
•Check that your fence is in line with the
blade.
•Ensure that the saw is not running on a
long extension lead.
•Motor capacitor may be faulty.
“Excessive vibration ”
•The blade may be damaged, check the
blade , replace if any missing teeth or burn
marks are seen.
•Check that the blade is fitted correctly.
•Check fence to blade alignment, adjust as
necessary.
•The saw is not positioned on a flat stable
floor surface.
•The timber may not stable and sat flat
on the table, you may be getting board
bounce, choose a flatter surface.
DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM
THE MAINS SUPPLY.
Preventative maintenance is crucial if you want your
machine to perform to its full potential. I.E. Use good
quality resin free sharp blades; this will greatly cut down
the load put on to motors, drive belts and gears.
Use adequate extraction, this will help keep the machines
internal mechanisms clean and also help keep your work
area clear from dust and shavings.
Periodically or after quite heavy use it is recommended
that the following maintenance be made to the table saw.
• Check blades for ware or damage
• Clean inside the machine, slides, threads,
gears and remove all off cuts & debris.
•Lubricate slides, threads, gears
• Check drive belt for ware or damage
•Clean guards & check for damage
• Check alignment of fences & guides
•Clean & wax cast iron tables

MAINTENANCE
20
General Purpose Blade -
Medium tooth count, around 40 - 50 teeth, where a user
may cut a wide range of timber both natural & man made
board & doesn’t want to change blades too often, see fig
98.
Fig 97
DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM
THE MAINS SUPPLY.
Blade Change -
Fine Tooth Blade
High tooth count, around 60 - 100 teeth suited to cutting
finer delicate thinner timbers where a smooth finish &
limited breakout is required. Also the ideal blade for
cutting faced man made boards, see fig 99. NOTE: NOT
RECOMMENDED FOR RIP CUTS!
Fig 98
Fig 99
Removing Blade
1. Undo the six screws and remove the table insert, then
wind the blade up to its highest point, see fig 100.
Fig 100
Fig 101
2. Insert the tommy bar into the hole on the inner spindle
collar then use the 22mm spanner to undo the blade nut
THIS IS A LEFT HAND THREAD, THE NUT WILL TURN
THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE BLADE ROTATION, see fig
101-102.
Blade Selection/Info -
ALWAYS ensure that you are using the correct blade
dimensions, the blade diameter, the bore size & the
kerf (cutting width) match the blade that is supplied
with the table saw from new.
Coarse Blade -
Low tooth count, around 20 - 30 teeth, ideal for table saws
to do ripping cuts down the grain where a smooth finish
is not so important, see fig 97.
Tommy
bar
22mm
Spanner