A rare public auction of professional joinery and woodworking equipment that has been built up over years at a workshop near Axminster, is giving local businesses and enthusiasts the chance to acquire serious machinery at openmarket prices.
When a joinery and furniture-manufacturing business near Axminster ceased trading earlier this year, it left behind a workshop fitted out with some of the finest woodworking machinery available, including a near-new 2022 Martin sliding table saw, an SCM wide belt sander, and a Weinig four-sided moulder.
Rather than see the equipment disappear to trade buyers or be shipped abroad, Hickman Shearer, a RICS-regulated asset advisory firm with offices in Reading, Sheffield and Lyme Regis, has been instructed to offer the entire contents for public auction, with the explicit hope that as much of it as possible finds new homes in the local area.
Tim Howard MRICS ASA, managing Director at Hickman Shearer said: ‘Our thoughts are that this is local kit, and ideally, we can sell it to local enthusiasts as well as established businesses. There’s a real opportunity here for someone in the South West who’s been waiting to add to their workshop, or upgrade their equipment, to acquire machines they would never normally be able to afford new.’
The sale, which takes place on line on Tuesday 22nd September 2026, comprises more than 30 lots ranging from large production machines such as a 2022 Martin T75 sliding table saw, SCM SD60 wide belt sander, OAV edgebander and Robland planer-thicknesser, also included are smaller bench tools, dust extractors and workshop ancillaries that would suit a hobbyist or small trade workshop equally well.
Woodworking and joinery has deep roots across West Dorset, South Somerset and East Devon, and the sale’s organisers are keen that local makers get first sight of what’s available. The auction will be held online and is open to all, pre-sale viewings can be arranged by appointment ahead of the sale day.
‘This is exactly the kind of equipment that a someone expanding a workshop in this part of the world dreams about,’ said the Hickman Shearer sales team. ‘A lot of it is effectively brand new. It deserves to stay in the region and get used.’
Full lot details, photographs and bidding registration are available at hickman-shearer.co.uk, or by contacting the team directly on 020 3668 0580 or email: expert@hickman-shearer.co.uk. Website: hickman-shearer.co.uk.
