Professional woodworking workshop goes under the hammer in Devon

3 days ago
2 min read

A rare public auction of professional joinery and woodworking equipment built up over many years at a workshop near Axminster, Devon is giving local businesses and enthusiasts the chance to acquire serious machinery at open-market 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 hope that as much of it as possible finds new homes in the local area.

Tim Howard MRICS ASA, Managing Director, 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 takes place online on Tuesday 22 September 2026 and 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, to smaller bench tools, dust extractors and workshop ancillaries that would suit a hobbyist or small trade workshop equally well.

Woodworking and joinery have deep roots across West Dorset, South Somerset and East Devon, and the sale’s organisers are keen for local makers to get first sight of what’s available.

The auction will be held online and is open to all, with pre-sale viewings available by appointment ahead of the sale.

“This is exactly the kind of equipment that 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, photos and bidding registration are available at Hickman Shearer, or by contacting the team directly.