Mono,

It's designed this way for many reasons including the use of a left or right hand person.  I really like the handle the way it is and have never had any problems..  So what exactly do you not like about the handle trigger lock?  I don't think it can get any easier and I'm trying to think of how it could possibly be uncomfortable.  I'm not saying its not because everyone is different but I'm just curious.

Are you a small build or have small hands?  I'm trying to picture this in my head how I use it...  I see what you are saying, because the triggers are at the very top end of the handle you do have to grip it like that.. Unfortanetly there is no way around this issue to help out with the comfort level without effecting the safety features of the saw.

When I first got the Kapex, I didn't care much for the handle at all. But, I grew on me. It is like second-nature now. It would be awkward for me to go back to the contemporary handles now.

Maybe it'd be like me moving to England and having to drive on the left on side of the road...ugh!!! Or even better, referring to soccer as football.   

The handle works for me now. But I see your point.

Welcome to the forum.

Rey

hi monomoit, dont worry mate, you are not alone with the handle issue!
when i first bought my kapex last year, it took me at least a week to get used to the handle. i had been using the makita dropsaws for so many years, they felt like an old pair of shoes.

the kapex seemed awkward at first, and had me worried about my AU$1700 investment, but it does grow on you, and eventually as brice has stated, it does become second nature.
i still struggle to find the laser button, maybe this could have been on the front of the motor housing, rather than on top. but i cant complain, it is a beautiful piece of machinery, and a joy to use.

regards, justin.

Absolutely correct.

The Kapex was created to be the most precise SCMS on the market.  Great attention was given to ensure that the saw was designed to minimize blade deflection as much as possible.  The larger diameter rails, larger arbor diameter, etc.  One of those considerations was how the user interfaces with the tool because that can influence deflection as well.  By incorporating the vertical handle, your arm, the rails, and blade all move in a linear motion during the cut.  That reduces the chance of the user introducing lateral movement into the cut which would potentially reduce precision.

Also, Festool engineers now design all tools to be ambidextrous, if possible.

Stoolman,

Check this thread out

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=7223.0

This should answer your questions plus more..

Then you can go to this website which has the complete list of differences and changes:

http://www.festool.co.uk/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=1191

Monomoit,

I like your idea of having options however I do think that generally keeping your fist in a vertical position keeps your wrist in a locked, more rigid position.  It does not "flop" around as much as if it was in a horizontal position.

As an example, do you make more precise and forceful hammer blows with your hand in a vertical or horizontal postion?

Now having said that, I know from playing a lot of golf, that everyone's arms can be set in different angles in relation to their body.  Also everyone's hands can be set at different angles to their wrists.  That is why I like the idea of having options.

Neill