Author Topic: Question to non pros that use a kapex or Bosch axial (Read 3913 times)

Wooden nickel · « **on:** February 13, 2019, 10:16 PM »

I don’t want to start another Kapex circus.
But I wanted to reach out to the users of the kapex that don’t put the mileage the same as a contractor/ job site environment.
I have had the kapex in the cart to buy for awhile but can’t commit.
Too much negative feedback.
Recently I also have been looking at the Bosch axial.
My question is to the owners of the kapex.
have you had the motor issues without the day in/day out usage?
With no known update from Festool, as far as I know, I was hoping some of you guys could enlighten me if most issues were from heavy professional use.
Don’t get me wrong, for $1400, it should be able to withstand a drop off the roof and still keep its measurement (sarcasm)

morts10n · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2019, 10:19 PM »

Good news is that if you use it half as much as a pro, you'll get a year out of it instead of just 6 months

Wooden nickel · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2019, 10:21 PM »

Lol, good point!
I’ll never have to change the blade either

RKA · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2019, 11:02 PM »

The answer you’re hoping for isn’t consistent with the reports that have been posted by users here. But if you believe in the tooth fairy, I have 5 years of hobby use on mine and no issue yet.

jimbo51 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2019, 11:03 PM »

I bought my Kapex soon after the US launch and had to replace parts for the binding miter adjustment issue. Since then, I have not had any problems. By professional standards, my Kapex use would be considered extremely light as it can go weeks between sessions with a dozen or 20 cuts.

However, my concern would be whether or not Festool or sub-contractor made changes at some point that lead to the motor issues. I am not sure I would buy a Kapex today given the motor issues. Has anyone tracked when these issues surfaced vs the launch dates in Europe and the US?

SRSemenza · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2019, 11:11 PM »

Not to dampen the discussion really, but this issue has been debated, talked about, discussed, speculated upon, every which way possible. Only Festool really knows and they aren't talking about it (which in and of itself has been discussed many times).

I suggest that in order to help the OP as much as possible that this topic is kept hard on track with reports from hobbyist users Kapex longevity or Kapex problems.

Otherwise it will become another Kapex general discussion topic that will not benefit the OP anymore than all the other similar topics. Which I gather he has already read.

Thanks,

Seth

ChuckM · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2019, 12:45 AM »

My Kapex is a little over three years with no issues of any kind (other than initial fine tuning for square cuts, and laser adjustments.

The saw is used for stock prep (cross cutting to length), angled cuts, etc., and on all kinds of lumber. Used about once every three weeks, each time about 30 mins to 1.5 hrs on and off.

Most valuable features to me (other than the accuracy it renders): dust collection and a hold-down clamp that you actually use without pain.

Distinctive Interiors · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2019, 04:43 AM »

I bought my 240v Kapex new 5 years ago. I got it for its quality of cut, its accuracy and dust extraction capabilities. It has mainly been used for cutting and mitering smaller sections of Solid Surface material.
It doesn't get used every day but has never let me down and still has the original blade fitted in it.
It's always plugged into one of my Festool Dust Extractors and never used with an extension lead of any kind.

I have a large Dewalt (300mm blade) SCMS that I use for cutting larger sections of timber but it lacks the accuracy, finesse and the dust extraction is c r a p in comparison.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2019, 06:13 AM »

Isn't a new model coming out soon? REB or something?

Distinctive Interiors · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2019, 06:21 AM »

It's available now in the UK.......

https://www.toucantools.co.uk/festool_sliding_compound_mitre_saw_ks_120_reb_gb_110v_kapex.html?source=googlebase&kw=&ci=55752835718&network=g&pm=&cid=210807998&aid=16891337558&tid=pla-651403645394&dev=c&mt=&lim=&lpm=9045052&pos=1o2&dm=&fid=&mid=100535314&productid=5255&country=GB&source=google&gclid=CjwKCAiAwJTjBRBhEiwA56V7q4EObjbNPd4UnaXIVNQD5ZpmKH59UbuKKl3nsr1AYNLMrvaQYMJ3rxoCIR0QAvD_BwE

A few subtle differences that can be seen in the pictures including built in extensions and the re-positioned angle finder.....

CabinetKid · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:25 AM »

I've had my Kapex with a UG stand set for 5 years and the saw has worked faultlessly but the stand, which I highly recommend started to rust last year but it was a simple repair.

ctvader · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:29 AM »

I remember seeing mark from the wood whisperer doing a video on the Bosch vs the kapex. The highlights were good cut, ok dust collection, 1/2 the price of a kapex.

Jaybolishes · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:35 AM »

The axial is just so heavy. I didn’t care until I hurt my back. Now I really wish I had a lighter saw because I make a lot of decisions around moving it based on how stinking heavy it is.

kevinculle · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2019, 09:50 AM »

My Kapex has a 2009 production date, I bought it used 3 years ago from a guy who was a hobbyist but heavier user than me. My anecdotal sense is that failure reports skew to newer saws. Mine has been fine so far.

Renovatedspaces · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2019, 11:05 AM »

My Kapex was made in ‘13. Mixture of heavy use (hundreds of cuts a day, sometimes at -20 Celsius!) to no use for a couplee weeks at a time. I’ve run it attached to a 36AC, CT SYS(only a handful of times) and powered by a inverter generator on the back of my truck. I’ve ever had a single issue. I’m actually looking at buying a second one to stay in the shop and my current one will live in the truck for service work.

serge0n · « **Reply #15 on:** February 14, 2019, 11:53 AM »

My Kapex is 11 years old, one of the first saws that hit the US market back in '08. I bought it from a contractor who stopped dealing with wood and went all concrete/steel 3 years ago. The saw was used and abused heavily, cutting everything from frozen treated lumber to curtain rods, but retained the quality of cut and never had any issues.

I'm a hobbyist and use the Kapex to make a couple of dozen cuts a week on average. I've had zero issues with the saw since I got it apart from the broken fast fix lock which I had to replace. I have the saw connected to a 15 amp circuit directly, no extension cords.

It's an amazing saw, but if I were you, I'd wait for the new REB version.

JimH2 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2019, 12:23 PM »

Quote from: kevinculle on February 14, 2019, 09:50 AM

My Kapex has a 2009 production date, I bought it used 3 years ago from a guy who was a hobbyist but heavier user than me. My anecdotal sense is that failure reports skew to newer saws. Mine has been fine so far.

I thought that until 2 weeks ago...

zapdafish · « **Reply #17 on:** February 14, 2019, 12:34 PM »

I've had my Kapex 4-5 yrs now and got it used for about $250. No issues with it at all. Recently cut quite abit of 8/4 ash with the blade it came with and no issues. Have cut quite abit of white and red oak with it as well. As a hobbyiest it gets used in spurts maybe 6 or so times a year.

dlu · « **Reply #18 on:** February 14, 2019, 01:22 PM »

Mine is about 5 years old (new in 2014 IIRC) and would consider to be lightly used in a commercial setting. Power is through an ancient (1998ish) Fein "R2D2" and a 12 gauge extension cord. My only serious complaints are:

Unreliable head return, and
No local repair options.

Other than that I'm quite happy with it and am just hoping that there is a tooth fairy... I've spent a decent hunk of my life using a variety of "chop" saws (starting with the giant abrasive cut-off saw in my dad's fabrication shop many, many moons ago) - all-in-all I'm pretty sure that if my Kapex were to vanish (either in smoke or into the night) I'd be inclined to get another one. It's a pleasure to use and it stays in adjustment.

Sure would be nice to see Festool addressing the reliability concerns in a proactive way. The current situation reflects badly on the brand as a whole.

serge0n · « **Reply #19 on:** February 14, 2019, 01:36 PM »

Quote from: dlu on February 14, 2019, 01:22 PM

Unreliable head return

It's a feature!

My Kapex does the same thing, the head doesn't spring back trying to hit you in the face, but slowly rises half-way or doesn't rise at all. I actually like it. It stays in the position if you lower or raise it.

dlu · « **Reply #20 on:** February 14, 2019, 03:10 PM »

Quote from: serge0n on February 14, 2019, 01:36 PM

Quote from: dlu on February 14, 2019, 01:22 PM
Unreliable head return

It's a feature!

My Kapex does the same thing, the head doesn't spring back trying to hit you in the face, but slowly rises half-way or doesn't rise at all. I actually like it. It stays in the position if you lower or raise it.

I love an optimist

- however I feel that this feature is not fully developed. There is no documented way (not even in the supplemental manual) to enable it or to adjust the speed at which the head raises.

ChuckM · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2019, 05:55 PM »

Quote from: dlu on February 14, 2019, 01:22 PM

Snip

Unreliable head return, and
No local repair options.

By "unreliable", do you mean sometimes going up fast and sometimes too slowly or not at all? Or the head does not usually go back up?

ChuckM · « **Reply #22 on:** February 14, 2019, 06:02 PM »

Quote from: ctvader on February 14, 2019, 07:29 AM

I remember seeing mark from the wood whisperer doing a video on the Bosch vs the kapex. The highlights were good cut, ok dust collection, 1/2 the price of a kapex.

I've commented on that review before, which, in my view, is too superficial, because the reviewer had not really used the Bosch long enough. His review was like many tool reviews including those published in magazines which are based on hours or days of use, not months and perhaps years.

When I am asked an opinion or two about a tool or machine I own or use, I always preface it with how much use I have had with it, or how much expertise I have in it. I have used the Kapex as well as the DF500 for years now, and so I am confident my opinion is worth gold (at least to myself), but I would not be equally confident if someone wanted my view on the TS75 which I once owned, but had only used it on and off for just a year.

dlu · « **Reply #23 on:** February 14, 2019, 06:32 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on February 14, 2019, 05:55 PM

By "unreliable", do you mean sometimes going up fast and sometimes too slowly or not at all? Or the head does not usually go back up?
[/quote]

The former - the return appears to be done by a coil spring, I suspect that the spring either corrodes or gets sawdust in it and slows the return.

Wooden nickel · « **Reply #24 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:02 PM »

you guys gave up some good info. thank you.
i have been online but haven't been vocal for a bit on account i haven't seen too much change except the regular price increase.
i always listen to this group, there are knowledgeable people on this forum.
although we have some that swear Festool does no wrong and that is what gets exhausting.

back to the Kapex- there are some features that are attractive enough to me to make the plunge.
But i think serge0n might be right in waiting a little more to see if there is an update.
and i can mirror ChuckM's use of the saw.
i don't think i would buy used.
RKA, i know your right also, thats why i reached out to the light use Kapex owners to see if there was a nominal difference to make me commit.
but i like the feedback, it will help me make my decision easier.
hopefully more "light use" users will chime in though.

Peter Halle · « **Reply #25 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:35 PM »

Only speaking to the head that doesn't return - cleaning and lubrication is needed with any tool. Sure the spring can become less weak over age but with limited hobbyist usage some spray lubrication will help.

Peter

RKA · « **Reply #26 on:** February 14, 2019, 07:46 PM »

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing. I would fix it once and get on with life. That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

Paul G · « **Reply #27 on:** February 14, 2019, 08:51 PM »

Quote from: RKA on February 14, 2019, 07:46 PM

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing. I would fix it once and get on with life. That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

If that is written up here at FOG I then missed it. That does help matters to some degree.

JimH2 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 14, 2019, 09:26 PM »

Quote from: jimbo51 on February 13, 2019, 11:03 PM

I bought my Kapex soon after the US launch and had to replace parts for the binding miter adjustment issue. Since then, I have not had any problems. By professional standards, my Kapex use would be considered extremely light as it can go weeks between sessions with a dozen or 20 cuts.

However, my concern would be whether or not Festool or sub-contractor made changes at some point that lead to the motor issues. I am not sure I would buy a Kapex today given the motor issues. Has anyone tracked when these issues surfaced vs the launch dates in Europe and the US?

I had one of the very batch that arrived in the US and mine failed two weeks ago. I'm not really concerned given how old it is, but I am saying the old ones can still fail.

RKA · « **Reply #29 on:** February 14, 2019, 09:31 PM »

Quote from: Paul G on February 14, 2019, 08:51 PM

Quote from: RKA on February 14, 2019, 07:46 PM
I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing. I would fix it once and get on with life. That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

If that is written up here at FOG I then missed it. That does help matters to some degree.

Here you go...
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/help-find-kapex-armature-replacement-guide/