2nd New Kapex and having an issue

[J Buckley]

Hello all,

I have a question and was hoping for some insight.  I am on my second Kapex from Amazon in 3 weeks.  I have noticed when setting it up and using it it appears to the cut is off over the length of the cut approximately .020.  I understand the tolerance should come from the factory at approximately 0.005 or so.  This was over a 6 1/2 inch cut. 

The more annoying thing is I have had to cut baseboard on the flat (its 5' 1/4") and when cutting bevels at 45 the cut is off from square by almost 2 degrees from either side of the blade over the travel of the blade.  This is very clear when simply lining up the laser with a 12" machinist square against the fence on either side, and from either Bevel.  I am not exerting in pressure on the blade so I don't think I am influencing the unit when making this simple comparison.  All my cuts are off approx 1/8 on the base when making the cut this way [eek]

Finally the second unit that came has presets that dint line up directly with the presets on the dial.  I.e. when using the bevel 45-0, its slightly off when it gets to 45 and 0 on the, or on miter gauge it does not line up directly at 0. 

For $1350 should I have to dial this saw in that much or have I received to lemons in a row?  Given Festool rep I am not sure what to expect here.

Neither box was damaged, the first one did come set with a bevel to the right of 5, but seemed fine.  I am very frustrated here and appreciate any insight before returning the saw again

 

[Kev]

I would et straight on the phone to Festool service - they seem to be pretty good from reports on here.

 

[erock]

J

I know this won't  help you, but I bought my Kapex a couple weeks ago from Tom Bellemare (FOG member and Festoold dealer).  Out of the box the kapex

was spot on.  It was shipped to me (Ohio)  from Texas.  I was a little worried about the trip the saw would take.  But when I received it, the box it was

shipped in looked new.  I would call Festool to see if maybe they could walk you thru a couple steps over the phone before returning it. 

I have heard a couple bad things about ordering the kapex from amazon.  If you return it,  maybe call a Festool dealer and order a kapex from them???

What ever you do,  please don't give up on the kapex.  It is a sweeeeet  saw!! 

I hope you get it worked out.

Eric

 

[peter halle]

I wouldn't give up either.  Here is a link to the supplemental manual that might be of assistance.  You'll want to have a copy anyway.  Giving Festool a call would be my recommendation, but of course the weekend is here and you want to use your new tool.

I am going to move this thread into an area of the forum that gets noticed quickly and see if that will provide some assistance.

Peter

>

 

[erock]

Good call on the manual Peter.

I printed that manual two weeks before I received my Kapex.   

Eric

 

[J Buckley]

I have the supplemental manual and have spent time on the phone with festool both times.  the second time they suggested the dont use the supp manual calc, and just align with a square which is what they suggested.  My response was:  for $1350 should i really have to spend the time and frustration squaring ths GD thing!?!?  Thats why i replaced my old makita 1013, I was spending more time squaring than making sawdust, wtf!

Also the supp manual calc would not work on my PC, which the gentleman at festool also said they do not use, no help....

I am I crazy to believe that the laser line, which is square to the cut line, should be so far off on both saws at a 45 bevel, is this unreasonable to expect, sounds like you gents are in good shape here? 

If so this is going back to amazon and I will try and order from a reputable dealer, any other suggestions or should I just call it a day. 

I am in no way taking time to square and adjust this thing for the money i paid, unless someone tells me thats normal course.

Really appreaciate all the input.

regards,

josh

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Josh,

Where in NJ are you?  You have experienced guys here that can help in person, if you'd like.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Josh,

Sorry for the frustrations with your Kapex. The saws are calibrated at the factory to be within the specs. Of course, as hard as we try, no product or company is perfect but we are committed to making it right for you. I'm very surprised to read that you've received two saws that have been unsatisfactory. I'd be more than happy to make arrangements to have the saw returned to Indianapolis so that our guys can check it out for you, correct any problems, and return it. Just shoot me a PM or an email (sho@festoolusa.com) if you'd like to take me up on the offer.

Shane

 

[J Buckley]

Ken/shane,

I appreciate the offers, I am going to return it and try and 3rd time with a different dealer.  If I strike out with the third I am may take you up on the offer.

Will post when I receive the new saw. 

 

[duburban]

being in jersey and all it might be prudent to go to a store and buy a kapex. check it out there and if its good carefully put it in your car and be on your way.

i don't think we as consumers should be dismissive of the gambles we knowingly participate in when mail ordering large highly calibrated tools.

 

[tjbier]

Josh,

Sorry for the frustrations with your Kapex. The saws are calibrated at the factory to be within the specs. Of course, as hard as we try, no product or company is perfect but we are committed to making it right for you. I'm very surprised to read that you've received two saws that have been unsatisfactory. I'd be more than happy to make arrangements to have the saw returned to Indianapolis so that our guys can check it out for you, correct any problems, and return it. Just shoot me a PM or an email (sho@festoolusa.com) if you'd like to take me up on the offer.

Shane

This right here is why I am willing to pay a bit more (or more than a bit [wink]) to buy Festool, good on ya Shane! [thumbs up]

Hope you get your Kapex problem fixed Josh.

 

[jacko9]

Ken/shane,

I appreciate the offers, I am going to return it and try and 3rd time with a different dealer.  If I strike out with the third I am may take you up on the offer.

Will post when I receive the new saw. 

If you are going to return the saw why not go right to the source "Festool".  These people are great and their turn around is amazing (one day or so).  Why go through the trouble with Amazon "again" when the manufactures reps are willing to put it right and most likely better than the factory direct specifications.

I returned my Domino Joiner to Festool and it came back with a one day turn around and the calibration was spot on.

I only mention this because your frustration level is getting pretty high and Amazon is only a online middle man supplier.

Good luck on whatever you do,

Jack

 

[Michael1960]

If its transit damage and it's already happened twice, chances are it will happen again.  A likely scenario is the large Kapex carton is traveling at least part of the journey packed loose in the back a semi trailer along with 10 -15 tons of freight  You can imagine the stresses on the carton and your new Kappex!!! 
Alternatively the local Festool distributor may receive their freight on a pallet.  Freight on a pallet is better protected.  If you buy from the local Festool retailer you can check the carton has not been damaged.  I didn't do this when I recently purchased  a boom arm.  When I unpacked it, it was bent.  Sure enough the carton had been damaged.

 

[Kev]

If its transit damage and it's already happened twice, chances are it will happen again.  A likely scenario is the large Kapex carton is traveling at least part of the journey packed loose in the back a semi trailer along with 10 -15 tons of freight  You can imagine the stresses on the carton and your new Kappex!!! 
Alternatively the local Festool distributor may receive their freight on a pallet.  Freight on a pallet is better protected.  If you buy from the local Festool retailer you can check the carton has not been damaged.  I didn't do this when I recently purchased  a boom arm.  When I unpacked it, it was bent.  Sure enough the carton had been damaged.

I have what you guys would probably consider a luxury ... I get to pick my gear up from my local Festool Premium dealer that's only minutes from my home.

Because of the industries I've worked in, I've seen the worst of the transport industry. Nothing surprises me.

On Amazon - throw the dice, take your chance.

I'd be honest in saying the KAPEX was one of my earlier Festool purchases, if my experience mirrored yours I wouldn't have the tools I have today ... they'd be a different colour for sure!

 

[Stone Message]

I wouldn't give up either.  Here is a link to the supplemental manual that might be of assistance.  You'll want to have a copy anyway.  Giving Festool a call would be my recommendation, but of course the weekend is here and you want to use your new tool.

I am going to move this thread into an area of the forum that gets noticed quickly and see if that will provide some assistance.

Peter

>

My Kapex was spot on when it arrived but I knocked it out of line with a big lump of wood - I was mortified. However, a couple of minutes with the US Supplimental Manual and I had it back 100% true. The adjustments are there for the user to play with so give it a go - if all else fails get Festool to sort it out.

Peter

 

[joseph f]

If I am reading this right your a tradesman ,you need the saw to cut perfectly .You use this saw often in your work ,it goes to your jobsight and will for many years .Someday you will need to adjust it -now is as good a time as any to learn how. Most likely faster then returning it .I am referring to adjustments not problems with parts or machining .Just an idea to ponder