Another Kapex Bites the dust. Again.

Haha! You guys are more entertaining than TV!  [thumbs up]
I think you also make a lot of sense too, and in reality life’s too short to worry how long a miter saw will last.

My mind is pretty much made up but, 110 volt or 240 volt?  [scared]  ;)
 
Well that was short and sweet, my Kapex has bit the dust and I haven’t used it yet  [sad]

I ordered the set from a supplier I haven’t used in a long time. When I enquired about how well it would be packed, I was told it would actually be on a pallet, and therefore no next day delivery. I was assured the packaging would be more than adequate.
Then it did arrive next day, no pallet though, just three boxes, two of which were beaten up a bit.
Well everything is ok, apart from the saw itself, it wasn’t even locked down, just a zip tie through the handle, and some polystyrene?
There is a crack and a hole in the back of the saw, friction marks everywhere, the quick clamp is so badly bent, I can’t remove it, and the angle finder was loose inside and looks like it’s bounced off every part of the saw?

How absolutely disgusting is this?
I had a similar thing a while back with some other brand tools.
The problem is, the factory packaging is fine when the stuff turns up at the dealers, it’s on a pallet, and the right way up. That tool might get sold over the counter, and the customer will keep it upright, unpack it and all is good. Why do these suppliers think the same packaging will survive possible rough handling, being rolled as I’ve seen many times!
My saw was upside down on the van when it arrived?

Not sure if this is a bad omen, I went to buy a saw on Saturday, and as I walked to the counter, they were selling the last one, and now this?

I have emailed the supplier and told them exactly what I think.
I have asked for a replacement saw, as everything else seems ok, or I will get a full refund on everything.

Maybe the manufacturers need to start advising dealers about distance selling packaging, as I know others on here have suffered the same.
I also asked them not to register a possible replacement, as I like to register my own tools, this is a perfect example of why.
Also this is why I like to buy over the counter.
 
Jiggy Joiner said:
Snip.
Also this is why I like to buy over the counter.

Sorry to hear that your Kapex went "bust" so quickly...was it a record? [tongue]

I, too, prefer to buy medium to large size or stationary machines over the counter as any repair/return can be arranged more easily.

These days, delivery service is not reliable because everything is insured for loss or damage; delivery companies treat damage and claims as part of the business cost.
 
Jiggy Joiner said:
Well that was short and sweet, my Kapex has bit the dust and I haven’t used it yet  [sad]

I ordered the set from a supplier I haven’t used in a long time. When I enquired about how well it would be packed, I was told it would actually be on a pallet, and therefore no next day delivery. I was assured the packaging would be more than adequate.
Then it did arrive next day, no pallet though, just three boxes, two of which were beaten up a bit.
Well everything is ok, apart from the saw itself, it wasn’t even locked down, just a zip tie through the handle, and some polystyrene?
There is a crack and a hole in the back of the saw, friction marks everywhere, the quick clamp is so badly bent, I can’t remove it, and the angle finder was loose inside and looks like it’s bounced off every part of the saw?

How absolutely disgusting is this?
I had a similar thing a while back with some other brand tools.
The problem is, the factory packaging is fine when the stuff turns up at the dealers, it’s on a pallet, and the right way up. That tool might get sold over the counter, and the customer will keep it upright, unpack it and all is good. Why do these suppliers think the same packaging will survive possible rough handling, being rolled as I’ve seen many times!
My saw was upside down on the van when it arrived?

Not sure if this is a bad omen, I went to buy a saw on Saturday, and as I walked to the counter, they were selling the last one, and now this?

I have emailed the supplier and told them exactly what I think.
I have asked for a replacement saw, as everything else seems ok, or I will get a full refund on everything.

Maybe the manufacturers need to start advising dealers about distance selling packaging, as I know others on here have suffered the same.
I also asked them not to register a possible replacement, as I like to register my own tools, this is a perfect example of why.
Also this is why I like to buy over the counter.
I buy a lot of Festool online , but the Kapex I would buy at a brick and mortar store , if anything where to happen to it, I would have a rep to help deal with it. And  save the box.
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
Well Jiggy what you’ve described is disgusting. It’s certainly not a great way to start a romance. Festool if they’re listening should seriously chastise the distributor.  First impressions are lasting impressions.

I’d immediately reject the saw and ask for a replacement. Who knows what else has been damaged in the shipping process. And why is it your responsibility to ferret it out?

That’s exactly the reason Bob Marino was held in so high esteem in the US. This same situation would never pass muster with him.

 
Thanks Cheese, well I sent them a mail last night, and because I was very tired and frustrated, it was very much to the point so to speak.
I got a phone call this morning from the same lady I spoke too before ordering.

To be fair, she was very apologetic, and told me she actually had an argument with the warehouse staff, as she instructed them to put it on a pallet, and their excuse was, by sending it loose it would arrive quicker? No good if it’s not usable though.

Anyway, they offered to collect with a refund, or collect and replace everything, this time on a pallet.
So, I decided to give them another chance to redeem themselves. Only trouble is, because of Easter, it will probably be next week before I see it  [sad]

I had a similar thing early in the year with some Makita tools, a certain company were the only ones who had stock. I cannot describe the mess I discovered when unboxing.
Then to make matters worse, they almost accused me of causing the damage!  [scared]
I eventually took legal advice, and spoke to Makita, who kindly intervened, and turned the situation around. This left a bad taste though, and was the exact reason why I phoned this recent supplier, to make sure the packaging wasn’t scrimped on.

Anyway, hopefully the replacement will be fine, and a new love affair will blossom!  [big grin]
Fingers crossed.
 
Peter and Charlie, thanks, yes I dearly wanted to buy over the counter but, both my usual suppliers are awaiting stock.
 
Just an update, the full replacement set arrived today, on a pallet but, the driver decided to pile other packages on top of it. Don’t think there’s much common sense or consideration around nowadays. I noticed the saw box was on end instead of the right way up  [sad]
Anyway, one box that held the side extensions was a bit squashed but, the contents survived.
The box with the cart/stand was fine and very well internally packed, so all good there.
Then with my heart in my mouth, I got to the Kapex, opened the box, the same four pieces of polystyrene, and a zip tie, all look in tact.
The angle finder again was loose and had obviously had a bit of exercise on the trip but, seemed ok, and worked fine, just can’t understand why this wasn’t in it’s own box etc?
The saw looked fine, but the transport lock wasn't engaged, just foam and a zip tie holding the saw head down? Crazy really.

The work piece clamp, was again clamped to the base, and again because of movement had locked itself up, and took a lot of messing around to release it. It also suffered the same marks to the shaft, and was also slightly bent, anyway, it’s not usable in it’s current state but, everything else is fine, so I’m grateful for that.

The supplier contacted Festool, and they are sending a new clamp direct to me, so not a big deal, and then I’m sorted.
The supplier acted in a very professional way, and tried to sort out the unfortunate situation as quickly as possible, and apart from the clamp, they did. I will remember this in future when buying. Anybody can have issues, it’s how they’re dealt with that matters to me.

It has further made me anxious about buying large or expensive tools online though, as this is the third time I’ve experienced this but, with other brands.
The simple fact is, the packaging is not adequate for any sort of real distance.
Some might argue that the dealer should ensure extra packing, and to some extent I agree. However, the way my tools arrived is the same packing as the dealers get from the manufacturer, and often new stock arrives badly damaged as a consequence, I’ve found out many cases of this in the last year, just from talking to dealers.

I have written to Festool UK today, telling them the story with a few photos, and told them I was obviously a bit disappointed but, I am also trying to give them some input and feedback as a customer. In my opinion some of the packaging is just inadequate, and I have asked them their thoughts about it.

I have had a quick play with the saw, I’m initially very impressed with it and can see why they are held in such high regard. I have owned some great miter saws over the years but, nothing quite like this.
It’s cutting square untouched out of the box, and although the lasers were lined up fine, I adjusted them more to my liking.

Not sure I like the motor sound/tone, it’s not like any of my other saws but, neither is my TS55, that always sounds odd to me?

So, after reading many good, and a good few bad stories about the Kapex, and taking part in this thread, to show I’m game and open minded, (wanted one for a while now) I’ve bought one.

I hope it creates a lot of dust ( for the extractor) but never bites any  [big grin] [thumbs up]
 
Hi,

I haven't posted for some time but do keep tabs of what's going on. Well my Kapex died today half way through a big job  [sad].

I have had it for 7 years but it only gets used on kitchen fits due to it's accuracy. I have a smaller Dewalt for studwork etc.
So it has not had a lot of use really but as it is 7 years old, well out of guarantee.
So will make the call tomorrow to Bury St. Edmunds where I believe they repair them. The good news is it's only 35 miles down the road so will deliver it there myself.
No idea of cost but knowing Festool it is probably going to be expensive.

Will keep you posted on how it goes.
 
Norfolk Bean said:
Hi,

I haven't posted for some time but do keep tabs of what's going on. Well my Kapex died today half way through a big job  [sad].

I have had it for 7 years but it only gets used on kitchen fits due to it's accuracy. I have a smaller Dewalt for studwork etc.
So it has not had a lot of use really but as it is 7 years old, well out of guarantee.
So will make the call tomorrow to Bury St. Edmunds where I believe they repair them. The good news is it's only 35 miles down the road so will deliver it there myself.
No idea of cost but knowing Festool it is probably going to be expensive.

Will keep you posted on how it goes.

Sorry to read this, I hope it gets sorted as quickly as possible for you.
No sure how true this is but, at the weekend I asked a dealer about his experience with Kapex failures, and he was very honest, or at least seemed so. He said he had seen a fair few come in for repair but, some consolation is that for a while now, the repairs have been carried out with later improved parts, that the latest 120 has. He said this should, and has so far eradicated repeat failures?
 
Jiggy Joiner said:
Snip.
some consolation is that for a while now, the repairs have been carried out with later improved parts, that the latest 120 has. He said this should, and has so far eradicated repeat failures?

As much as it is something I was happy to hear, I kinda doubt about that assessment unless we can pinpoint what those improved parts are. In any case, the new Kapex has been around for just 6 months(?), and even if the new parts are used now for repairs, it would be too early to draw any useful conclusions.
 
I thought the same Chuck but, I wonder if the latest parts have been around for longer than we think, and using them in repairs for a while may have been part of testing?
Just thinking out loud here.
 
Hi,

Just a update on my Kapex woes. I am lucky enough to live within 40 minutes of the Festool HQ, so was able to drop my Kapex in to them.
That was a week ago, and I collected it today.
It  cost £214-00 inc VAT to repair, so it could have been worse I guess.

When speaking to the technician who repaired it he said it had a complete over hall. New bits included a new armature, brushes, a new blade insert in the top. They also reset the laser and a couple of other small bits.
So all in all I am happy. The worrying thing to me was that there were four other Kapex machines waiting to be collected !

The staff at Festool UK were very helpful and informative, lets hope my saw gives me many more years of service, fingers crossed.

Mark.
 
That is about 10% of the current price of a new Kapex, much acceptable from a cost point of view, but less so in terms of reliability when the machine is only 7 years old. I would expect any mitre saw, on average, should have a robust motor that does not need any repair for at least 10 years. I have had no motor issues with any of my woodworking machines (dust collectors, shop vacs, bandsaw, routers, drill press, lathe, etc.) that are over 10 years of age. And most of those motors are made in Taiwan or China, not German technology.

Again, we know nothing about how many Kapexes have been sold, so the fact of four other saws waiting to be picked up doesn't tell us much.
 
Glad that you got sorted, and have your saw back and hopefully it will last years.
£214 as you say isn’t bad, obviously it would of been better if it never acted up but, could of been worse.
I’d imagine it’s fitted with upgraded parts, as I was told they have bee repairing them with improved components for a while now.
 
Chuck,

yes you are right about the four saws waiting to be collected. I didn't want to start a debate about this, just thought I would mention it.
And I agree about the longevity of the saw, I was hoping that the fact it was a Festool and the cost of purchase initially that it would of lasted longer than it did, especially as it only gets used for my high end work.

I am sure that the cost of repair will be soon forgotten once it is put back to work, but again I concur that it is disappointing on a saw that at the time of purchase cost me around 1k in English pounds.

mark.
 
Hi,

Jiggy,  yes it is fitted with the new armature. One thing I didn't mention was I was told that Festool will repair this fault F.O.C. for any saw up to 5 years old, but mine was 7 years old so had to pay.

And as much as that sucks, it is a cheap repair in what would have cost a lot more to buy a new one.

Mark.
 
Norfolk Bean said:
Hi,

Jiggy,  yes it is fitted with the new armature. One thing I didn't mention was I was told that Festool will repair this fault F.O.C. for any saw up to 5 years old, but mine was 7 years old so had to pay.

That is a bit cheeky from Festool considering the part is a known problem and the age of the saw does not necessarily represent the amount of use it may have had.

Glad to hear you are up and running again and should be no more problems in the future.
 
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