Any left-handlers using a Kapex? Issues with usability?

[chesterdad]

Was interested if any of the  "safety" switch features were a problem for left handers or is it a non-issue?

I am very close to buying one but would like to hear from another lefty pro's and con's

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Jim,

Hopefully you will get some responses from some lefties. In the mean time, the Kapex and all other tools introduced in the past 4-5 years are designed specifically with ambidextrous use in mind. That's part of the reason for the handle configuration on the Kapex. The other is that it reduces the user's probability of introducing blade deflection as you would be a handle that was offset to one side or the other.

Enjoy your Kapex.  [wink]

Shane

 

[Kev]

I'm a south paw ... there's no issues at all ... I didn't even think about it.

... and I do notice these things if there's a fundamental lefty / righty usability conflict - like when you put a big Gold Shimano Tiagra in my hands. Hate the things, all made for those right handed weirdo types.

 

[rxe]

I'm naturally left handed, but I write right handed (was made to as a child), which has meant that I am pretty much ambidextrous.  Never noticed a problem with the Kapex (or any SCMS for that matter) .  On some tools the trigger lock is the problem as it assumes the  fingers will be on a particular side of the grip, but both of the releases on the Kapex are central.

Shooting is about the only time when I notice left hand issues.  Working the bolt of a right handed rifle (i.e. most of them) is much slower if you are trying to keep the target in the scope. 

 

[barnowl]

I'm left handed, and there's no issue.

I use the Kapex with my left hand holding the work, and my right hand on the trigger.

The workpiece to the left of the blade just seems natural, as with the table saw when cross-cutting.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Jim

At first I thought that this was a April fool joke but unless you have a Kapex it is not such a silly question...

In operation (ie when switched on and the blade is turning) there is no difference for right or left handers. The Kapex power switch and safety trigger lock are symetric and operate the same for left and right handers. Sighting the work piece and the lasers is the same from either side of the saw.

There are other controls that are used to set the saw up for a particular operation which are not symetrical and will be different for left or right handers. However, as these are just 'settings' there should be no technical challenge for either a right or left handed person.

The clamp can be positioned on the left or right of the saw (or in both positions if you have two). So you can clamp the work piece with the left hand clamp, hold the other end of the work with you right hand and use your left hand to operate the saw. Or, you can use the right hand clamp, hold the work with you left hand and use your right hand to operate the saw. I am right handed but I operate the saw in both ways depending on the nature of the cut.

Although I am right handed I still use a left handed pencil and find a left handed tea cup more comfortable. [smile]

Peter

 

[chesterdad]

Thanks for the feedback.  I was hoping that the design would accomodate  right brained individuals, but wasn't sure.  I will do a search for comments on the safety switch feature, but anyone have problems with it in operation, left or right handed?

thanks again,

jim

 

[rdesigns]

No problem. I'm sinestral too, and to me, the Kapex's features make it more friendly in use than any other chopsaw.

I can't think of even one feature that is biased against lefties.

 

[Jerry Sitton]

I'm left handed, the Kapex is just as easy either way. No issues, I've never gave it a second thought until this question was brought up.

 

[richard.selwyn]

It is easier than the other scms I use as a left hander. The point about deflection is pertinent as you can deflect the blade if you pull to one side, but a vertical handle does make this less likely.

You won't even think about it once you've got one!
Richard
PS i saw the new Bosch articulated saw for the first time today. Ver smooth but there is still deflection left to right. To avoid that you need to move up a league to Omas or similar, but they can sometimes make The Kapex look cheap.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Just got mine but tried one out at the dealer - I'm a pure lefty and I can tell you that as others noted there are no issues whatsoever. Don't know if anyone mentioned it but the bevel adjustment knob is on the right side which actually works nicely for me but it's just an adjustment

 

[sancho57]

nope not at all no issues what so ever