Anyone want to speculate on when the KAPEX KS 120 REB will go brushless?

[COBill]

I recently purchased the KAPEX KSC 60 EB in part because it has a brushless motor and I don't like to buy tools with brushed motors unless there is absolutely zero alternative.

However it seems a shame that the KS 120 REB is one of the few miter saws on the market that is still brushed.

Anyone want to speculate on when Festool might update it to be brushless?

 

[onocoffee]

Considering the TS 55 has undergone three revisions (EB, REB, FEQ) while the TS 75 has only had one version in 20 years (EQ) - and the Kapex 120 got it's revision in 2020 (REB), who knows when Festool will update that saw. It's anyone's guess.

 

[usernumber1]

i'm guessing corded - what would the miter saw gain by going brushless?

 

[COBill]

IMHO all brushed motors should be banished to the dustbin of history.

Going brushless would gain it longer service life and fewer maintenance issues.

I am talking about the corded KAPEX KS 120 REB.

The cordless KAPEX KSC 60 EB, which I did buy, does have a brushless motor.

 

[luvmytoolz]

IMHO all brushed motors should be banished to the dustbin of history.

Going brushless would gain it longer service life and fewer maintenance issues.

I am talking about the corded KAPEX KS 120 REB.

The cordless KAPEX KSC 60 EB, which I did buy, does have a brushless motor.

+ the feedback with brushless allows better response to compensate for transient loads.

 

[Ebuwan]

Eh, never noticed or had a problem with my new version of Kapex 120. Maybe i don't use it nearly enough?

Is brush replacement hard on it?

 

[Coen]

I recently purchased the KAPEX KSC 60 EB in part because it has a brushless motor and I don't like to buy tools with brushed motors unless there is absolutely zero alternative.

However it seems a shame that the KS 120 REB is one of the few miter saws on the market that is still brushed.

Anyone want to speculate on when Festool might update it to be brushless?

I think your statement doesn't show "the KS 120 REB is one of the few miter saws on the market that is still brushed" but it shows your ignorance instead.

Let's see what comes to mind first in the corded section;
The top seller; Dewalt DWS 780; Brushed
The one with actual dust extraction; Makita LS1219L / LS1019L; Brushed
Bosch GCM series; Brushed
Metabo KGS series; Brushed

In fact... I can only find one listing of a brushless corded mitre saw... and that is obviously an error in the page of the reseller because it's manufacturer promotes it as having 'easy to replace brushes'.

Considering the TS 55 has undergone three revisions (EB, REB, FEQ) while the TS 75 has only had one version in 20 years (EQ) - and the Kapex 120 got it's revision in 2020 (REB), who knows when Festool will update that saw. It's anyone's guess.

You mean zero revisions for the TS 75? The EQ was there from the start. Some tools were also offered without EQ at the same time but those have disappeared from the catalog.

The cordless KAPEX KSC 60 EB, which I did buy, does have a brushless motor.

Because for battery powered tools the equation is completely different.

Eh, never noticed or had a problem with my new version of Kapex 120. Maybe i don't use it nearly enough?

Is brush replacement hard on it?

There is no problem at all. Just things getting hyped too much; like brushless motors for everything, tabless batteries, battery-powered everything, etc.

Going brushless would gain it longer service life and fewer maintenance issues.

I am pretty sure the LCA of the corded brushed Kapex looks way way way better than that of the brushless cordless Kapex if you include the batteries.

 

[onocoffee]

You mean zero revisions for the TS 75? The EQ was there from the start. Some tools were also offered without EQ at the same time but those have disappeared from the catalog.

Yes, exactly. Which is why I worded it as "TS 75 has only had one version in 20 years" - and just to be clear, I do mean this response in a friendly tone because I can see it could be taken in a different light.

I'm still at a loss why Festool wouldn't update the 75 all this time.

 

[ReneS]

Is the TS 75 a popular model?

It's appearances on FS Recon recently gave me the impression it is not very popular.

 

[peter halle]

Is the TS 75 a popular model?

It's appearances on FS Recon recently gave me the impression it is not very popular.

It is not the most popular model but it is powerful and it has the greatest depth of cut.

Peter

 

[ReneS]

It is not the most popular model but it is powerful and it has the greatest depth of cut.

Peter

I understand, which is why I was surprised to see it linger on Recon.

I was eyeballing the MK 700 (I think that's the model) and was surprised that it disappeared for good in a very short time.

 

[PaulMarcel]

It is not the most popular model but it is powerful and it has the greatest depth of cut.

Peter

This is why I chose the 75 vs the infinitely more popular 55: depth of cut. I wanted one saw. Won't say I wouldn't like to snag a cordless 55 though...

 

[rmhinden]

Is the TS 75 a popular model?

It's appearances on FS Recon recently gave me the impression it is not very popular.

Just about everything shows up on the Recon site. I don't think it is good way to view popularity.

Bob

 

[ReneS]

Just about everything shows up on the Recon site. I don't think it is good way to view popularity.

Bob

I meant how it lingered much longer than some of the other tools that are sold there.

 

[onocoffee]

I meant how it lingered much longer than some of the other tools that are sold there.

That could also mean that FTUSA had a few to sell, not necessarily an indicator of popularity.

But I hear you. Personally, I'd be hesitant to buy the 75 because the tool is 20 years old - unless I absolutely needed it. And even then I might seriously consider a more modern saw like the Mafell K85Ec - even though it's not a plunge, costs more and would require a new track.

 

[tjbnwi]

Never.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

Personally, I'd be hesitant to buy the 75 because the tool is 20 years old - unless I absolutely needed it. And even then I might seriously consider a more modern saw like the Mafell K85Ec - even though it's not a plunge, costs more and would require a new track.

You've perfectly highlighted the reasons why the TS 75 is still popular. Changing tracks can be considered to be the equivalent of changing battery platforms, most folks don't want to mess with it.

I have lots of 20 year old tools that still perform flawlessly...Delta bandsaw, Delta drill press, Delta jointer, Stihl concrete saw, Milwaukee metal chop saw, Milwaukee mag drill, Milwaukee vacuum pump, Fein vacuum...the list goes on & on. I'd not short-sheet the TS 75 because of its age, rather the only real nit-to-pick with the TS 75 is its weight.

 

[onocoffee]

You've perfectly highlighted the reasons why the TS 75 is still popular. Changing tracks can be considered to be the equivalent of changing battery platforms, most folks don't want to mess with it.

I have lots of 20 year old tools that still perform flawlessly...Delta bandsaw, Delta drill press, Delta jointer, Stihl concrete saw, Milwaukee metal chop saw, Milwaukee mag drill, Milwaukee vacuum pump, Fein vacuum...the list goes on & on. I'd not short-sheet the TS 75 because of its age, rather the only real nit-to-pick with the TS 75 is its weight.

I hear you on old tools. But when you look at the other saw that was released along with the TS75 EQ: the TS55 EQ - that saw has undergone two(?) major revisions in the intervening years.

To your point, I still have and use both a DeWalt DW364 7.25" and DW936 5 3/8" circular saws that I bought in the 1990s. These saws perform as well as back when I bought them. However good those saws may be, they are long in the tooth to be offered as new today.

I would like to see an updated TS75 to meet the modern era.

 

[Coen]

That could also mean that FTUSA had a few to sell, not necessarily an indicator of popularity.

But I hear you. Personally, I'd be hesitant to buy the 75 because the tool is 20 years old - unless I absolutely needed it. And even then I might seriously consider a more modern saw like the Mafell K85Ec - even though it's not a plunge, costs more and would require a new track.

You've perfectly highlighted the reasons why the TS 75 is still popular. Changing tracks can be considered to be the equivalent of changing battery platforms, most folks don't want to mess with it.

[...]

In 230V land we have the Festool HK 85. No reason to switch tracks to cut 75mm lumber with a track