Are 110volt tools....110volt US?

Scorpion

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I was browsing Axminater's site when I came across this -

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Says they have 110v KS60's.  I'm in the US so I kinda expected that I'd only see 230v.  Is the 110v I see the same 110v I have? 

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Technically no, but practically yes.

UK is 55v on each side out of phase in a push pull.
US is 110v and one side moving and the other neutral.
The tools are double insulated so the motor only knows that there is 110v between the two sides, and there is no centre tap or ground.

Important points include:
- Whether you need/want a warranty.
- Whether you need the tool tagged or certified.
- Whether you are comfortable changing the lead.
- Whether the shipping, lead, etc costs make it worthwhile.
 
and the status of having the first k60 in the colonies.  [tongue]
 
Interesting.  Had no idea.  Most of that is no biggie but the deal breaker is the warranty and support.  With it being such a new model, I might like knowing I had somewhere to go (semi-local) to get help.

Would be cool though

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And given the FT mitersaw's motor history in 110v - a warranty is HUGE consideration for many. 

One could argue it's a necessity.
 
To be fair k60 has different motor and transmission than 120. So you might as well compare the 60 to any other FT tools/motors in terms of reliability.
 
Another consideration would be non warranty repairs. A person could make a mistake and damage the saw in a non covered manner. Would Festool USA do a repair for the appropriate fee or insist that the saw be sent back overseas for such a repair.
 
Suggest you look into the frequency for the U.K. Saw. The USA frequency of 60 HZ. I think the U.K. frequency is 50 Hz. It does make a difference.
 
Birdhunter said:
Suggest you look into the frequency for the U.K. Saw. The USA frequency of 60 HZ. I think the U.K. frequency is 50 Hz. It does make a difference.
It only makes a difference for induction motors.
 
"So you might as well compare the 60 to any other FT tools/motors in terms of reliability."

That's easy for you to say when it's my $1000 we're talking about.  It'd be rather reckless for one to jump in blindly considering the same guys probably designed and built both miter saw motors. 

I think it totally fair to assume this saw's motor will be prone to failure in 110v given that FT has not done anything to address the 120's motor issues aside to tell people they are using them for a purpose not intended in the design phase.

Importing one to the USA would be a huge leap of faith and the purchaser should be prepared to walk away from their money if any problem arose.  Might just be worth the risk for someone to claim bragging rights though.
 
antss said:
It'd be rather reckless for one to jump in blindly considering the same guys probably designed and built both miter saw motors. 

Well, with the pathetic track record Festool has had with the Kapex failures over the last several years, I'd hope they gave their original motor supplier "the boot" and moved on to someone with a more robust motor design. This new mini Kapex could be in someways the acid test. If this saw goes up in smoke cutting 3/4" or thinner flooring...well, we will then have our answer. 

However, if this motor proves to be reliable, maybe there is a solution in the wings for the smoking Kapex conundrum.
 
If the motor does fail you can probably buy the US version from Festool Parts and be even with the savings you currently have. If not you have made out.
 
Cheese said:
antss said:
It'd be rather reckless for one to jump in blindly considering the same guys probably designed and built both miter saw motors. 

Well, with the pathetic track record Festool has had with the Kapex failures over the last several years, I'd hope they gave their original motor supplier "the boot" and moved on to someone with a more robust motor design. This new mini Kapex could be in someways the acid test. If this saw goes up in smoke cutting 3/4" or thinner flooring...well, we will then have our answer. 

However, if this motor proves to be reliable, maybe there is a solution in the wings for the smoking Kapex conundrum.

and confirmation bias runs both directions, as we expect a Kapex to suck.
I was pretty suprized when [member=15585]Svar[/member] pointed it out:

Svar said:
To be fair k60 has different motor and transmission than 120. So you might as well compare the 60 to any other FT tools/motors in terms of reliability.

The title "Are 110volt tools....110volt US?"...
Volts and Amps are one of the few measures when there is not an Imperial set of units.

Of course I have nothing of substance to add, but thanks for reading anyhow.
 
antss said:
It'd be rather reckless for one to jump in blindly considering the same guys probably designed and built both miter saw motors. 
Neither would I blindly jump into conclusion that K60 inherited K120 motor problems. That would be a classic logical fallacy. It could just as likely inherited OF1400 reliability designed by the same guys.
Having said that I do not endorse buying costly piece of equipment without a warranty.
 
Of course you're correct Mr. Spock - but many of our fair readers ( and those to come) may have gotten the wrong impression from your " it'll work just fine comment"  .

Most tools work fine - until they don't.  And there are just too many Kapex problem in 110v for one to just buy in without the full picture.  And, given how FT has handled the issue along with the cost of the saws - one would be better off taking a "show me" or "prove it" stance with regard to the new saw rather than being an early adopter and trusting logic or Festool.  Logic doesn't get your 4 year old, $1300 boat anchor replaced for the second time.

Just ask all those trusting guys that bought a Kapex and have a smoked motors or three .  They took what seemed like an easy leap of faith under the logic of "It's Festool , It must be good " or It will last a loooong time because I've got a 17 yr old ATF55 that still purrs."
 
antss said:
Of course you're correct Mr. Spock - but many of our fair readers ( and those to come) may have gotten the wrong impression from your " it'll work just fine comment"  .
You are underestimating our fair readers. Most of them got past the first sentence in the comment you are referring to and also read the second.
 
Svar said:
antss said:
Of course you're correct Mr. Spock - but many of our fair readers ( and those to come) may have gotten the wrong impression from your " it'll work just fine comment"  .
You are underestimating our fair readers. Most of them got past the first sentence in the comment you are referring to and also read the second.

Some people just like to troll I suppose Svar. It seems to be a common thing these days on the FOG. You and I are of the same mindset that this place and several "members" have made it a toxic,not so fun place to visit.

There are plenty of us that promote and show actual projects, then there are "members" that tend to put a negative spin on every topic. To each their own I guess.

Cheers. Bryan.

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Except the second comment didn't give the whole picture either !

I'm sorry , bk,  that you're put out by my often contrarian opinions or views.  But part of what makes a discussion is having people with different viewpoints.  Otherwise it's just a kool-aid drinking festival and Festool wouldn't get any real feedback on things like the pro5 debacle or that people have issues with Kapex and there would be no real incentive for them to evolve.

Not everyone can plunk down the dosh that festools command and just say "oh well bad luck that mine didn't last as long the herd said it would" and be done with it. 
 
antss said:
Except the second comment didn't give the whole picture either !

I'm sorry , bk,  that you're put out by my often contrarian opinions or views.  But part of what makes a discussion is having people with different viewpoints.  Otherwise it's just a kool-aid drinking festival and Festool wouldn't get any real feedback on things like the pro5 debacle or that people have issues with Kapex and there would be no real incentive for them to evolve.

Not everyone can plunk down the dosh that festools command and just say "oh well bad luck that mine didn't last as long the herd said it would" and be done with it.

FWIW, I don't own the Kapex because for my needs the price was/is crazy high. Never really had the urge. Had no urge to have have the Pro 5 either.

I agree that there are plenty of fanboys on this site, along with tool collectors, project contributors, jig builders, trollers, negative nancies, etc.  debating to counterpoint all of them just gets old.

Best to you.

Cheers. Bryan.

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