Best Kapex for dust collection

[oz_diy]

I am currently using a Bosch 305 sliding saw in my verysmall shop and hate the dust collection. More dust in the room than in the vacuum.
All the different models of the Kapex regardless of size, corded or battery will do everything i need, so the deciding factor will be dust collection.

I would like first hand knowledge as it which is better so I have less bust in the room and more in the vacuum.
Thanks Mark

 

[Lincoln]

I went from the Bosch to the Kapex KS120 and the collection is a lot better - not perfect, but very good. Haven't used the KS60, but assume it would be similar, though I'm sure I've read posts on here saying the 120 is better.
Overall, if you don't need portability, I'd recommend getting the KS120.

 

[ChuckM]

You'll see sawdust behind the Kapex 120 (but only about 1/20 (guess) of what you'd see if you used the Kapex without dust collection). But you don't have much to worry, because that's mostly not airborne. I use a 36mm hose and a dust deputy/HEPA shop vac for the Kapex.

On several occasions, I used an air quality monitor to see how good the dust collection with the Kapex was, and it passed every time (the sawing sessions ran for 15 to an hour). The rating was always good. I've since been using the saw without wearing a mask.

On the other hand, when I use the stationary sander for ab extended amount of time (also with a similar dust deputy and shop vac setup), often the rating is fair, prompting me to open the garage door or turn on the air filtration system and wear a mask.

 

[Chainring]

I went from a Bosch 10" Glide to a KSC 60 and without doing a single modification, the KSC 60 is miles ahead of the Bosch. If the KSC 60 is good, maybe the KS 120 is better?

 

[smorgasbord]

There are aftermarket hoods made for many miter saws that improve dust collection, if you don’t use a high zero clearance back fence.

 

[ChuckM]

I am currently using a Bosch 305 sliding saw in my verysmall shop and hate the dust collection. More dust in the room than in the vacuum.
All the different models of the Kapex regardless of size, corded or battery will do everything i need, so the deciding factor will be dust collection.

I would like first hand knowledge as it which is better so I have less bust in the room and more in the vacuum.
Thanks Mark

I missed the part that you're asking about which Kapex model performs better in d.c. From a conversation with a local Festool dealer, the store representative clearly pointed to the 120 being better in d.c. He got his assessments from the Kapex 60 buyers who also used the 120 as well as from his store demo experience.

Kapex 120 also outperforms the 60 in two other aspects, among others: the quick hold-down clamp and easy-to-adjust bevel control, which are critical features to me.

Of course,  the 60 beats the 120 in price and saw weight.

 

[Ebuwan]

I went from a Dewalt 12" to the newer Kapex (when it first came out) a few years ago. The dust collection on the Kapex is miles ahead of the Dewalt. I'm reminded of how good it is when i forget to have the dust extractor hooked up when i make a cut. It's a some saw still around the cutting area, but nothing like before.

Edit: Apologies, i have the Kapex 120. I cannot comment on the 60.

 

[MikeGE]

I went from a Dewalt 12" to the newer Kapex (when it first came out) a few years ago. The dust collection on the Kapex is miles ahead of the Dewalt. I'm reminded of how good it is when i forget to have the dust extractor hooked up when i make a cut. It's a some saw still around the cutting area, but nothing like before.

Edit: Apologies, i have the Kapex 120. I cannot comment on the 60.

I had the DeWalt DWS 780, and it was definitely a chip and dust monster.  I monitored the air quality meter frequently when using the saw and had to stop when the dust count exceeded my threshold.  It took anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, or longer, before the dust content was low enough to resume cutting.  Now I have the KS 120 and can cut all day without stopping to allow the air scrubber to filter dust. 

 

[ChuckM]

I should add that I use a modified/stache boot -- which captures even more dust particles -- when I have a lot of trench (dado) cuts to make.

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Someone has done and shared a few thermal videos on this forum, showing that the Kapex captures more dust with sliding cuts than chopping cuts.

 

[oz_diy]

Thanks, it looks like the 120 is winning.
Has anyone experienced the new 18v against the 120. They may have improved the disign of the dust extraction.

 

[ChuckM]

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Start from 15:00 or so. (The saw was hooked to a dust extractor.)

The plastic boot on the KSC looks the same as the one on the KS 60, but completely different from the one on the 120 as the KS/KSC's is thinner and narrower. I suppose the KSC 60 and KS 60 have the same d.c. design based on their photos.