Bosch and Festool Mitre Saw parts COEXIST!

[BigDan]

So, My brother got a festool Kapex 120 and I was dying of FOMO (fear of missing out) or envy.  Not sure, pick the one that makes you feel better....  I have an excellent Bosch 12SD and consider it the "next best thing."  However, after using the Kapex, I realized the differences was for me the dust collection and hold downs.  Both of those were almost big enough of a delta that I considered replacing my 4 year old Bosch with a Kapex.  Then I tried to save a few bucks and bought a Kapex Hold-down and realized it works on my Bosch just as well as it does on the Kapex.  YAY! Win for me. So immediately, I ordered another. At that point, I realize the dust collection on the Bosch was still atrocious...  My son previously ordered a 3d Printed system from (Shop Nation on youtube and no Im not sponsored... just sourcing parts) and he cant stop talking about how excellent it is for dust collection so I ordered it. 

Im very happy with my Bosch Mitre Saw now as I dont consider it "vastly inferior" and it's still less than half the cost of the KAPEX after the upgrades. To me there are no glaring features missing from the Bosch now but I must say, it took $190 in Festool parts (two material hold downs) and $50 in Dust collection upgrades to make it closer to what I would have wanted from the KAPEX.

If you are still reading, and considering whether to buy a Kapex or Bosch (believe many are in this category), know there's an alternative option to help make your decision. 

Cheers,
D

 

[ChuckM]

Yes, the Kapex QR hold-down is awesome and worth the investment -- because you'll actually use it, unlike the screw-type clamps.

Does your Bosch have the laser lines or the shadow lines? Some people say shadows are better.

 

[BigDan]

Chuck I use the shadow line from a cheap laser disc "doohickey" from Amazon (look up Oshlun Miter Laser).  It has a centrifugal switch to light against the blade.  Battery lasts me about 6 months as Im in the shop most weekends. Seems to meet my needs well enough.

By the way, you are right... I find myself using that hold down all the time and am very happy with it's convenience.

Cheers,
D

 

[cpw]

I use the same hold down on my Dewalt SCMS.  Everyone is absolutely right that you'll use the Kapex version, but not the screw version.

Shopnation also makes a dust collection thing for Dewalt, which definitely seems to be a bit of an improvement.  I have managed to mess up the bit of flexible material that comes down from the blade guard though.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I cut off the back section of my Kapex hold downs up to the first rib, so I can now swing it roughly 45 degrees either side to hold shorter stock without it getting in the way.

 

[smorgasbord]

I returned the ShopNation dust collection things for my 12” Bosch glider because it doesn’t work with thick boards or a tall fence/fence insert.

 

[Mini Me]

We should all do what makes for a safe and confident working environment but having said that I have never used any hold down supplied with the saw. I suppose that when I started using a mitre saw they might not have been supplied or had been lost so hand holding just became normal or if that looked dangerous a bridge clamp using a couple of bits of wood always works for me.

 

[ChuckM]

I don't have the current statistics, but last time I checked, the miter saw was listed as the machine causing the most injuries after the table saw on the OSHA site. This site seems to suggest something similar:https://www.wwgoa.com/post/shop-accident-statistics-woodworking-safety

The Kapex hold-down clamp and/or Fastcap 10-milllion dollar stick are constantly employed whenever I use the Kapex. I also use bridge battens with the hold-down clamp where applicable instead of the stick. Rarely do I secure a stock with my non-dominant hand unless the stock is long enough for me to hook my fingers against the edge of the fence.

Yeah, I see a lot of YouTubers holding down a workpiece inside the "Danger/Warning" zone while making their cuts. Their hand, their call.

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