Extension wings for Kapex

[nclemmons]

I received a Kapex with the Crown Moulding extensions and the MFT Kapex and saw an opportunity to make table extensions by using the Crown Moulding wings for attachment points.

The materials used were 3/4 baltic bitch plywood, two strips of 1" x 3/4"x 40" for a fence, and some aluminum bar and angle stock and a few screws.  The extension wings are 36 x 10 inches on each side.  You can easily make them whatever length or width you choose.

The crown extension wings have holes already pre-drilled for attachment points from which you can attach 1/4 inch x 1 inch x 8 inch aluminum strips.  Those are then screwed to the plywood extensions with 1/8 x 2" spacers to make the table flush with the extension wings.  I did have to countersink the screws in the top of the crown extension wings.  Other than that the saw and table are not modified.

Two angle iron braces run down to the cross braces on the MFT Kapex.  Where the angle hits the braces, I wrapped the angle with velcro padding so it doesn't scratch the cross braces.  i further cut a half round so it matches up with the braces and does not jump off when moving the table slightly.  I've found setup is about 2 minutes and stability is excellent.

One advantage of using this method is that you can easily register the fence to the Kapex or slide it forward slightly if you happen to have a secondary sacrificial fence on the saw for sawing small moulding, etc.

Finished with two coats of water based poly.  I still need to attach a measuring tape to either side.  I have a clamp block that I attach to the fence for repetitive cuts.

Questions or comments welcome.  If you need further details or dimensions, let me know -

neil

 

[Warrior]

Neil,

Nice. I made some wings as well but your method of attaching to the extensions is better.

Eiji

 

[Bill Wyko]

Nice  job. Really makes me want a Kapex even more. :-\

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Very cool Neil
Hey, have you thought about using this setup for an MFT/3 table extension as well?

Greg

 

[nclemmons]

Hey Greg -

I just tried it.  Yes the extension wings will attach to the V-groove on the MFT3 or MFT Kapex as well and align perfectly with the top of the MFT table. 

Of course the angle braces would have to be adjusted to fit the leg brace in that mode. 

But I can see that buying a Kapex crown adapter to use for an extension adapter on the MFT is a great way to take advantage of the V-groove attachment points and give you a lot of flexibility on where you can use it.  No doubt Festool has many plans for that attachment method for other accessories.

Thanks for pointing that idea out!

neil

 

[Frank Pellow]

Well done Neil!  I don't have a Kapex or an MFT/3 , but if I did I am reasonably sure that I would be copying what you have done.  And you have documented it well enough that I could do so.

 

[dtapking]

Very interesting.  I would appreciate seeing a closeup photo of how you did this.  I have a "SawHelper" Ultra fence form a previous setup that I would like to configure to this.  $80 for the attachment points is a bit steep from SawHelper.

Thanks
Doug
d.tapking@verizon.net

 

[Eli]

Awesome job.

So that you guys have the info (if it will help), the fences attach via a t nut and knob that come up through the hole at the back of the crown molding wing. They attach to a track on the underside of the extension extrusion (mouthful).

 

[nclemmons]

Doug -

Not sure I understand your question.  The extension wings have two holes in them and I just used two pieces of Aluminum and screws to attach to those holes and then attach the wood extensions from there.

As an FYI, I've since remade the outrigger braces - made them adjustable to the floor with wooden extension legs that fold up and clip on the bottom of the extension wings - for easier portability plus they now work on my MFT/3 table for extensions when cutting long pieces on it.  I'll post photos a bit later.  I also added stick on tape to the back rail for fast cutoffs to specific lengths.

Let me know if I'm not clear and you need more detail. After seeing the price of $700 on the Kapex extensions coming soon, I think making your own is a great alternative.

neil

 

[dtapking]

Neil:

Thanks for the help.  Of course after I posted, I found the photos of your conversion

I am attempting to adapt my Saw helper to the Kapex.  After seeing your conversion, I have an Idea on how  to make one.  I will send some photos if it works.

Doug

 

[nclemmons]

I had a private message asking questions about a few more photos, so am including them here:

I ended up changing the outriggers to be supported from the ground rather than being counter-levered from the kapex stand base.

Additional photos below showing more photos on how the Kapex crown stops are attached as well as the new support legs that fold down and latch in place for transport.

neil

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Kind of sad that the Festool staff responsible for the webside botched things up so many of the photo resources are lost now. That after the people to the not inconsiderable effort to put them up.