Festool KS 120 Mitre Saw - Plunge Release - hard to start the plunge

[BarrySumpter]

Festool Kapex KS 120 pdf page 11

To plunge the saw head down without starting the saw,
squeeze the power trigger, but do not press the trigger
lock.

It's been a couple of days since I've used the Kapex.

But today seems like it's really hard get the plunge started after pressing the plunge release.

Is it just me?
Or is it normal for the start of the plunge to be a bit hard to get started?

Could it be the constant cold low overnight temps having an affect?

 

[Birdhunter]

I have to depress both to drop the head. The trigger only slightly and just for a second.

 

[BarrySumpter]

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/kapex-problems/msg195728/#msg195728

 

[ChuckM]

Festool Kapex KS 120 pdf page 11

To plunge the saw head down without starting the saw,
squeeze the power trigger, but do not press the trigger
lock.

It's been a couple of days since I've used the Kapex.

But today seems like it's really hard get the plunge started after pressing the plunge release.

Is it just me?
Or is it normal for the start of the plunge to be a bit hard to get started?

Could it be the constant cold low overnight temps having an affect?

#1 - I can safely rule out the cold thing -- my shop can drop below -15C on a very cold winter night, and it has no effect on my Kapex (5 years old).

#2 - I went to the shop just now, and I could lower the saw with no issues by fully depressing the trigger alone (not the trigger lock on the top of the handle), just as outlined in the manual you quoted.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Thanks gents.
My research uncovered a series of very interesting videos.
In the video at 22 seconds shows the spring I think I need to lube.

As mentioned above in my previous post referencing:https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/kapex-problems/msg195728/#msg195728

The FOG member mentioned he used wd40 but suggested I use a different spray or lube.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.


If that doesn't work, I'll have a look at the plunge release power trigger.

 

[BarrySumpter]

#1 - I can safely rule out the cold thing -- my shop can drop below -15C on a very cold winter night, and it has no effect on my Kapex (5 years old).

#2 - I went to the shop just now, and I could lower the saw with no issues by fully depressing the trigger alone (not the trigger lock on the top of the handle), just as outlined in the manual you quoted.

I'm posting about 3c to 8c overnight.

Thanks for the effort and confirmation.
Much appreciated.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Well that didn't work.

Is there anything else on the Kapex 120 that would keep the head locked in the fully extended upright position?

 

[tjbnwi]

Well.....one of my bonehead moves was somehow I bumped the push pin that retains the head in the down position. I can tell you there is no way you'll drop the head it the push pin is in the slightest.

For lubricant on the spring, use Garage Door Lube. It is formulated for redundent springs. Lubricate the gaurd roller and linkage towrds the rear of the head. It does contain silicone so be careful with its application.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-9-3-oz-B-laster-Garage-Door-Lubricant-16-GDL/202532761

Tom

 

[BarrySumpter]

Thanks for that.

Just had a flash.
I can force it to come down.
Then lock it in the down position.
And just use it to push the blade forward and back.
Until I get it sorted.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Stumbled onto another post:https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/hard-to-lower-the-saw-head-on-my-kapex/

 

[BarrySumpter]

Sorted.

Colin from Festool Melbourne.
Excellent response time and content as always.

On the Kapex, it's the guard mechanism that locks the saw head in the fully up position. The trigger releases a small lock bolt that allows the guard to swing, which in turn allows the saw head to plunge.  Usually when this is becoming stiff it's caused by wear in the small roller near the dust extraction chute. 

You might find that spraying a small amount of spray grease into this roller frees it up enough to work well again, but if this doesn't help it may need to come back to our workshop for further investigation.

The circle is the original place Colin suggest where I first tried.
Didn't help the first three tries.

The arrow is where I tried to apply the wd40.
Then tested the plunge release.

And worked straight away.

Could have taken the WD40 a few seconds to lubricate the roller

HTH

 

[BarrySumpter]

https://ekat.festool.de/EKAT/jsp/ma...494263&k_ver=&k_lfdnr=&image=0&nodeId=current

Part 18 Swivel Lever
Part 76 Roller

 

[BarrySumpter]

roller

 

[tjbnwi]

Sorted.

Colin from Festool Melbourne.
Excellent response time and content as always.

On the Kapex, it's the guard mechanism that locks the saw head in the fully up position. The trigger releases a small lock bolt that allows the guard to swing, which in turn allows the saw head to plunge.  Usually when this is becoming stiff it's caused by wear in the small roller near the dust extraction chute. 

You might find that spraying a small amount of spray grease into this roller frees it up enough to work well again, but if this doesn't help it may need to come back to our workshop for further investigation.

The circle is the original place Colin suggest where I first tried.
Didn't help the first three tries.

The arrow is where I tried.
And worked straight away.

Could have taken the WD40 a few seconds to lubricate the roller

HTH

That is the roller and linkage I was refering to.

Get the GDL, works far better than WD-40 in this situation. Do a quaterly service on the spring and roller with the lube.

Tom

 

[BarrySumpter]

When you post about the spring,
is it Part 79 Leg spring?

[attachimg=1]

 

[ChuckM]

Sorted.
Snip.

The circle is the original place Colin suggest where I first tried.
Didn't help the first three tries.

The arrow is where I tried.
And worked straight away.

Could have taken the WD40 a few seconds to lubricate the roller

HTH

Good to know problem solved. The photo and the markings are instructive. I wish people who have complex questions to ask or solutions to share would follow your example.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Much appreciated.

Each year we have easier to access parts lists and photo uploads.
The parts list in my link is quite interactive.

And forums with dedicated informed active members like this one.
With fast response proprietary product support from Festool repairs.

A long way from "hook thingie" from a few years ago to specific parts list captured and modified pics of today. 
And thats with my limited knowledge.

To clarify, it's much easier today than a few years ago.

Sooooo relieved it's been sorted.

Thanks to all involved!

 

[Cheese]

I wish people who have complex questions to ask or solutions to share would follow your example.

+1  [smile]

 

[tjbnwi]

When you post about the spring,
is it Part 79 Leg spring?

[attachimg=1]

Yes.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

When you post about the spring,
is it Part 79 Leg spring?

[attachimg=1]

Yes.

While you're at it, lubricate your garage door springs, hinges and rollers....

Tom