Bob Marino
Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,263
For those that missed it; this is Festool's anouncemnet/statement/explanation sent via email to Festool dealers, regarding the " scraping" on the Kapex. This took some time, because Festool wanted to properly research and test, using every and all means at hand, so they can make the statement with confidence.
Bob
Kapex technical issue:
A technical issue has become apparent simultaneously and coincidentally with the U.S. market launch. The issue involves the free movement of the table of the saw through the full miter range. We have recently concluded that the clearance of the locking mechanism is creating an operational issue.
Abnormal operation:
When the Kapex miter lock is engaged, the saw can lock infinitely to any miter angle throughout the entire range. This is accomplished by a post that rides on the top of the scale and a spring steel plate that engages the bottom of the miter scale. To allow free movement throughout the radius of that scale when the handle is unlocked, there must be a gap present between the spring steel plate (black plate under the handle) and the bottom of the miter scale. This gap should be between 0.2mm and 0.4mm, measuring between the spring steel plate and bottom of the miter scale when unlocked. Too much gap between the spring steel plate and the miter scale will prevent the saw from locking aggressively as it was designed.
Normal operation:
1. The miter lock handle is shipped in the locked position. The Kapex utilizes a cam action lock to firmly secure the saw to the desired miter angle. To release the lock, the handle should be pulled firmly upward until the lock is disengaged. This motion can be felt and heard.
2. Once unlocked it is possible to move the saw through the entire miter range from 50? left to 60? right. During this movement it is possible to encounter an audible and definitive clicking sound as the saw is engaging the miter presets across the range. To avoid engaging the stops and the related sound, the lock handle is equipped with a detent override that allows the saw to bypass these stops.
Resolution:
This issue does not affect every saw. We have already examined all units in our inventory for this issue. Saws that measured a gap of less than 0.2mm were less than 4% of our total inventory. We will continue to monitor and inspect incoming units. Our production line in Germany is duplicating this effort as well at the production line. In addition our sales force has already spot examined and corrected units that dealers already received prior to the discovery of this issue.
If you or your customer experiences this difficulty, please contact us immediately.
1. Contact your RSM to arrange in field service. They may be able to arrange a visit to update any units with new spring steel plates which are arriving this next week and can service tools in your inventory.
2. Contact Festool Service at 800-554-8741 to arrange obtaining a free replacement spring steel plate or to arrange repair. This repair is covered under warranty and will be performed, to include shipping, free of charge.
The Kapex has already been on the global market for nearly a year before launching in the U.S. This issue was not present until this time and is a recent development. Corrections have been made in production and this issue should be fully resolved soon.
Bob
Kapex technical issue:
A technical issue has become apparent simultaneously and coincidentally with the U.S. market launch. The issue involves the free movement of the table of the saw through the full miter range. We have recently concluded that the clearance of the locking mechanism is creating an operational issue.
Abnormal operation:
When the Kapex miter lock is engaged, the saw can lock infinitely to any miter angle throughout the entire range. This is accomplished by a post that rides on the top of the scale and a spring steel plate that engages the bottom of the miter scale. To allow free movement throughout the radius of that scale when the handle is unlocked, there must be a gap present between the spring steel plate (black plate under the handle) and the bottom of the miter scale. This gap should be between 0.2mm and 0.4mm, measuring between the spring steel plate and bottom of the miter scale when unlocked. Too much gap between the spring steel plate and the miter scale will prevent the saw from locking aggressively as it was designed.
Normal operation:
1. The miter lock handle is shipped in the locked position. The Kapex utilizes a cam action lock to firmly secure the saw to the desired miter angle. To release the lock, the handle should be pulled firmly upward until the lock is disengaged. This motion can be felt and heard.
2. Once unlocked it is possible to move the saw through the entire miter range from 50? left to 60? right. During this movement it is possible to encounter an audible and definitive clicking sound as the saw is engaging the miter presets across the range. To avoid engaging the stops and the related sound, the lock handle is equipped with a detent override that allows the saw to bypass these stops.
Resolution:
This issue does not affect every saw. We have already examined all units in our inventory for this issue. Saws that measured a gap of less than 0.2mm were less than 4% of our total inventory. We will continue to monitor and inspect incoming units. Our production line in Germany is duplicating this effort as well at the production line. In addition our sales force has already spot examined and corrected units that dealers already received prior to the discovery of this issue.
If you or your customer experiences this difficulty, please contact us immediately.
1. Contact your RSM to arrange in field service. They may be able to arrange a visit to update any units with new spring steel plates which are arriving this next week and can service tools in your inventory.
2. Contact Festool Service at 800-554-8741 to arrange obtaining a free replacement spring steel plate or to arrange repair. This repair is covered under warranty and will be performed, to include shipping, free of charge.
The Kapex has already been on the global market for nearly a year before launching in the U.S. This issue was not present until this time and is a recent development. Corrections have been made in production and this issue should be fully resolved soon.
