getting ready to buy kapex, advice sought

[erikfsn]

So, I gather I should keep an eye on the turntable for scraping sounds as it swivels, any other thoughts?
I've heard something about a new handle coming out, is it out? If not will it soon? Should I wait for it?

Any advice welcomed,

I'm excited about getting the saw.

thanks,
Erik

 

[nickao]

Boy I do not even see the Kapex lovers jumping in here so I will put in my two cents.

WAIT, do not purchase the saw now.

I do not know anyone personally that did or does not have a problem with the saw. I have heard a few people on the net say they have not had ANY problems, but I have not met nor know anyone that has had no problems myself.

The lack of responses here seems to suggest people are nervous recommending it. I know the post is up for only 30 minutes, but if this was about an RO 150 I bet there would be numerous responses for the positive already.

I would wait on Festool to come out with an updated saw that specifically addresses the issues gone over in hundreds of posts here before I purchased or suggested anyone purchase the saw.

Reading what has been on this site how can anyone consider getting this saw in its current state?

I would not purchase it, period.

Nickao

 

[Daviddubya]

A good friend recently bought a Kapex from Bob Marino.  Bob checked out the table BEFORE he shipped it.  So far, no problems.  Bob told my friend he checked every Kapex he had in inventory, and none of them had a problem.

 

[Dan Clermont]

The dealer I had talked to regarding the KAPEX issues had 2 out of 70.

Mine arrives tomorrow and IF the table scrapes I'll order the necessary parts and replace them myself

Dan Clermont

 

[Greg in Memphis]

I happen to be one of those lucky people that Nick is talking about who is completely satisfied with my Kapex and has not had one bit of trouble (other than the price) since I bought it.

Just to be on the safe side though, maybe you shouldn't hang out with Nick too much after you buy it.

I would suggest a 36mm hose instead of the 27mm. The 36mm just seems to collect more dust. About 95 percent or better compared to 85-90 percent.

You may want to consider a dedicated shop-vac for it. The saw pretty much filled up my CT-22 dust bag with sawdust after a week or so of home use.

The handle takes some getting used to, but not that much. I kinda follow the opinion that a handle in line with the saw blade will have less deflection on the cut. Besides, it makes it easier to cut left or right handed.

This saw really packs a punch for it's size and weight. I don't have enough room in my shop to keep a SCMS just sitting out all the time, and can appreciate being able to put it up on a shelf easily when I need room for something else. This was a major consideration for me and my small shop.

I would recommend this saw for it's accuracy, capacity, quality, ease of use and size. I have had zero regrets.

This is not a saw I would loan out though. It's not the type of saw you can just chuck in the back of your truck and let bang around. Functional, yes. Accurate, you bet. Robust, eh...time will tell.

Good luck on your decision

Greg

 

[nickao]

Now wait a minute Greg I never said I wouldn't want to borrow his once he got it.

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Easy bubba...
I was kinda seeing a trend there. Better safe than sorry.

Greg

 

[honeydoman]

erik,

if you read the kapex problem poll thread you will see that the problem arises sometimes in the very beginning right out of the box, sometimes after a few turns and sometimes after lots of turns the scrapping starts, even with the new plate.

I went through 4 and have none at this time.  festool backs up the saw 100%.  if you get one now, use it a lot and check it out for skew cutting, squareness, bevel action and of course the scraping.  which is being addressed.

you can either buy one now. or wait several months or longer for a retooled version, if that happens.  while I had the saw I really loved it.  but for the price it had to many problems and I waisted over $700.00 in MY time setting up and then putting everything back in my van to return the saw to woodcraft, 45 minute drive to and 45 back, 5 times had to do this with hours wasted.

I am supposed to be getting one more that has been promised to me that it has been completley checkout......... time will tell.

so make your decision based on this thread and the problem poll..  I'd say it is a 50 50 toss up..  I know lots of people all over the country who had to return their saw... and lots who are waiting.  and 9 people who did not buy saws due to scraping issues... (9 personal friends)    once the issues are fixed then the saw is great.

 

[nclemmons]

I have a Kapex and have been very pleased with it.  No scraping or other issues.

I have seen a lot of the issues discussed.  I purchased mine when it was new and perhaps I was a fortunate one.  But everything I've read suggests Festool is standing by and addressing ANY issues on individual saws.

It does a great job and is very accurate.  As an example of the accuracy, here is a jewelry box made with the Kapex. http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=5018.0 

I upgraded from a 8" Hitachi and the difference is amazing.  If you are in need of a great saw, I can recommend it personally.

neil

 

[Steve Jones]

On the other hand.....

Since Festool is re-designing the Kapex, because the current "fix" actually tries to maintain a fine balance between the original problem (table sliding while locked, too much clearance on the lock) and the problem recently found after the US release (lock now too tight) you might want to wait. You might be disappointed to purchase a saw that expensive and then find it's been replaced by a new design.

 

[MiterMaster]

On the other hand.....

Since Festool is re-designing the Kapex, because the current "fix" actually tries to maintain a fine balance between the original problem (table sliding while locked, too much clearance on the lock) and the problem recently found after the US release (lock now too tight) you might want to wait. You might be disappointed to purchase a saw that expensive and then find it's been replaced by a new design.

Where did you hear of this information that Festool will be re-designing the Kapex?  The only thing I heard that may be in the works is a new handle, but that's a far cry from a complete re-design of the saw, where did you get this information?

Mike 

 

[Ivans Dad]

I too have not had any problems with my kapex.  The local woodcraft had 48 in stock and when the problem arose a festool rep came out and took each one out of the box to make sure they were ok.  I bought mine right when they came out and I love it!  Since the problem seems to happen almost right away I would suggest getting one if you have the need right away. You have the 30 day money back guarantee and festool backs their stuff up 100%.

 

[nickao]

A new handle that fixes the problem is a re-design in my book. Even if just the handle is changed. Steve never said a complete redesign. Any change is a re-design of an original design.

I think his point was why buy the current kapex when a saw with an updated handle may not give you any potential problems that have already been clearly  documented with the current design and I agree.

I do beg to differ on the time line of the problems mine and many others problems started well after a week or two. If you do not use the saw a lot right away that is clearly an indication you should wait.

 

[MiterMaster]

A new handle that fixes the problem is a re-design in my book. Even if just the handle is changed. Steve never said a complete redesign. Any change is a re-design of an original design.

I think his point was why buy the current kapex when a saw with an updated handle may not give you any potential problems that have already been clearly  documented with the current design and I agree.

I do beg to differ on the time line of the problems mine and many others problems started well after a week or two. If you do not use the saw a lot right away that is clearly an indication you should wait.

I do not want to turn this into a debate, we all have our own opinions & to me a new handle would not classify as a re-design.  Also, I do not see what the handle has to do with anything - the new spring plate solves the issue of the grinding, the handle has nothing to do with it.

Lastly, no one knows for certain if any design changes are even going to be made to the Kapex - this is all speculation.  So, those that are waiting for a re-design may end up waiting for a long, long while..... 

Mike

 

[nickao]

Well you said it, semantics. I thought it was clear the handle along with or the actual mechanism that is failing is what we were talking about. The " handle" was referring to the sticking miter movement, at least that's what I took it to mean.

If its speculation I guess I will never get a Kapex as three is enough for me to try. A good company like Festool is not going to just let this slide without a redesign of the problem parts. I am confident they will address it and we all will hear about the positive things they did and parts they improved to rectify the situation.

I just do not see them letting things stay as they are.

Nickao

 

[MiterMaster]

A good company like Festool is not going to just let this slide without a redesign of the problem parts. I am confident they will address it and we all will hear about the positive things they did and parts they improved to rectify the situation.
Nickao

From what I understand the problem part was the spring plate being too tight, which ends up scrapping on the miter scale.  This has already been corrected with a revised spring plate which provides enough clearance as to not scrape the miter scale, but does provide enough clamping pressure when the handle is locked down to hold it in place. 

Mike

 

[nickao]

Hey Miter does that yellow  face ever smile?  ;D

Well I guess they have not quite licked the problem hopefully they do, there are a lot of nice features of the saw. I still think they would sell double the units if they reduced the price buy 30%.

Nickao

 

[erikfsn]

Hmmm, okay, it's completely clear now to me as to whether to buy now or later . . .
??? :-\

 

[MiterMaster]

Hmmm, okay, it's completely clear now to me as to whether to buy now or later . . .
??? :-\

Just get it now, it is a very nice saw.  If you happen to get a bad one, Festool will take care of you.  Also, Festool holds its value very well, so if they ever do release an updated, dare I say re-designed version, just sell the original on eBay, and buy the revised one.

Mike

 

[nickao]

I have no animosity toward you at all Miter, I am just disagreeing vehemently.

My recommendation:

Get the Makita and use the extra money for a domino.  A domino and the best performing miter saw with a track record, for the same price as the Kapex, its a no brainer.

A fully functional kapex with no issues would be nice. I still have reservations that even with no issues that the Kapex is worth putting off an additional tool purchase. If you have time and do not need an extra tool or two, take a chance and go for it.

I saw nothing on the kapex that warranted 1300.00. I do see why an RO 150 or a domino is worth the coin, but not the Kapex in its current form.

Admission of a Festool addict.