Hard to lower the saw head on my kapex

WarnerConstCo.

WarnerConstCo.

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Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
4,205
I probably made a couple hundred cuts today with my Kapex and I was having some issues getting the head to drop down.

I had to really force it to get it to come out of it's idle position.

I see the big spring and the metal arm thing that seems to relate to dropping the saw head.

Is there something I need to lube or adjust to get it back to moving like it did?

I am going to get it out later and clean it up well and go over it.

It was to the point today that I was getting frustrated with it and I almost got upset and then I would have beat on it with a hammer or something. [big grin]

Thanks.
 
I have the same problem with mine and i have heard of other people with same thing that use it a lot every day. When mine starts sticking i spray the metal arm and little roller with silicone spray, it seems like the little roller doesn't want to spin. After i do that it fixes the problem for a while.
 
I'm checking with the service department and will report back. I've not heard of this problem for what it's worth.
 
Darcy,

Check out the mechanism that retracts the clear plastic safety guard.  Mine gave me fits early on, and I had to complete a "field repair"  most definitely not approved by Festool.  If I recall correctly, there's an articulating arm that extended a bit too far.  Just a thought.

Dan
 
Mine was doing that also. The metal hook thingy ( I don't know what it's called) on the top of the saw has a little black roller under it and mine was seized. I cleaned it real good and lubed it and it's been fine ever since.
 
Dan Rush said:
Darcy,

Check out the mechanism that retracts the clear plastic safety guard.  Mine gave me fits early on, and I had to complete a "field repair"  most definitely not approved by Festool.  If I recall correctly, there's an articulating arm that extended a bit too far.  Just a thought.

Dan
Click to expand...

Where that arm hits that roller bearing, it has mushroomed a little bit.
Between that and the pin that releases the blade guard is what is causing the hang up.

If only that can of Jig-a-loo didn't explode in my trailer.
 
Not just an issue with your Kapex. Or Festool specific !  I had the same happening on 3 bosch miter saws.... But never with my Kapex, but then on the other hand, I only used my Kapex for about 6 months before I closed my shop and sold it.
 
Darcy,

I checked with the guys in service, and they said exactly what was mentioned already by other users: to lubricate that roller. However, if the mechanism is mushroomed, I would recommend you send it into service to get it repaired while it's under warranty. The process of replacing that mechanism requires a lot of disassembly. In talking with you at the Katz Roadshow, it sounded like you were going to send it in anyway so hopefully this won't be a huge inconvenience.

Shane
 
Thanks Shane.  Good info.
Could you show us where the roller is on a parts diagram?  I'm slow in visualizing what we are talking about.
Thanks,
Jess
 
Jesse,

For some reason, my computer is having trouble with the parts catalog now. But, here's a photo.

[attachimg=#1]

The metal bracket rides on this roller and controls the operation of the blade guard among other things. If it gets gummed up, it can stop rolling freely and cause problems with the movement. Likewise, if the bracket itself gets damaged or bent, it could cause problems.  This is based on my understanding of the explanation given by service. If you're having trouble with your Kapex, which as I understand it this is not a common problem, I would recommend contacting the service department for assistance.
 
Shane Holland said:
Darcy,

I checked with the guys in service, and they said exactly what was mentioned already by other users: to lubricate that roller. However, if the mechanism is mushroomed, I would recommend you send it into service to get it repaired while it's under warranty. The process of replacing that mechanism requires a lot of disassembly. In talking with you at the Katz Roadshow, it sounded like you were going to send it in anyway so hopefully this won't be a huge inconvenience.

Shane
Click to expand...

One day before the end of the year, if I have time and the old lady let's me, I will just bring it down.

My kapex needs it's tires rotated and balanced, a couple new filters and to get the chassis greased. [big grin]

I can get by with it for a while, I cleaned it up back there by the roller and lubed it a bit.

It is working fine enough for me, we will see if it does it again after 6 bedrooms and 3 baths worth of crown.

Thanks Shane!!
 
This thread illustrates just how great the FOG is.
Firstly the problem is presented without malice, thanks Darcy.
Secondly a few nice guys rally round with good advice, thumbs up for that.
Thirdly, a considered and appropriate solution is found with the added info regarding the mentioned detail (mushrooming wise).

As a new Kapex owner this is both a heads up and solution orientated situation, if I have a similar experience I will have a good idea as to how to overcome it, failing that.... who to turn to for the advice. ;D

Thanks,

Rob.

P.S. For the lubrication are we talking light machine oil such as that sold for sewing machines or what ? Not too happy with useing silicone based sprays in my 'shop.
 
Well put Rob-GB.  Good thread. 
I haven't had this problem, but I'm ready for it if I do!
 
Hello this is my first post but I've been reading this one with interest. My other Festool products have been fine, but this Kapex has been giving me fits. I've only had it three weeks now, but I've had the really nasty grinding on miter turns. I fixed that, but now I have the catching hard when trying to lower the saw. I've only done one siding job and trim work on one house. I love this saw but this is starting to worry me. What I noticed, if you look up into the right side of blade just under and through by the laser, you can see a short piece of metal stock sticking out toward the blade. This moves when you squeeze the trigger and is apparently part of the release. When I pull the trigger just to lower the saw it barely moves and it's hard to lower.  I can stick a small screwdriver in there and move the lever more and it lowers easily. I did notice if I push both trigger and start lock before lowering the saw, it also moves that lever farther and also easier to lower. I usually always just lower my blade before I start the blade as I've done with all my miter saws. My thought is possibly the trigger release is not adjusted right and not releasing the lock???  I did go to trade for another one where I bought it, but they didn't really want to do that, but before this thirty days is up ill probably force the issue. I think I may have lemon??? I would like this saw to work as it has so much potential for my needs.  Has anyone else looked into the possibility of the trigger mechanism being the culprit?

Jerry
 
Jerry et al,

While it may be interesting to get the opinions of the forum members on a problem you're having with your tool, I would ask that you rely on our very efficient, well-trained service department to assist you in troubleshooting and resolving these types of issues. If you email me your phone number and a convenient time for you, I'll even have someone call you directly. Otherwise, call the number below in my signature for assistance.

PS - Welcome to the forum!

Thanks,
Shane Holland
Festool USA
 
As a follow up, Shane was great by getting me in touch with Lester in service and spoke with him on the problem.
I live close so I was able to take my saw by and leave it with them. As it was though, I had a great time looking at all the goodies
they have on display. I had the privilege of meeting Rick Bush, product manager, and he gave me a nice demonstration of the OF-2200 I had
just bought and hadn't had a chance to use yet as well as some other things they had. Great experience, I had a nice time. And while all that
was going on, Lester comes out with my Kapex like new again, fixed! Their service far exceeds anywhere else I've been. Got to peek in on the class
they were having, going to sign up for the next one if possible. ;D
Thanks again, Jerry
 
I can get my Kapex to lower ok,  but for the last couple of days when it starts to cut there is a strange movement that takes place when the blade meets the wood. .  The right side of the left cut piece is smooth as silk,  however the left newly cut end of the right piece is rough, splintered, and ugly.  I tried to explain this to my Dealer and he said my blade was dull.  My saw was new in April,  it had June and July off while I got a new hip replacement,  and it cuts only new wood as I am a retired hobbiest and it also recieves TLC.  So now I'm waiting on a new blade that I purchased and will be interested to see how long it will last.  If anyone has any issues like this please advise.
 
The siding job I did was fiber cement board. I used the blade that came with the saw on setting two.
Not a huge job,but a 1000sf home including trim. I'm still using that same blade to cut some cabinet stock, still clean cuts.
If the new blade doesn't change, possible there's a blade mount issue causing slight out of round blade travel?
You could put a square or a nice flat piece of stock about a 16th away from blade, slowly rotate it by hand and see if there's
any wobble to it on the blade you have now to see if any warping might have occured. "unplugged of course"  [smile]
Just a humble suggestion.
 
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