How to over-ride the detents in the Kapex

[MrMac]

On a job this week, and I had to make several cuts very near to 45 degrees. I was setting the saw laser to line up with the angle finder, and many of the angles that I needed were not quite 45 degrees, but just a little bit more or less.

The problem that I am having is that when I get close to the 45 degree setting the "arm" snaps into the 45 degree detent. I find that it takes two hands to move the "arm" (probably the wrong term) as it's quite stiff. Yes I had the lock knob in the up position! first thing I checked

I hold the angle finder with one hand and attempt to move the arm with a few light bumps from my other hand so as to line up with the laser. Is there a setting or something on the saw that I can activate that will prevent the arm from snapping into the detent?

Thanks

Laurie

www.Lauriescustomfinishing.ca

 

[Frank-Jan]

There is no on/off detent-override feature on the kapex like on some other mitersaws, you need to keep the springloaded lever on the the lock knob squeezed. So for finetuning very near to a detent you need to hands on the handle (one for the squeezing and one for the bumping).

 

[mastercabman]

That is one thing i wish Festool would improve,The miter table.

 

[peter halle]

Wow!  My lasers work!  I mainly work outside and do not use the lasers, but after reading this post I went down to living room where my Kapex sits currently.

Sorry honey.  I didn't like that centerpiece on the coffee table, so I thought that this would be more appropriate.

I also use the two handed bump procedure.  I lightly clamp the angle divider to the table making sure that the laser bisects the pivoting screw.  I found it easier to adjust towards the detent versus away from the detent.

Everyone will have their opinions regarding miter tables, after using mine for over a year, I like the stiffness or as Dan Clark says "sticktion".  I can not even imagine how many times I have rotated and cut without locking down the angle.  I wouldn't suggest this to others, but I know that it happens to me all the time.

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

There's a simple solution here, throw that stupid angle finder away and use two hands on the saw. [tongue]

 

[MrMac]

Ok, I guess I'm just still used to my older saw I suppose it's something that I'll get used to and not even think about it. But for now I'll just whine LOL

thanks!

 

[BTDT]

Mr. Mac,

I saw your posts about the clamps on the Kapex and I agree that they are the cat's meow. I use them all the time to clamp my angle finder so that I have both hands free to make adjustments. Like Peter, I mainly use my Kapex inside but not in my living room!

Brad