I want to buy either Festool Kapex or new Bosch dual-bevel glide, Opinions ?

I have te KAPEX and I really like it.

I've only watched the review of the Bosch. I'd say it's interesting and they've introduced several good features. Just to look at it, I'd question whether it is intended for high precision (not a judgement ... just a curiosity).

It'll be interesting to hear the comments of anyone that's had the opprportunity to get "hands on" with it.

Surprisingly they're almost giving these away here ... $AU1,049 with a stand and 3 extra blades (compared to $1,850 for the bare KAPEX).
 
Welcome to the forum!

Just a reminder that you can get the Kapex and have a full 30 days to put it through its paces. If you don't think it meets your expectations, just return it for a no hassles refund.

Obviously I'm partial, but if you read the reviews on some of the major online retailers you'll see people who bought the Bosch returned it and got the Kapex. If you have the opportunity, use them both and I have little doubt that the Kapex will be your choice. And, for the record, I've used the Bosch.

If I can answer any questions for you or be of assistance, please feel free to contact me - sho@festoolusa.com.

Thank you,
Shane Holland
Festool USA
 
If you need a boat anchor, get the bosch. 

I would buy another Kapex with out thinking twice about it.
 
I've used both saws and while I like the glide mechanism, it's still a Bosch saw similar to previous models in every other aspect.  If you like Bosch saws and don't mind the size and weight, it is cheaper than the Kapex.  I would choose the Kapex for myself, between those two models due to cut quality, ease of use, lighter transport weight, compactness and dust reduction when used with the CT.  I still think for the kind of money being charged for the Kapex, it should come with a work piece light.
 
I have the Kapex and absolutely love it.  All the actions are smooth and the cut is perfect.
 
I have and love the Kapex, but seeing this is the Festool Owners Group....

I wonder what the BOG has to say?  Is there a BOG?
 
I have kapex and recently played with the glide at a show, I love my kapex it's amazing but the glide is smoother too pull back and forward, not sure if that's a good or bad thing but on another note it's HUGE and the dust shroud is half the size of the kapex and is paper thin and the stand with the wheels for it are ridiculous need a separate van just for it lol [tongue]. Get a kapex is my opinion
 
Hi jbc,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Here is another short thread on the topic.

BTW, I have a Kapex and it  is reeeaaally sweet. Don't know how it compares in actual use to the Bosch.

Seth
 
I have an older Bosch,5412 I think, and recently purchased the Kapex. I went and checked out the new Bosch and wasn't sufficiently impressed. The reason I went for a new chop saw is because my older Bosch weighs a ton. I'm just too tired of lugging that monster around.
As someone else mentioned the new Bosch is very similar to the older models. I honestly looked at it and played with it and didn't find any great improvement in it. Sure the glide is better, it looks newer and different, etc. but overall the components, feel, etc were very similar to my existing Bosch. And yes the new one weighed a ton just like the old one.
The price of the Kapex is a bit of a disgrace. You just have to close your eyes and forget about it. One of the great features of the Kapex is its simplicity and lack of add on fu fu. You look at other brand chop saws and there's all kinds of stuff going on. The Kapex is simple and boring looking but it gets the job done better. DC is great and the lack of weight is the real winner. Festool does need to make some improvements though in order to stay competitive over time.
If this will be a shop saw, buy the Bosch and use the extra money for whatever else. If this will be a mobile saw buy the Kapex and pucker up.
 
I had the 2 kapexes  and returned them  for the glide. I was one of the guys who had problems with the initial release with manufacturing problems. Kapex is a great saw, the bosch is a great saw.  I would say if you want a lite saw buy the kapex if you want a stationary saw by the Bosch. I think they are different enough that they don't really compare well. One is much larger the other one much lighter. I do not move my saw around so the liteness of the kapex is of no value to me. I think if you know what you really need the choice is pretty straightforward, they're both good saws and both of them have their pluses and their minuses. I was going to do a write up of the Bosch but no one seemed to really want to have it so I didn't.  Being an ME I really could not resist the glide. I did find the the deflection of the arm in the glide to be less than the kapex over the the full translation distance. However with the correct technique I think it does not really matter. Just my 2 quickly  devaluing  cents.
 
I would try it a Kapex out on the 30 day trial and see how it works for you -- nothing to lose other than time if you decide it is not for you.  If you do not like it, return it and go with the Bosch. 

Scot
 
I need to agree with tallgrass, got the bosch and really enjoy it. Comming from no dust collection shop the bosch is sufficient however most tools being festool now its does fall short in that aspect. The size does not bother me one bit as it stays put but it nice to cross cut 15"and the glide is quite slick. Bit the real reason i bought it was the deal $800-20% off at home depot and free bosch radio that i sold for 180.00 so for $480.00 tax in the bosch was a no brainer
 
I have both. I use the Kapex for trim/crown and tend to grab it more often because it is much lighter. Use it with the Ultimate mitre stand that I built from Ron Paulks video.

The Bosch gets used for outdoor vinyl rails/columns 2x material and some tall trim. Mine is on the rise assist bosch stand and even with wheels I really don't like to take it on jobs but it has its place.
 
I just wanted to pipe up and say a thing.

I am surprised when I hear tradesmen moaning about the price of tools, and Festool stuff gets moaned about louder than any other. I am surprised doubly so to hear moaning about price here.

I currently run a DeWault 12" single bevel miter saw, and have been for about... crap like 15 years now. It has been a good little performer, and it has had all of it's limitations, heavy, dusty, stiff, etc. It will be replaced with a Kapex, soon.

The price difference between a Kapex and my second choice, a Makita slider, is about $600. I believe that Makita is a good saw, I also believe the Kapex is better. When I imagine using both for the next 10 years and try to put a value on the additional ease and function of a Kapex, for 10 years; and divide out the price difference over 10 years, 60 a year, honestly seems like a bargain.

A company like Festool that is seriously pushing the envelope in tool design, and employing folks for a living wage in their home country vs. exploiting cheap labor has real additional value to me as well beyond the value a better tool will bring over it's lifetime.

We all want good manufacturing jobs until it comes time to pony up and pay the extra cost associated with providing them. We all want kick ass tools until they cost more than the competition.

I want tools crafted by artists for artists, and when I find them I call that a bargain.
 
I have the Bosch glider I bought it just a couple of months ago It has all sorts of issues. the first one was returned to the retailer and the second has exactly the same faults as the first,

I have had someone from Bosch look at the saw and they did not have an answer for some of the issues although it does now cut vertically and squarely

it is still not right and needs to be replaced, so I cannot recommend the Bosch
 
Well although I had a Kapex and got rid of it, between those two saws I would say the kapex for sure.

A quick Google will show all the shortcomings of that particular Bosch saw.
 
Festoolfootstool said:
I have the Bosch glider I bought it just a couple of months ago It has all sorts of issues. the first one was returned to the retailer and the second has exactly the same faults as the first,

I have had someone from Bosch look at the saw and they did not have an answer for some of the issues although it does now cut vertically and squarely

it is still not right and needs to be replaced, so I cannot recommend the Bosch
Click to expand...
I'm glad to hear that the Kapex ( fence not flat, cuts not 90 degree) isn't the only brand with problems. MARK
 
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