Is a Kapex 120 EB a good deal at $600?

[Jeffcw11]

I have a guy that is selling a kapex 120 EB. He initially posted for $1000, but then dropped it to $800. I began interacting with him at that point. However, as I looked some more into the EB vs REB, I saw a lot of people knock the EB for motor failure issues.

Well, the guy selling must not be getting a lot of traction (probably partially because he is somewhat remote), and reached back out to me to see if he could make a deal with me. I told him what I found regarding the EB models, and he said he would be willing to drop it to $600. He is the second owner, says he has only used it lightly, and that it is in good shape. He isn't doing fine carpentry anymore, just rough stuff, and that is why he is selling. Obviously, I'd have to go look at it to confirm it's condition, but...

Good deal or not?

 

[onocoffee]

Um, what are you waiting for? GO GET IT!!!

For reference, yes there have been issues with the EB version of the KS120. They seem to mainly be around the EB saws made in 2015 (maybe some in 2014) to the end of run in 2019. IIRC, new armatures (that you would have to install yourself) are around $350, though when sent into Festool the repairs can run from $700 to more than the cost of a new REB. This is why I think it's prudent to learn the manufacture date and negotiate strongly if the saw is within that range.

As a comparison, over the past two years, the cheapest I've seen an EB being offered was in fall 2024 for a saw that was very heavily used in Philadelphia. That saw looked like it had been through a lot - the seller was asking $260. The next cheapest was recently (fall 2025) by a seller in New Jersey asking $400 for an EB that was disassembled. The seller reassured me that it worked - he just didn't have the time to put it back together.

The best deal was one that my friend beat me to by just a couple of minutes. A furniture maker in York, PA was selling his 2012 EB that was in excellent condition (being a fine furniture maker, he took very good care of his tools) and was switching to the 12" DeWalt because he wanted the deeper depth of cut. That saw was $500.

This makes your potential saw one of the best deals I've seen over the past 30 months. However, should you decide to pass (don't know why based on your assessment) and the seller is on the East Coast, you might consider passing his info along to me.

Like I said above: What are you waiting for? Good Luck!

 

[Duckler]

The OP posted his question on another forum a few days ago. I told him that the best straight advice could be found over here at FOG.
I am glad to see that my recommendation was heeded.

 

[Jeffcw11]

Thanks for the advice, both of you. I'm going to try and go look at it based on your assessment and hopefully snag it. FYI, the saw is located in the western US.

 

[festal]

Thats how much i paid for mine. Works great so far, it can die any moment but i'll deal with it if it happens

 

[ChuckS]

A) There're far more Kapex owners who are happy with their EB120s regardless of their years of make than otherwise.
B) If one day it dies on you, find the replacement instructions on this forum, buy the part and replace it yourself or with the help of a friend who is comfortable with that kind of chore.

Do check the saw for squareness and flatness and make a few straight and angle cuts before buying it. Good luck.

Someone suggested using the saw with a 20amp outlet. I don't know if that really matters, but I follow that advice and use the saw (20A) with an autoswitch and shop vaccum (on a 15A outlet). No smell, no smoke for a decade of use now -- I treat it as an adult, not a baby in terms of usage.

 

[Jeffcw11]

Got a picture of the plate. Looks like a 2008 saw, so I'm going to go check it out. Thanks again everyone.

 

[ChuckS]

Mine is 2015, working well with zero issues. The fence is square and table (bed) is as dead flat as it can be.

Also check the bevel dial control and laser. And, bring a trusted square and straight edge with you, if you can.

If everything checks out, bring your baby home!

 

[RJNeal]

Mine was purchased in 2008. I have zero problems with it.
Always used large gauge cords. I also make sure the saw is a full speed before cutting.

 

[kevinculle]

I bought a used 2009 vintage Kapex EB with UG cart and extensions in about 2014 for right around half of the then retail price. It has worked well for me with no motor related issues.

 

[Jeffcw11]

Well, I ended up getting it. Seems to function fine. Cuts square through the 3/4 in hickory he brought with him. Blade needs replaced, but otherwise, a good deal for $600 it seems. And he even drove it to me as he was heading this direction for the weekend, saving me 3+ hours of driving.

 

[ChuckS]

Sweet.

Now, browse this forum for all kinds of Kapex tricks and tips (better dust extraction, ZC fence and insert, chop cuts vs sliding cuts, etc.).

 

[luvmytoolz]

Nice! Love the KS120, for me it's been by far the most reliable and accurate SCMS I've ever owned.

 

[peter halle]

Well, I ended up getting it. Seems to function fine. Cuts square through the 3/4 in hickory he brought with him. Blade needs replaced, but otherwise, a good deal for $600 it seems. And he even drove it to me as he was heading this direction for the weekend, saving me 3+ hours of driving.

Since you need a new blade or one sharpened, if you go for a new blade, the set offered in North America as a set is a discount from 2 individual blades and it is always a good idea in my mind to have a general purpose blade and a fine blade. Part # 203150. I have cut everything on my saw since 2010 and generally use the general purpose blade that came on the saw, reserving the fine tooth for interior trim.

Peter

 

[ChuckS]

Nice! Love the KS120, for me it's been by far the most reliable and accurate SCMS I've ever owned.

Nothing can compare to it unless one is willing to spend even more money (for better precision but less features).