Kapex 120 EB -- Is it time to replace the brushes?

[ChuckM]

Question for Kapex 120 owners or users who have replaced their brushes.

Here's a pic of the brushes. Should I replace the brushes now or how long will they still be good for? They are about $40 Cdn a pair.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

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[Michael Kellough]

LOTS of life left in those brushes. You can see that the coil spring that hauls the carbon to the commutator can travel all the way down the slot in the brass sleeve. So, it’s got a long way to go.

 

[ChuckM]

Thanks, Michael, for pointing out what I should look at for their estimated remaining lifespan. I'll put a reminder for the next checking in 2025 (summer).

 

[Doug S]

The saw cuts out when the brushes get to a certain wear level, I changed mine last year when my saw stopped working, easy fix. 

I guess you could always get some in ready for when it happens.

Here's a photo of mine to show old versus new for comparison, you can see the little bit that springs out to break connection when they get low.

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[Michael Kellough]

Very helpful photos Doug has posted. On the left you can see that the coil spring has reached the bottom of the slot. Chuck’s still has a long way to go.

The middle pic shows the brilliant safety cut out. Protects the commutator from being scratched by the brass spring. I wasn’t sure the Kapex brushes had that. I first saw it when my first gen. MIDI cut out and was impressed.

With this type of brushes I doubt Kapex problems are due to the condition of brushes until the last couple of cuts, and then it will just stop. Smoking is due to something else.

 

[ChuckM]

The saw cuts out when the brushes get to a certain wear level, I changed mine last year when my saw stopped working, easy fix. 

I guess you could always get some in ready for when it happens.
Snip.

Great pics there, and thanks!

I should still be safe as there seems to be at least 1/3 of the brushes left, based on your photo in the middle. Given that Festool prices are going up every year and there may be a waiting time for the parts to arrive, I'll get a pair in.

 

[ChuckM]

Very helpful photos Doug has posted. On the left you can see that the coil spring has reached the bottom of the slot. Chuck’s still has a long way to go.

Good observation.

I'll remove the brushes and have a look at the brushes, as suggested by Chris Wong in a separate correspondence.

Update: Photos show what are left.

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