Kapex 120 or Something Else?

[Mortiser]

I know this topic has had lots of coverage but I would like to ask these questions.
I’d really like to own a Kapex (I like its features) and update my original Hitachi Sliding Compound Mitre Saw. After reading many posts on FOG about Kapex issues, I’m nervous about the purchase.
Should I look toward something else like a Bosch Axial Glide?
If I decide to go the Kapex route, should I only pay full price for new with a 3-year warranty in light of the issues, or… would it be foolish to consider what appears to be a good used one at approximately a 33% lower price with no receipt and no warranty?
(I've seen the posts about fixing an armature issue and I could handle that myself if necessary.)
Looking for advice from those who have travelled this road.

 

[Cheese]

I’d keep my eyes open for a recon Kapex from Festool. They come up a lot. I know this fall Festool was selling them for either 30% or 40% off. They also come with a 1 year warranty. There were a couple of them available right before the holidays.

 

[duburban]

Axial glide is great saw. I’m interested in new Makita.

Are you a professional? How do you reason $2k on questionable saw?

 

[RKA]

Something else.

I like the saw and already own it and any problems that result.  But if I were buying today, I would not care to own a saw with a documented history of motor issues the manufacturer hasn’t acknowledged or addressed.  Maybe they have addressed it in the new version they are releasing across the pond later this year?

Fixing it yourself is fine, however, it may become a yearly exercise and you’re still paying top dollar for the saw compared to the alternatives.

 

[harry_]

I have one I purchased new and one I purchased reconditioned. Both are used daily, professionally. I have not had any real issues with either. Only Festool knows the actual failure rate.

Do keep in mind that 1/3 off also buys you 1/3 the warranty.

 

[kevinculle]

I bought a used Kapex with UG stand and extensions 3 years ago for $1600 USD.  In view of the motor issues that have arisen since I would expect to be able to find one used at a better price today.  I would not pay retail.

 

[Birdhunter]

There are many accounts both good and bad about the Kapex. I’ve owned my Kapex for many years with zero problems. I had another brand before and had to drag that saw outdoors due to poor dust collection. The Kapex appealed to me because of its dust collection and being able to back it up against a wall. Over time, its ease of use and high accuracy impressed me. I am a manual reader, careful user, and am consistent in cleaning my tools at the end of the day.

If I was whacking 2x4 boards all day on a job site, I’d probably not buy a Kapex. If precision and great dust collection are important, a Kapex is a good choice.

 

[Mortiser]

Thanks for the comments. It is a tough decision.
To [member=12487]duburban[/member] 's and [member=60975]kevinculle[/member] 's point, I think I can't bring myself to buying new. But like [member=7442]harry_[/member] and [member=21249]RKA[/member] , I've read many posts from folks who very much like the saw and have had no real issues though they recognize the risks now. I really wish Festool would put this behind them. We'd all feel better about the tool and the company.

Like [member=15289]Birdhunter[/member], two of the features that attract me are proximity to the back wall and dust collection. This saw will be shop use about 90% of the time. I do hope I'd have better luck with it being in a controlled environment and I also think plugging it directly into a 20 amp circuit by itself, and not through the CT-26, may yield better motor life.

Good suggestion [member=44099]Cheese[/member] about recon. I have not seen one on Recon but then I haven't been looking for it recently. I'll do that. I think you do still get the 3 year warranty, correct?

Thanks for the replies and your thoughts.

 

[ChuckS]

Apart from its superiority in precision and dust collection, the Kapex has the best hold-down design that actually makes you use it. All other hold-downs are clumsy and inconvenient, leaving many people to use their bare hand to hold their work (some dangerously or unknowingly too close to the blade). I wish it came with a pair, not just one of the clamps.

 

[GoingMyWay]

Good suggestion [member=44099]Cheese[/member] about recon. I have not seen one on Recon but then I haven't been looking for it recently. I'll do that. I think you do still get the 3 year warranty, correct?

festoolrecon.com tools only come with a 1 year warranty.

 

[peter halle]

I have had one since 2010 without any issues.  I certainly have read every single post about Kapex issues.  If mine was stolen I would buy another in a split second.  But then I don't believe in buying used or repaired tools and would opt for a new one with the three year piece of mind value factored in.

That is just me and being consistent with how I treat all my tool purchases no matter what the cost.

Peter

 

[DIY WoodWerx]

I’m looking into a Kapex purchase myself.  Is there a new version coming out in the US?

 

[jarbroen]

My vote would be purchase it new from a local authorized dealer. 
You get to try it out first.  You get a 3 year warranty.  And you get local help if you need it.

That being said, I think there is a possibility of any power tool going bad.  Might as well go for the one you really want.
The Kapex has so many features and benefits that are unique to the saw.  It's really a treat to use.  I see most of the Festool items I have as something that makes the work more enjoyable to do and the potential for accurate, repeatable results.

I also think that's a good plan to power it off it's own circuit.  At first, I ran mine through the CT26 for convenience.  Then I noticed the saw changes pitch when the vacuum is on.  The lower power could be causing some of the motor issues.
Now I have a BT remote(thanks wifey) and I run the Kapex on it's own circuit.  Now it makes the sound of plenty of power.

 

[ChuckS]

Snip.

I also think that's a good plan to power it off it's own circuit. 

As of today, I have not come across a better solution than to use one of these with the Kapex, if the intention is to pair the tool and extractor:http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=63013&cat=1,42401,72660

Auto dust collection and dual circuits (15 amp x 2) (the latter for the sake of peace of mind).

 

[Birdhunter]

Regarding a new US model Kapex, I’m just a Festool customer, but what I have observed in the past is that new Festool products seem to appear in Europe about a year before they are offered in the US.

 

[Birdhunter]

If I don’t power my Kapex through my Festool vac, how can I get the vac to come on when I start up the Kapex?

 

[ChuckS]

Snip.

But then I don't believe in buying used or repaired tools and would opt for a new one with the three year piece of mind value factored in.

That is just me and being consistent with how I treat all my tool purchases no matter what the cost.

Peter

For top-end (high-end, high cost?) and critical tools such as the tablesaw, domino joiner, etc. which will significantly affect the quality and results of my work, I only buy new, because I may not know if any cutting or performance issues were due to my skills or techniques or the machine if a second-hand machine was used. If my new Kapex is toasted, I know it is Festool's fault, not because of some pre-existing condition caused by the saw's previous owner.

This is also the same reason why I only buy brand new vehicles with full factory warranty. And every vehicle in my family is treated with care and regular maintenance (more or less in full compliance with what is given in the owner's manual).

 

[ChuckS]

If I don’t power my Kapex through my Festool vac, how can I get the vac to come on when I start up the Kapex?

Yes, such as using the iVac auto switch. The dust collector can be a dust extractor or a shop vac, which I use.

 

[Gregor]

Apart from its superiority in precision and dust collection, the Kapex has the best hold-down design that actually makes you use it. All other hold-downs are clumsy and inconvenient, leaving many people to use their bare hand to hold their work (some dangerously or unknowingly too close to the blade). I wish it came with a pair, not just one of the clamps.

You do not want to clamp both sides of a workpiece. Clamping on both sides can lead to the saw binding which, given its degrees of freedom and how you hold it, can cleanly break your hand/wrist/arm.

Seriously: never clamp on both sides of the blade.

While having two of the clamps might be handy (to having to transfer the included one over to the side you need it at) I understand why there is only one included - simply to keep people from using both at the same time.

 

[ChuckS]

My intention is to use one as a clamp for a stop block (swing arm type - source: popular woodworking, see image) and the other as a hold-down for the work at the same time. Right now, I have to use a F-clamp (usually on the right side of the blade) for the stop block.