Kapex 60 help

[baltzer]

First post - need som help please!
I am strongly considering a Kapex 60, as it seems to fit my needs and I have several Festool gear I’m very pleased with.
However I’m a little hesitant regarding the cutting capacity at 45deg. I know the 90deg capacity can be increased to 73mm, but undere of 45deg. I have searched this forum, YouTube etc and can’t seem to get a definitive answer as to whether or not it is capable of cutting 48mm (euro 2*4)  at 45deg - could someone that owns or uses a KS60 please give me a definitve answer to this?

 

[FestitaMakool]

Hi, and  [welcome] to the forum!

How are you thinking: Bevel cut laying flat on the bed, or miter cut upright?

 

[baltzer]

Hi,
Sorry - I mean when tilting the saw to the left/right with the workpiece lysing flat on the bed (bevel cut? Not familiar with all the english terms). As for a Euro 2*4 it would then require 48mm height lying flat - can his be achieved at a 45deg bever cut?

 

[guybo]

Hi, welcome maybe this helps

 

[FestitaMakool]

Hi, thought so!

I couldn’t remember, as it’s a saw I recently bought used, and have only used it for mostly thin stock.

But, no it won’t do either way, far from it.

I’d have a look at the new Makita 40V, LS002GZ01.
It’ll do 50mm just as the small compact old ELU/DeWalt.
I’ve seen one just a couple a days ago, and it’s a really nice machine. Very compact.
It’s on a new battery platform, so there’s an investment.

There are others of course, but almost none as compact as these two.

 

[baltzer]

Thanks for the reply.
I thought I saw a comment by David Stanton from some years back saying he hadn’t tried more than 42mm, but thought it would be very close to 50mm, so hopes it would be capable for the occasional 50mm cut. As the official cut depth can be increased up to 13mm at 90deg with a spacer I would really like to know if anyone here has tried this for the bevel cut also

 

[FestitaMakool]

It’s not very comfortable, none of the clamps can be used and you’ll have to jiggle the saw head a bit back and forth. This is how far I got on a 2x4”/48x98mm which was due to picked up from outside was wet and measured 49,5x100mm.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

End cut is doable, but everything needs to be shortened to length at 90° first. Bevel only to the right.
[attachimg=3]

Mid, bevel to the left. It stops at the arbor washer and guard (You may trim the guard, that way it CAN be done, left bevel only) But, in the step of purchasing a saw, and needing the capacity of construction timber, this is cumbersome.
[attachimg=4]

[attachimg=5]

It’s angles are all right though [smile]
[attachimg=6]

[attachimg=7]

 

[baltzer]

Fantastic, this was exactly what I was searching for! Thank you!
I rarely need that capacity for bevelcutting construction timber, but can se a copule of projects where it could be useful. Nice to know that it would be sort of managable, although not ideal as your pictures shows. Seems like a precise machine even on awkward cuts though
I will do some more research into simular saws with slightly better capacity, before making my choice. Thanks for your help

 

[FestitaMakool]

That’s nice  [smile]

It’s a precise saw, although I let the saw do the job and only guarded the saw head in a linear motion down. It did use its time, slight smell of burnt wood too to get trough. (No burn marks, the blade may need sharpening too). The pine was very dense and hard with close year rings.
The cut is silky smooth though.

The gliders and frame are very stiff, this helps when pushing the saw too.
That said, the Makita impressed too with the same rigidity, and even more features.
Check out Scott Brown Carpentry’s video review of the Makita. He’s a carpenter who does everything from framing to fitting, finishing and cabinetry work, and he owns and uses a KS 120 too. I believe he is very open minded and pretty honest when he talks about his tools and methods.

 

[ChuckS]

[thumbs up]
Great work, FestitaMakoo, for taking the time and effort to do those photos, though I don't own a KS60. I wish more people would use images when they try to ask for help or try to offer help involving less than straightforward aspects.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Thanks ChuckS  [smile]

An image can say more than a thousand words.. there’s something in it, I’ve heard  [big grin]

There are many of you who supply posts and threads plentiful with images, and I really appreciate that myself.

 

[AstroKeith]

Now you seen the capability thanks to the excellent photos etc.

I've had a Kapex 60 for a couple of years and found it does just about everything I've asked in my home workshop. I didnt want the bulk of a larger saw, (and I have a table saw).

I've found it accurate, the dust collection good and the 'shadow' cut guide very good.