Kapex Aluminium Zero CLearance Fence?

[Hotwheels]

Browsing for ideas for a zero clearance fence for my Kapex I found what I believe is an aluminum version https://www.customfabricatingsolutions.com/store/p166/Festool_KAPEX_KS_120_EB_%26_KS_120_REB_EZ_Speedy_Zero_Clearance_Left_and_Right_Fence.html of one. It looks appealing, but there is something about it that makes me wonder if this is the right material for such a fence. Any thoughts?

 

[ChuckM]

The dust extraction, one of the selling points of this saw, will take a big hit.

The ad says it's for chop mode use only. Not for use as a sliding saw.

 

[Hotwheels]

My thought also.

 

[Hotwheels]

Have one.  They sell a model that allows sliding operation which I also have. DC definitely takes a hit. I’ll take pics when I get home later.

Thanks, interested to see the pics.

 

[manuc]

There is this: Colliflower Zero Clearance

 

[smorgasbord]

Infinity Tools sells this ZCI. It's aluminum and takes plastic inserts you can replace: FESTOOL KAPEX KS 120 ALUMINUM MITER SAW Z.C.I.

I have a version of this for my Bosch. It's a nice insert (the aluminum part), but the replaceable plastic pieces are overpriced and don't hold up well. I'll end up machining my own.

They also sell just plain plastic inserts: Festool Kapex KS 120 Phenolic Miter Saw Z.C.I.

 

[ChuckM]

The OP's post is about ZCF, not ZCI. No one can beat the Fastcap ZCI (tape) in terms of best value.

 

[Zubo]

I always prefer the famous classic piece of plywood or mdf against original fence.

Nice big aluminum fence one in photo.. Is anodized??

I hate thinking my blade can hit the metal fence...

Inviato dal mio M2101K7AG utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[smorgasbord]

The OP's post is about ZCF, not ZCI.

Sorry, my mistake.

By way of attonement, this video Hooked On Wood: Miter Saw Upgrades has an ingenious shop-made fence with a replaceable insert. I thought about doing one, but making those inserts to fit years later seemed too much trouble. So I just have a MDF fence attached to my base (non-moving part) fence via T-slots and as I use it up for angles/bevels I just slide it down a few/several cm.

 

[Cheese]

I always prefer the famous classic piece of plywood or mdf against original fence.

Ya, it's a pretty simple, straight-forward solution, here's some 9mm ply.

[attachimg=1]

 

[FestitaMakool]

The OP's post is about ZCF, not ZCI.

Sorry, my mistake.

By way of attonement, this video Hooked On Wood: Miter Saw Upgrades has an ingenious shop-made fence with a replaceable insert. I thought about doing one, but making those inserts to fit years later seemed too much trouble. So I just have a MDF fence attached to my base (non-moving part) fence via T-slots and as I use it up for angles/bevels I just slide it down a few/several cm.

I bought this from Dennis when he had a batch up for sale (I think he still does, but saves up to have inquiries/orders beforehand)
It is a very nice fence for the KS 60, although, as with KS 120 it quickly interferes with the use of clamps. So does HookedOnWood’s fence too. The slide in ZC for Dennis’ fence is really clever way of solving ease of replacement. I made a fence for my KS 120 in MDF scrap, but removed it’s almost immediately in order to make room for the clamps.

I know Cheese here made minor “adjustments” to the clamp foot with his 8mm fence, even 6mm is obstructing, only just.

 

[ChuckM]

Build the fence with thin ply (mine is 5.5mm or less) without sacrificing anything. The hold-down clamp works without interference, and the saw can still handle a 12" cut.

 

[waho6o9]

View attachment 1

This works for me....

 

[rst]

I've been using 1/4" tempered fiber board for 50 years, 12" piece for base & 4" high for fence.  I clamp to the fence and extension bases with spring clamps and shorten when worn.  Cheap and effective...cut wood, plastic, aluminum and brass over the years on my cutting station/