Kapex and problems squaring it?

[notimeforitall]

There is a local deal on a used Kapex. The seller says he doesn’t want to fuss with squaring it so it’s $900 with Forrest blade. Are there any reasons it might not be able to be squared? Anything I should test or look for?

 

[Frank-Jan]

Check the fence for straightness, if it's bent, you can't square the saw.

Calibration method from the supplemental owner's manual isn't too difficult. Maybe a little more difficult if the ring with the degrees has shifted in previous attempts, so the 45's won't be 45's automatically.

Other things to look for, maybe production date, there's a known issue with armatures on US models.

(It does take some time though )

 

[ChuckM]

As Frank-Jan said, check the fence and table with a straight edge (also rotate the table to different spots for checking its flatness). Bring a combo square and some scraps, and make a few tests at different and bevel angles, and check the results.

At 40% or so off the retail price, I'd take it if it passes the basic user test. In addition to the Forrest blade, it comes with the Festool blade, right? The Festool blade is really good.

You can set it to cut square, etc, as long as the saw is free of fatal defects. Read this if you end up buying the Kapex and tuning it up:https://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2010/07/23/miter-saw-tune-up/#more-2837

 

[sancho57]

I was having a simular issue with my Kapex. Allen K was at my home and I told him about it. He took a straight edge and found the fence wasnt square. Where the spilt is in the fence where the blade cuts the material it was aligned where that area of the fence went towards the back of the kapex.  He told me its a common problem. All he did was put the sraight edge against the fence and loosened the fence bolts on the back side of the fence. Mind you I said loosen, not remove,
just enough to where you canrealign the fence.

If I remember correctly mine was under tension and it just popped back into alignment.
hope this helps