Kapex Armature Question

[Drich]

Hello
This maybe not the right spot for this but as a new Kapex owner can anyone comment about all the posts on these burning up? It's seems like their maybe a problem with the way the armature were made? Just seems to be a lot of negative posts lately. Just wondering if I should keep mine or not.  I'm not trying to stir the pot. Just want a honest answer to the problem as this was a very expensive saw. Thank you

 

[sancho57]

Ive had mines for a few years now 2-3and for the last 2 Ives a 3.3kv tranny to run it.

Ive had no problems what so ever with it.

 

[Birdhunter]

Most people will not post to say their Kapex is running perfectly. Only Festool could know if there is a systemic problem with the Kapex.

Based on my 3 year knowledge of how the company does business, I think they would take action if they knew they had a problem that would require recall or redesign.

I did see Festool take the recall option with the TS55 redesign. That indicates to me that they will do the right thing by their customers.

 

[Drich]

Thanks for the reply. Mine is packed away right now from our move here and I can't remember if the brushes are accessible from the outer cover like a milwaukee or dewalt tool. That way one can keep a eye on them so it won't fry the armature. With the ones that went bad and had to have a new armature what caused the problem? Did the brushes wear out then cook the armature or did the armature go south first? Brushes are a wearable item and should be easy to change. When the brake quit working on my Dewalt that was a sign the brushes needed to be replaced.

 

[Dwayne]

Only issue I have had has been the operator, oh wait, that's me  [blink]

 

[NHSP759]

I got mine during the last reconditioned sale. It's beautiful. I mean to say it's a Picaso. I use it in the shop as a woodworker hobbyist but it gets a decent amount of cutting time without issue. I'll be installing a new Oneida dust deputy Festool unit for my Midi that I have designated for the Kapex and just love my set up!

 

[peter halle]

Just for clarity, Festool USA initiated a voluntary recall program in cooperation with the CPSC to deal with a reported issue of saw blades not retracting back into the TS-55 REQ saws as a potential SAFETY issue.  That recall program had nothing to do with longevity or tool reliability - just potential safety.

Peter

 

[Locks14]

For me I go by the "no smoke without fire" school of thought. The Kapex along with the Carvex get a huge amount of criticism, even from those who are Festool fans.

Add to that it just feels cheap. I've had hands on it side-by-side offerings from Bosch and others and it just doesn't feel like a quality tool, despite being the most expensive. I really wanted to like it as it represents IMO the best compromise between size/weight and cut capacity. I'd love to buy one to replace my 35kg Bosch Glide, but by comparison it just feels like a toy.

 

[joiner1970]

For me I go by the "no smoke without fire" school of thought. The Kapex along with the Carvex get a huge amount of criticism, even from those who are Festool fans.

Add to that it just feels cheap. I've had hands on it side-by-side offerings from Bosch and others and it just doesn't feel like a quality tool, despite being the most expensive. I really wanted to like it as it represents IMO the best compromise between size/weight and cut capacity. I'd love to buy one to replace my 35kg Bosch Glide, but by comparison it just feels like a toy.

Well I've had a kapex a couple of years now and theres no way I'd say it feels cheap. The total opposite in fact it feels a very well made saw as you'd expect.

 

[Locks14]

For me I go by the "no smoke without fire" school of thought. The Kapex along with the Carvex get a huge amount of criticism, even from those who are Festool fans.

Add to that it just feels cheap. I've had hands on it side-by-side offerings from Bosch and others and it just doesn't feel like a quality tool, despite being the most expensive. I really wanted to like it as it represents IMO the best compromise between size/weight and cut capacity. I'd love to buy one to replace my 35kg Bosch Glide, but by comparison it just feels like a toy.

Well I've had a kapex a couple of years now and theres no way I'd say it feels cheap. The total opposite in fact it feels a very well made saw as you'd expect.

For me the trigger mechanism just felt cheap and a bit sloppy. Also the lever at the back for accessing the green bevel control knob felt weak. Finally the general fit and finish, in particular the casting marks and the hollow plasticky surround for the handle/motor, etc just didn't scream quality.

 

[joiner1970]

The casting marks have been discussed several times on here . They don't affect the quality of the saw one bit.

 

[Locks14]

The casting marks have been discussed several times on here . They don't affect the quality of the saw one bit.

In the same way a crease or other imperfection in the bodywork of a new Audi wouldn't affect the way the vehicle performs, but it is undesirable and causes you to question how good the quality control might be in other areas that might be more critical...

 

[AlexThePalex]

ROFL, Locks14 again reporting the exact opposite of experienced users.

 

[Locks14]

ROFL, Locks14 again reporting the exact opposite of experienced users.

Maybe I've just been spoiled with the quality of my beastly Bosch Glide, or maybe I haven't had my bag of swag with the rose (or should that be green) tinted glasses.

You can be ROFL'ing all you like, but there are definitely elements of the Kapex that don't conform with the expectation set by both the pricetag and the offerings from other manufacturers.

The cast marks for example, maybe they are just cosmetic, but if Bosch/Makita/Dewalt can produce saws for half the cost without such cosmetic imperfections, why can't Festool?

 

[mrboult]

The casting marks have been discussed several times on here . They don't affect the quality of the saw one bit.

In the same way a crease or other imperfection in the bodywork of a new Audi wouldn't affect the way the vehicle performs, but it is undesirable and causes you to question how good the quality control might be in other areas that might be more critical...

The Base of the TS55 has similar casting marks. And I couldn't give a toss. 

I'm all for criticism but I think you're looking at the wrong aspects of the TOOL.

 

[Kevin McConville]

[member=49749]Locks14[/member], as I enjoy my holiday season I look at my family, my health and my opportunities and I am truly fortunate, there is very little I want or regret; I reflect upon the year that was and the prospects for the year ahead and I'm quite content. My thoughts on your agenda for participating on this forum are quite clear, however, I still wish you all the best and I hope whatever your looking for you find soon and move on to something more positive and fulfilling in you life.

 

[AofD]

No problem with my Kapex.  I'll remain satisfied until a problem arises, then I'll judge if it due to poor reliability or general wear and tear.

 

[charley1968]

Honestly, everybody, i've never encountered a forum where the opinions about a certain issue diverge to such extremes. To the OT i say: if you're unsure if to keep the saw: sell it. It will hopefully give you peace of mind and other forum members more productive threads to read.
I mean why put Kapex Recall as your header? Has there been such a recall or is it your opinion that FT ought to issue one such because you've read that 3 Kapexes started to burn somewhere?
Get a grip,man: these saws are used at places where the voltage might be generated by , well, generators. And that might have caused them to burn. Or any other reason that can start a fire in a electrical motor...
As for Locks: i find your non-fanboy attitude refreshing and i read most of your posts with interest, just because you dare to voice a differing opinion. And i certainly do not think you have an agenda, other than the one you state. That said: there's no place like the internet to have a huge amount of smoke without any fire.

 

[Rob in Vancouver]

Honestly, everybody, i've never encountered a forum where the opinions about a certain issue diverge to such extremes. To the OT i say: if you're unsure if to keep the saw: sell it. It will hopefully give you peace of mind and other forum members more productive threads to read.
I mean why put Kapex Recall as your header? Has there been such a recall or is it your opinion that FT ought to issue one such because you've read that 3 Kapexes started to burn somewhere?
Get a grip,man: these saws are used at places where the voltage might be generated by , well, generators. And that might have caused them to burn. Or any other reason that can start a fire in a electrical motor...
As for Locks: i find your non-fanboy attitude refreshing and i read most of your posts with interest, just because you dare to voice a differing opinion. And i certainly do not think you have an agenda, other than the one you state. That said: there's no place like the internet to have a huge amount of smoke without any fire.

Charley

What's your problem man??
This is a public forum where people can raise their concerns, ask questions, and share experiences. Sometimes people will have experiences and opinions that are different to yours.
If your not ok with people expressing concerns and opinions that are different to yours then maybe your just not cut out for social media??
If you don't like what people are talking about on this thread then don't read it and don't waste your time and ours by posting to it.

And by gosh please take a pill that will take some of your edge off, you seem like you are very tightly wound.

 

[mastercabman]

The casting marks have been discussed several times on here . They don't affect the quality of the saw one bit.

In the same way a crease or other imperfection in the bodywork of a new Audi .....

The Kapex is not an automobile
In case you didn't know.