Kapex Bevel Tension

[Tony M]

When the saw goes to the right of zero degrees,  from 5 to about 35, it does not have much counter balance, meaning that when I take my hand of the handle it swings away on it's own. I got an answer on this from Festool, but was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.   

P.S- The demo model  and the first saw I bought did not do this. This is saw#2

 

[greg mann]

So what was the answer you got?

 

[MiterMaster]

I just checked my saw, it bevels fine left / right, it can stop anywhere on the bevel scale without me having to hold the saw in place.

The only issue I have with the bevel, when I bevel left and the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees, when I get to 43 degrees there is a scrapping issue that occurs between the bevel miter gauge and the saw head from 43 degrees-45 degrees.  This only happens when the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees.  When I have the bevel range selector set on +/-45 degrees or +/- 47 degrees this does not happen, it is fine.

I was told that there is a spring loaded pin in place to soften the descent to the 45 degree mark, not quite sure I totally understand this explanation, as again this ONLY happens when the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees, and it only happens when making left bevels. 

Below pic shows where I'm getting a bit of scrapping on the bevel scale.  It's not that big of a deal, but worth mentioning.

Mike

 

[Spike]

Hi Miter Master,
Is your bevel lock tab fully open? it probably is but thought I'd ask. The knob on the back with the 3 indents for beveling is about 4" long and has a top mounted spring around it that is located just below the knob behind the rear plastic cover. This spring keeps the bevel pin engaged. I cannot imagine why or how the pin would be hitting the area in your picture because the pin is not that long, unless I'm not viewing/understanding the picture correctly.
Of course never bevel to the right unless the bevel knob is on the +-47 setting or the pin will indeed grind on the top edge of the miter scale plate.

Taos

 

[MiterMaster]

Yes, the bevel lock is fully open.  When I bevel to the right this does not happen at all, the scrapping only happens on left bevels, and ONLY happens when the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees.  If set on 0-45 degrees, and I bevel left, once I get to the 43 degree point on the bevel scale, it grinds a bit from 43-45 degrees. 

Left bevels are fine if the dial is set on +/-45 degrees or +/- 47 degrees, again the scrapping ONLY happens on left bevels and ONLY when the dial is set on 0-45 degrees, and ONLY when I reach the 43 degree point on the bevel scale does the grinding happen.

Mike

 

[MiterMaster]

The below quote is from an email I received from Festool pertaining to my issue with the bevel scrapping.

[quote author=FESTOOL EMAIL RESPONSE]
It is sort of an emergency downhill stop TRUCK RAMP.  As the spring loaded pin climbs the ramp, the blow to the 45 degree stop is softened.  It is meant to be there for that purpose.  All of the saws have this ramp on the left side of the bevel plate.  And most of them scrape there a bit.  Just smooth down the top surface of the plate at that location with a bit of fine abrasive and put a spot of grease there. [/quote]

Below is another email I received from Festool from a follow-up email I sent to them.

[quote author=FESTOOL EMAIL RESPONSE]
When you know you want to quickly register against the 45 degree stop on the left side, put the control knob in the 45-45 position. This lifts the index pin away from the 0-45 level and clears that ramp on the end of travel.[/quote]

I'm still not quite clear on this explanation, as if it was meant to be a safety feature, why does it only happen on left bevels?  Furthermore, if it was a safety feature, why then would they instruct me to smooth the top surface of the plate with abrasive and grease, this would over-ride this so-called safety feature?

Also, this can be over-riden by using the 45-45 position or the 45-47 position, so really does not seem like a safety function at all?

Mike

 

[greg mann]

Mike, I interpret this as a safety feature against inadvertent dropping of the tool to the end of its range, while the override is there for the intentional movement to the end of its range. Two different conditions, IMO.

I can't comment on the tweaking they suggest, yet. I will look this over tonight.

 

[MiterMaster]

Mike, I interpret this as a safety feature against inadvertent dropping of the tool to the end of its range, while the override is there for the intentional movement to the end of its range. Two different conditions, IMO.

I can't comment on the tweaking they suggest, yet. I will look this over tonight.

I understand it makes sense as a safety feature, *but* why then is it only on left bevels?  This feature does not occur on right bevels.

Also - if it is a safety feature to prevent inadvertent dropping of the tool to the end of its range (which by the way is a good idea), why does it only happen when the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees?

I would think if in fact it was a designed safety feature, then should it not work on all 3 of the bevel range selector settings?  Again, I get this scrapping ONLY when the bevel selector is set on 0-45 degrees, and ONLY on left bevels.

This really is NOT a big deal at all, I just wanted to post my experience while we were on the subject of the bevel control.

Mike

 

[greg mann]

Mike, I interpret this as a safety feature against inadvertent dropping of the tool to the end of its range, while the override is there for the intentional movement to the end of its range. Two different conditions, IMO.

I can't comment on the tweaking they suggest, yet. I will look this over tonight.

I understand it makes sense as a safety feature, *but* why then is it only on left bevels?  This feature does not occur on right bevels.

Also - if it is a safety feature to prevent inadvertent dropping of the tool to the end of its range (which by the way is a good idea), why does it only happen when the bevel range selector dial is set on 0-45 degrees?

I would think if in fact it was a designed safety feature, then should it not work on all 3 of the bevel range selector settings?  Again, I get this scrapping ONLY when the bevel selector is set on 0-45 degrees, and ONLY on left bevels.

This really is NOT a big deal at all, I just wanted to post my experience while we were on the subject of the bevel control.

Mike

I will quote Mark Twain on this:

"I answered the question without hesitation. I told him I don't know."

Maybe the intent will become more clear with time.

 

[Tony M]

So what was the answer you got?

They said tension springs on the bevel are not necessarily there to stop it at every degree, but to help balance the saw and keep it from slamming to either side.

 

[Tony M]

Just an update, went to the dealer on Sat. and checked out the demo model and it was way looser then when it first checked it out about 7 weeks ago, but  my second one is still tighter. I still have to give it a good workout 

 

[etherfarm]

Mine's pretty rough but totally usable. In fact, when the "grinding" issues started popping up on this board, I thought they were referring to the bevel rotation, not the miter rotation.

I too went into the dealer and tried the demo saw. The "spring return" on that saw is a lot more powerful than mine. I basically have to pull mine back up to 0. Are you saying it'll get easier over time?

 

[Tony M]

Mine's pretty rough but totally usable. In fact, when the "grinding" issues started popping up on this board, I thought they were referring to the bevel rotation, not the miter rotation.

I too went into the dealer and tried the demo saw. The "spring return" on that saw is a lot more powerful than mine. I basically have to pull mine back up to 0. Are you saying it'll get easier over time?

According  to what I was told by a tech at Festool and from what I have seen in the store, yes