Kapex Blade Upgrade?

[Nick C]

I see that there is an 80-tooth blade available as an option for the Kapex, which comes standard with a 60-tooth blade. I cut a lot of Baltic Birch (drawer parts), and I get a little chip-out on the outer plies when I crosscut these parts. Would my cuts improve if I upgrade to the 80-tooth blade?

 

[festooldude]

Just make a zero clearance fence and your problem will be solved!

Gr rick

 

[Brice Burrell]

Just make a zero clearance fence and your problem will be solved!

Gr rick

I agree,a zero clearance fence your best bet.  The 80 tooth blade isn't that much better than the 60 tooth blade.  It's not that the 80 is bad, it's that the 60 is so good.

 

[skids]

Admittedly, I haven't had time to make up a ZCI and for fence yet...BUT!! I find the 60T blade creates alot of tear out. Right now I am cutting an s-load of Panel molding and I have to give a quick rub with some sand paper to each piece. Which can be annoying. I am curious about the 80t, but longing for my forrest blades of yesteryear. 

I would imagine you would be a zero clearance for the fence and table to really address the issue I am experiencing.

 

[epicxt]

I would imagine you would be a zero clearance for the fence and table to really address the issue I am experiencing.

There was a video posted recently for making a quick zci and aux fence that would address this. I think it was from erock (Eric).

 

[Wing79]

Having both blades I don't feel the 80 tooth will give you that much better results.  Go with the zero clearance insert and I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.  Also the Forrest website has blades that they will bore to 30 mm for $18 US. 
Jim

 

[skids]

I just ordered the Tenyru 80T blade. Tried to avoid it, but truth is, you just need two blades. I felt the same way, the results with the Festool 80t probably would be similar to the 60T because the tooth configuration is the exact same. The Tenyru has a completely different alternating configuration that I am hoping produces the results I want out of a finish blade.

It better, because it was as expensive as the Festool 80T.

 

[donwon]

Just wanted to follow up and see if the blade was any better?  I am thinking of the same but wanted see if it was worth it. ;D

 

[skids]

Just wanted to follow up and see if the blade was any better?  I am thinking of the same but wanted see if it was worth it. ;D

Yes, it was worth it in my opinion. I posted some details about it here.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/welp-making-the-kapex-better-is-actually-possible/

Admittedly I haven't been sawing as much as I would like since I have a problem with one of my fences I have been waiting to fix. But I think the blade is MUCH better than the 60T Festool blade.

 

[tjbnwi]

Clean the blade. It may solve your problem. I've found most issues can be solved with a simple cleaning.

Tom