Kapex brushes

[Peter Durand]

I have a kapex that has been trouble free for a number of years and am very happy with it. My question is about brushes. In the distant past I have replaced brushes on various motors. It was an easy task. Loosen screw, insert new brush, tighten screw.

I understand that the kapex motor uses brushes, and as a wear item, what is the first sign that they need replacing? Also is it a straightforward task?

Thanks,

Peter

 

[builderbob]

I recently replaced mine. It was very easy. You have to remove the top motor cover, unscrew and remove the brushes and put it back. Very straight forward!

 

[builderbob]

Here's a look at the kapex with the motor cover off. The gold points at north and south are the brushes.

 

[TylerC]

That's a great question. Festool brushes are an auto shut-off brush. When they reach the end of their life, an insulator is exposed and breaks electrical contact with the commutator on the armature and the motor simply will not run. If there is a problem with one of the brushes (chipped, broken, cracked, from heat damage), you may see some arcing or experience other problems. However, without seeing the tool I really cannot diagnose and say the problem is or is not the brushes.

Changing the brushes is pretty straight forward: one lead and one screw on each brush. If you would like to send the tool in for repair and have Festool troubleshoot the machine, you can create a service request here:
https://www.festoolusa.com/account/repair/

 

[Peter Durand]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

Peter

 

[ear3]

So just to confirm [member=57769]TylerC[/member] in case I ever have this issue in the future.  Should I not experience any of the arcing you mention, the first notice I will have on needing to replace the Kapex brushes is that the saw simply will not run (assuming there are no other issues)?

That's a great question. Festool brushes are an auto shut-off brush. When they reach the end of their life, an insulator is exposed and breaks electrical contact with the commutator on the armature and the motor simply will not run. If there is a problem with one of the brushes (chipped, broken, cracked, from heat damage), you may see some arcing or experience other problems. However, without seeing the tool I really cannot diagnose and say the problem is or is not the brushes.

Changing the brushes is pretty straight forward: one lead and one screw on each brush. If you would like to send the tool in for repair and have Festool troubleshoot the machine, you can create a service request here:
https://www.festoolusa.com/account/repair/

 

[mastercabman]

So just to confirm [member=57769]TylerC[/member] in case I ever have this issue in the future.  Should I not experience any of the arcing you mention, the first notice I will have on needing to replace the Kapex brushes is that the saw simply will not run (assuming there are no other issues)?

That's a great question. Festool brushes are an auto shut-off brush. When they reach the end of their life, an insulator is exposed and breaks electrical contact with the commutator on the armature and the motor simply will not run. If there is a problem with one of the brushes (chipped, broken, cracked, from heat damage), you may see some arcing or experience other problems. However, without seeing the tool I really cannot diagnose and say the problem is or is not the brushes.

Changing the brushes is pretty straight forward: one lead and one screw on each brush. If you would like to send the tool in for repair and have Festool troubleshoot the machine, you can create a service request here:
https://www.festoolusa.com/account/repair/

Yes

 

[ear3]

Yes

Thanks.