Kapex calibration question

[iosifM]

I just got a brand new Kapex 120 to replace my old Craftsman and before using it I thought its a good idea to check the calibration, following the instructions from the Supplemental User's Manual. Miter, bevel and laser to find out to my disappointment that only the bevel calibration was right out of the box.
I fixed the miter calibration. I have to fix the laser calibration too, but I have a hard time thinking that I'll have to punch through the decal to get access to the screws. I assume the reason for the adjustment holes to be covered by the decal is because this is not supposed to be a calibration the user should have to do and also to keep dust out.
I guess my question is: is it ok for a brand new expensive tool not to be fully calibrated out of the box or is the legendary Festool quality going down?

 

[ChuckM]

I, too, had to calibrate my EB to get what I wanted for the square cut/miter and laser settings (the bevel was dead-on). I don't think dust will be an issue because of the holes -- and those holes can be easily taped over, if desired.

For such an expensive miter saw, yeah, the process for the factory settings should be tightened. I recently bought a Dewalt thickness planer; its factory settings were spot-on. I also did nothing to get supreme results from the SawStop PCS when it arrived, and it has stayed so all these years. Perhaps, Festool can learn a thing or two from the SawStop people since they're a family.

 

[iosifM]

I checked all my other Festool I own and they are all made in Germany, the Kapex is the only one made in the Czech Republic, it seems like they have a quality control issue over there.

 

[peter halle]

Forgive me if I don't automatically fly the quality control issue banner for calibration issues on a tool that has travelled thousands of miles in unknown conditions, let alone placing blame on one specific facility.

Others' opinions may of course differ.

Peter

 

[iosifM]

I'm just stating the obvious, and blaming the shipping for this kind of issues is like saying everything else is made right there in the store.

 

[ChuckM]

I had given thought to the possibility of shipping and delivery as a reason for poor factory settings or QC deficiency, but come to the conclusion that that might not be the prime cause for the setting issues some new owners have experienced (Gary Katz of THISisCarpentry has even made videos on how to do calibration on the Kapex). Most imported machines, including some bigger and heavier ones, are subject to the same risk and, like the Dewalt thickness planer I have, their factory settings seem fine on the whole.

Furthermore, if delivery and handling is identified as the culprit, that problem deserves some intervention.

 

[iosifM]

Problem solved. Fortunately the instructions on the supplemental user's manual are very good, but unfortunately the side of the saw now looks like something bought at a garage sale and not like a brand new expensive item I bought a week ago.