Kapex calibration screw

[suds]

Whatever you do don’t strip the hex head on the 3 calibration screws that hold the detents for the different miter angles on your Kapex. I think the only folks who have this screw are Festool 

 

[Birdhunter]

Thanks. But, why would one be messing with these screws?

 

[kevinculle]

I'd be very surprised if that wasn't a widely available metric machine screw.

 

[suds]

Thanks. But, why would one be messing with these screws?

My Kapex wasn't cutting square and to calibrate you loosen the screws on the miter angle gauge and tap the miter handle until you get a square cut.  User manual page 25. 

 

[suds]

I'd be very surprised if that wasn't a widely available metric machine screw.

I thought so too.  After visiting two large screw/bolt stores they were as perplexed as I am now.  The third store sells Festool and they didn't have anything close so it looks like a ordered item.

 

[greg mann]

That is a Torx head screw. If you used a hex (Allen) wrench that would be the source of your problem. You may find the screw still serviceable if you use the proper torx driver.

 

[kevinculle]

I'd be very surprised if that wasn't a widely available metric machine screw.

I thought so too.  After visiting two large screw/bolt stores they were as perplexed as I am now.  The third store sells Festool and they didn't have anything close so it looks like a ordered item.

Try a specialty supplier like McMaster Carr.  I guarantee that Festool buys these screws commercially and does not make some bastardized threadform.

 

[suds]

Used a Torx.  After 5 or 6 tries at getting it dialed in I didn't get the torx as seated as I should. Hence the warning..whatever you do don't strip the dog gone thing.

 

[Gregor]

Give Festool a call, these should be available as a spare part for some cents.

Yes, might be more expensive than getting one from a hardware store - but the moment you factor in the time you spend on locating the thing the equasion changes...

 

[suds]

Festool was more than helpful and informative and they are sending me a couple of screws free of charge.  Now that is beyond great customer service.  If you do calibrate make sure your torx is well seated in the head.  It is a special screw not available locally.

 

[Birdhunter]

My Kapex wasn't cutting square and to calibrate you loosen the screws on the miter angle gauge and tap the miter handle until you get a square cut.

Thanks.. I’ll remember that tip.

 

[suds]

Also before you do any adjusting make two marks one on the miter gauge and one on the housing so that the lines line up perfectly. Then when you make adjustments you can see how much it has moved and when you get it spot on erase the marks and remark it to where it’s perfect.

 

[suds]

A picture is worth a 1000 words.

 

[sancho57]

Festool was more than helpful and informative and they are sending me a couple of screws free of charge.  Now that is beyond great customer service.  If you do calibrate make sure your torx is well seated in the head.  It is a special screw not available locally.

Just curious, Why didnt you call Festool first first before posting this?

 

[suds]

I was pretty sure I could find the screw locally.  Not so.

 

[peter halle]

Just goes to prove that sometimes that thing called a phone can be more effective than typing.

Peter

 

[Cheese]

Just goes to prove that sometimes that thing called a phone can be more effective than typing.

Ya, we all fall into that trap from time to time.  [big grin]  Lately I've been trying to phone first...it's actually faster. [jawdrop]

 

[Sanderxpander]

It seemed like a warning more than a cry for help.

 

[suds]

It seemed like a warning more than a cry for help.

EXACTLY