KAPEX dust collection, is it really that good?
- Thread starter AofD
- Start date
AofD said:
If that turns out to be the case you could make a short one for the Kapex and still have enough length for the other tools. But I can see where moving the CT and connecting it to the Kapex (swapping hoses all the time) every time you want a to make a cut would be a real nuisance. For your set up if you find the DC good enough with the long hose then it works for you. I found the shortened hose to be an improvement on the DC but that the D36 compared to the D27 was a much bigger improvement than the length. The other reason to have a shortened hose for the Kapex is portability which probably won't matter in your case.
Seth
joiner1970
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I've noticed in the short time I've used my kapex that you do have to watch your technique. If you rush a cut like I would on my old makita then it sprays dust everywhere. If you take your time then most of the dust is collected.
Hi everyone. First thanks for all the info here on Festool FOG. Been very helpful on starting my Festool collection. I need your input on this Dust collection with Kapex and the 36mm hose (long) with Ct36. First I had the Dewalt 780. I just added the Kapex to my new Green addiction. It cuts so much better and cut more accurately! WOW what a difference! Doing 90 degree cuts I find a lot of dust on the saw and around the saw. Checked the Ct36 filters and tried my second CT36 with the same results. I thought that maybe something might have been left out on the saw and looked at the parts list and compared it to the saw, all ok. With the vac on there is hardly any air flow at the boot on the Kapex. Is this normal? I bought the Midi and an extra 5mm hose with the Kapex to use in a chop saw station I am building. What am I missing here as to dust collection. Does the term dust collection mean fine air born dust in the shop and not dust on the saw and around it? Must be something I am missing here as a lot of Fog posters say they have 91% dust collection. I am using the auto and max on the vac. Do I need to leave the CT36/Midi on or something? Any Help and advise would be greatly appreciated.
Brice Burrell
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I suppose there could be something wrong with your saw, hose or vac but probably not. I think most people expect no dust and that isn't realistic. There will be some coarse dust around the saw, some in the front but mostly immediately behind the saw (almost all of the fine dust should be collected). Different sizes and types of material will affect the amount of dust collected. To get a good sense if your saw is collecting dust as it should try cutting without the vac hose connected and see just how much dust there is. Make a dozen or so cuts and you'll likely be surprised at amount of dust there is without dust collection. If you're getting nearly the same results them you might have a problem with the vac, hose or saw.
Jaybolishes said:
Good to hear. I have been looking into a Kapex. I was thinking about the same hose you have and buying a Midi to dedicate to the Kapex. Thought I might get the Kapex and make a stand while on vacation over the Christmas holidays.
Brice Burrell said:
Thanks for your input. I just made several cuts without the vacuum hooked up and the amount of dust coming out of the dust port was insane ! From all the Festool hype I expected just a very small amount of dust. I think my expecations were a bit high for the Kapex. Still a very awesome saw & it does have very good dust collection.
qwk351 said:
Welcome to the FOG! [smile]
Yes, doing that can be very convincing that the DC is really working. [wink]
Seth
Brice Burrell
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Mickfb said:
From my experience, I don't feel it is necessary to leave the vacuum turned on. I have the vac on auto setting, but with its soft start it is important to let it get fully up to speed before you start to cut. Making the cut slowly helps some.
ccarrolladams
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Long before the Kapex reached the USA I had used those on visits to Europe. A friend who had started years before buying Festo tools did not plug his Kapex into his CT33. He started the CT at the beginning of a session and left it running. A few days later I asked one of the Festool End User Trainers from Germany about that approach. He did not mention any downside.
I used my Kapex for several years before I build my current large shop. In my shop all 115v outlets are rated 20 amp and are on dedicated 20 amp breakers. Still since I have never found an advantage to using the Kapex to activate the dust extractor, I run them on separate circuits so I can leave the CT running.
Each of us has our way of working. YMMV!
I used my Kapex for several years before I build my current large shop. In my shop all 115v outlets are rated 20 amp and are on dedicated 20 amp breakers. Still since I have never found an advantage to using the Kapex to activate the dust extractor, I run them on separate circuits so I can leave the CT running.
Each of us has our way of working. YMMV!
