Kapex dust collection

[dennylj]

I am seriously considering buying a Kapex, but I would like to know first how efficient its dust collection properties are.  At present, I have a 12" DeWalt sliding compound mitre saw.  I have no issues with its performance, but it sure spews a lot of sawdust despite having a shop vac attached.  While the shop vac does capture a lot of the sawdust, there is still a considerable amount that escapes.
I'd appreciate any comments or pointed to any previous threads on this topic.
Denny

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Just like Tony the Tiger said, "They're Grrrrrreat!!" [big grin]

 

[Bob Marino]

I don't know the exact percentage, but I think somwhere around 80-90% dc is a fair guess, better with the larger, 36 mm hose. Certainly better dc than the other saws.

  Bob

 

[Guy Ashley]

Denny

I too have a 12" Dewalt 718 which I keep in the corner of the workshop on a stand only for rendering up large boards of hardwood, (3" x 8" Oak/Sapele etc)

It is very good at chomping through that stuff but nothing I have tried from shop vacs to home made dust catchers and shrouds make any real improvement. The dust extraction port on the front of the Dewalt is real small and when you look at that of the Kapex it is enormous and you can see why it is very good for catching dust.

 

[Tim Sproul]

Here is my experience with the Kapex in terms of dust collection.

I agree with Bob's numbers - 80-90% with the 36 mm hose and the vac set to full speed.

For MDF trim, you don't want to set up inside a home (unless you're trimming a new construction or a complete remodel where dust won't matter to the owners).  It is good at collecting dust but enough fine dust from cutting MDF will escape that you can find a thin layer all over the place at the end of the day.

For solid wood tim, you can set up inside.  You will need to clean up around the saw because it doesn't collect everything but there isn't the really fine dust so the escaped chips fall to the floor.

Some cuts don't work well with the dust collection shroud - such as the freehand cuts often done when nibbling the inside corner.

 

[danrush]

I use the Kapex to cut 5-6" pre-finished hardwood crown all day, 2-3days a week, and have since day one it was available a couple of years ago.  There are many great features to the Kapex, but you asked about dust collection.

The best dust collection is achieved using the ct22 with the d36 hose.  For mobility reasons I use a ctmini with a shortened (about 48" ) d36 hose.  Heavy dust collection may be a bit less with the lower CFM of the mini compared to the 22, but I don't believe it's measurable.

After a day of cutting/installing cabinet crown, I MAY sweep up a small baggie ( perhaps a cup or two) of coarse dust, all immediately located directly behind my Kapex stand. I stress coarse because I have never used a saw that so effectively caught the airborn dust that ends up all over the room and in our lungs.  I don't mind the small amount of heavy dust that just falls to the floor. 

I work inside finished homes daily, and the Kapex's dust collection capabilities have greatly streamlined my work flow; allowing me to work closely to my install site.

Dan

 

[Jesse Cloud]

+1 on the comments above.  I had the DeWally 12 incher and it spewed dust like crazy.  I would spend half an hour cleaning up after it.  The Kapex is night and day compared to the DW.  I doesn't get everything, but cleanup is a snap.

BTW, Bob - nice avatar!!

BTW2, Guy - I sold my DW and just use a good handsaw to cut thick stuff.  No DC at all, but it doesn't spew like the DW [wink].

BTW3, Dan - You are one hard working guy - 2 cups of dust from a Kapex in one day - that saw must be red hot!!

 

[AdamM]

I agree with what the others have said.  One thing I've learned is if you attach a sacrificial fence for zero-clearance you have to taper it down as you approach the blade.  Otherwise the dust-shroud has to bend up as it travels over the sacrificial fence and you'll have a dust-plume for a portion of your cut.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Denny, it looks like you've gotten some good feedback.  We advertise 91% dust extraction efficiency. The way that is measured is a piece of lumber is weighed, then it's cut several times, then the amount of dust collected is weighed versus the final weight of the lumber.

Remember, that we have a 30-day money back, no-hassle guarantee if you're not completely satisfied. It's a very painless process. So, give it a try if you think it will work for you. I'm confident you'll find the dust extraction to be the best available. We do highly recommend the use of the 36mm hose for the best results.

 

[danrush]

BTW3, Dan - You are one hard working guy - 2 cups of dust from a Kapex in one day - that saw must be red hot!!

I have a spray water bottle to mist the blade just in case I need to change it out [big grin]

 

[tbellemare]

My experience is similar to everything above. I think it matters how big a hurry you're in also... Sometimes, when I get in too big a hurry, I tend to cut immediately and I don't think the suction has had a chance to get going fully so the results are a little worse. Haste makes waste... It's always a bit dangerous to get in too big a hurry so this just adds another reason to avoid it.

I normally have my Kapex backed up against a wall that is covered with accessories and consumables (inventory). It doesn't mess them up but I don't use it for MDF.

I do, however, use it for plastics. Plastics tend to make birds nest type remains and they clog the dust chute. I have to be conscious of the clogs and clean them out frequently. It works but I get the worst collection results cutting plastic.

Tom

 

[bonesbr549]

I've had the kapex since it first came out and while it does not get all the dust like most other festool tools, it gets most and better than any other chop saw I ever used.  I spoke with a festool rep about changing the stock insert with a zero-clearance one, and he inidcated that if I did that it's DC capability would be reduced significantly.   I've been very happy with mine except for one think.   I had a small piece of trim break off and fly up and knocked the rubberboot off the back.  What happened was it broke the little plastic tab off the left side that hold the boot on the back.  It stays on but loose.   Still bums me out but hey thats life.  

 

[Mac]

Nice setup Chris. But two vacs...that's just showing off.

 

[dennylj]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply.  I've got the CT 26 which I've been using for my other Festool machines and it works great.  With numbers like 91% dust collection, I'd be very satisfied.  There is a wood working show later this week in Ottawa and I'm told the Festool folk will be there demonstrating their goodies.  Think I'll pop round and have a serious look at the Kapex.
Thanks again everyone.
Cheers,
Denny

 

[Neill]

Denny,

I know you are asking specifically about dust collection but let me tell you this, if you decide to get the Kapex, you will never regret it.

Just this weekend I was cutting some wide African Mahogany boards and some wide  pine boards.  I am still amazed at the quality of the cuts made by the Kapex with the standard blade.  The end cuts look like they were polished.  Np splintering and with the help of the twin lasers, right on the cut lines.

Neill

 

[ccarrolladams]

One of my Kapex is installed in my shop. There is space below it for a CT22, which can be taken on-site if needed. The Kapex is connected to the CT22 with a 36mm hose. In the shop behind the Kapex I have a standard chop-saw DC shroud which is connected to the shop DC system. The result is virtually no uncollected dust around the Kapex. On the same wall, and using the same bench I have a 14" pull-over saw 6' to the left of the Kapex. A 10" miter saw is 6' to the right. Both of those also have a chop saw shroud. Both create far more dust that escapes than does the Kapex which is used a lot every day.

My second Kapex is sometimes used on its rolling stand in other places of our shop, but mostly it is used on site. Either way it is connected to a CT22 with a 36mm hose. In my experience the Kapex creates far less uncollected dust on site than any other sliding miter saw I have used. That roving Kapex will be paired with a CT36 currently on order.

I want my shop to stay clean and neat. I am fanatical about keeping sites clean. That is a major reason I own and make good money with all my Festools.

 

[Brice Burrell]

....I do, however, use it for plastics. Plastics tend to make birds nest type remains and they clog the dust chute. I have to be conscious of the clogs and clean them out frequently. It works but I get the worst collection results cutting plastic.

Tom

Tom, what kind of plastic are you cutting?  I've cut tons of Azek (PVC trim boards) and the DC is good but it doesn't make "birds nest" dust. 

 

[tbellemare]

I've been cutting UHMW and HDPE.

The birds nests may be because I have been too lazy to change to the plastic blade. The universal blade is cutting clean enough but the ATB tooth pattern may be the problem. The plastic blade has a TC grind.

Tom

 

[counterfix]

I've been cutting UHMW and HDPE.

The birds nests may be because I have been too lazy to change to the plastic blade. The universal blade is cutting clean enough but the ATB tooth pattern may be the problem. The plastic blade has a TC grind.

Tom

tc grind doesn't help some plastic just cuts in strands mine are always cloged from these types of material

 

[Texastutt]

I had a small piece of trim break off and fly up and knocked the rubberboot off the back.  What happened was it broke the little plastic tab off the left side that hold the boot on the back.  It stays on but loose.   Still bums me out but hey thats life.  

Happened to me on the first day I had the saw.