Kapex dust extraction - what dumb thing am i missing?

[sawwannabe]

I recently got the Kapex 120 and have it connected to a midi ct. I did a test cut and thought it was odd that I had so must saw dust on the plate and floor. I turned the hose on and placed a couple of chips near by and nothing is being extracted. The tube connecting to the blade seems to be clear. Thoughts on what I'm missing?

 

[sawwannabe]

I took the video after I vacuumed the dust that was on the plate. I also checked the midi and the bag is half-full.
When I made the test cuts I cut down and into (towards the back) the 2x4. I was very surprised at the amount of sawdust. Much more than with my Makita 1218.
Thanks for any insights.

 

[ChuckS]

Could you make a test cut with the extractor OFF and see there if there's any difference in the amount of saw dust seen on the table and floor?

 

[sawwannabe]

Could you make a test cut with the extractor OFF and see there if there's any difference in the amount of saw dust seen on the table and floor?

Great, simple, and brilliant suggestion-thank you! I just did a couple test cuts and was rather surprised and disappointed by the decent but not great dust extraction with the midi turned on. Maybe I was spoiled by the Makita. Thanks again.

 

[rvieceli]

Here's another thing to check. the suction setting on the vac. Sanders like it fairly low and the saws like it full blast. If you were sanding before maybe it is still set lower.

Ron

 

[onocoffee]

I don't have a Kapex, but from the commentaries that I've heard and read over the years, the Kapex has very good dust extraction - typically better than other brands, but it's not perfect (like the Domino). People report better dust extraction results by utilizing the 36mm hose over the 27mm hose. The additional flow allows for greater collection.

 

[peter halle]

We had a member here do an extensive test years ago demonstrating how different blades and techniques affected dust collection. Maybe someone else will remember that one and who might have done it.

Technique is a major player. For instance, dust collection when using it as a chop saw is not as effective as using it in a sliding manner. Speed also comes into play. Using mine as a finish carpenter I would always have some on the floor and also on the table. But the spread around me in the room was so much better (less) than my previous saws.

Peter

 

[sawwannabe]

Here's another thing to check. the suction setting on the vac. Sanders like it fairly low and the saws like it full blast. If you were sanding before maybe it is still set lower.

Ron

Thank you so much! Yes, my dust extraction was set to the middle. I haven't done another test cut but I bet that simple obvious thing will help a lot. Thanks!

 

[Cheese]

Also, the shorter you keep the hose the better dust extraction you get. I originally made a 6' long 36mm hose. I've now replaced that with a 6' long 50mm hose.

 

[rmhinden]

Also, the shorter you keep the hose the better dust extraction you get. I originally made a 6' long 36mm hose. I've now replaced that with a 6' long 50mm hose.

Did you use a Festool 50mm hose? Shortened I assume?

Bob

 

[Cheese]

Did you use a Festool 50mm hose? Shortened I assume?

Bob

Yup...Hartville was closing out on the 50mm hoses a few years back, it was almost free.

 

[Birdhunter]

You might want to verify there is nothing stuck in the rubber boot behind the saw blade.

 

[woodferret]

Aside from checking the chute isn't blocked, cut technique. The scribe and channel method is going to miss that chute.

Edit: I guess it technically 'hit' the chute. ;D

 

[sawwannabe]

Thanks for all the suggestions to use a shortened hose. I've been searching and I don't see anything shorter than 2.5m. Are you using a third-party hose?

 

[sawwannabe]

Thanks for all the suggestions to use a shortened hose. I've been searching and I don't see anything shorter than 2.5m. Are you using a third-party hose?

NM. As soon as I hit post I thought to google whether the hose can be shortened.

 

[Laminator]

I extended the rubber boot with some folded duct tape and it helped considerably, but doesn't look look so good...
I also use a 4' x 36mm hose which will make a very noticeable improvement over the 27mm hose.

 

[Cheese]

Thanks for all the suggestions to use a shortened hose. I've been searching and I don't see anything shorter than 2.5m. Are you using a third-party hose?

No...both hoses are modified Festool hoses. It hurts to cut them but it does make a difference.

About 10 years ago there were several suppliers of shortened Kapex hoses. I'm surprised no one is still providing those.

 

[rvieceli]

@Cheese sounds like a business opportunity for you.

Ron