Kapex extension question

[erikfsn]

I've got my Kapex back!!!! (no thanks to my dealer, but that's been covered in another thread) and I'm excited about using it on an upcoming project to build some shelves.

To build the shelves, I need to make repeated cuts the exact same length. Ideally, I'd buy a sawhelper, but that's even harder than finding a RAS 115 these days. So, I've been eyeing the Festool extensions, but a bit hesitant due to price and lack of full length support.

So I'd like to hear ideas from anyone at all who's either got the extensions and would like to say what they like and don't like about them and also from people who've gone different routes and would like to tell me what they've done.

 

[Rob-GB]

Erikfsn, if you just need a solution for a one off job..... screw a length of timber say ex 2x1 planed, to the back fence of the Kapex, cut it through and measure back along the timber to the required length. Fix an offcut of the same timber at this point to act as a stop.

Rob.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

How do the material supports bolt onto the wings on the current usa kapex extensions?

 

[jonny round boy]

Erikfsn, if you just need a solution for a one off job..... screw a length of timber say ex 2x1 planed, to the back fence of the Kapex, cut it through and measure back along the timber to the required length. Fix an offcut of the same timber at this point to act as a stop.

Rob.

I'll second that. Personally, I don't like the old kapex extensions (the ones currently available in the US) - you can't fit them unless you have the crown stops too, and they don't support the material very well from what I've seen of them (admittedly not much).

The newer ones look to be a massive improvement - no need for the crown stops, solid bed all the way along, sturdier, and a lot cheaper, too!

Find another solution like Rob's for this job,and get the new extensions when they come out over there. If you buy the old extensions I think you'll regret it when you see the new ones...

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Erikfsn, if you just need a solution for a one off job..... screw a length of timber say ex 2x1 planed, to the back fence of the Kapex, cut it through and measure back along the timber to the required length. Fix an offcut of the same timber at this point to act as a stop.

Rob.

I'll second that. Personally, I don't like the old kapex extensions (the ones currently available in the US) - you can't fit them unless you have the crown stops too, and they don't support the material very well from what I've seen of them (admittedly not much).

The newer ones look to be a massive improvement - no need for the crown stops, solid bed all the way along, sturdier, and a lot cheaper, too!

Find another solution like Rob's for this job,and get the new extensions when they come out over there. If you buy the old extensions I think you'll regret it when you see the new ones...

I for one need the stops, and use them almost daily.

Why would a portable stand and support setup, over look the crown stops.

 

[tbellemare]

I'm wondering why there is a perceived need for a contiguous horizontal support on the Kapex Extensions.

If you look in the image below, all four items attached to the aluminum extrusion that forms the main profile of the extension are movable, easily movable and virtually along the entire length of the profile.

Can someone please explain the issue because I honestly don't understand it. Is it that it isn't beefy enough because there is always a trade-off between mass and portability.

[attachthumb=#1]

Thanks,

Tom

 

[erikfsn]

I think with your explanation, there is perhaps less need for me for the full support.  However, I do like the idea of different lengths of wood being supported without me having to think about sliding a support bar under a different length piece of wood than my last cut.

The new stand looks great. It appears that, unlike power tools which are NAINA and which run on different voltage, there would be no such reason that the new stand wouldn't work with a North American Kapex. Has anyone here in the US purchased one from overseas? What's a good country to buy from?

 

[tbellemare]

The new stand and extensions will certainly work with your Kapex. I think the lack of crown stops limits the new extensions' potential market here. I suspect it will be sold here eventually though not necessarily. There are a lot of products that have never made it here.

I understand there is a slight time savings if you never have to move the horizontal or vertical support but I doubt that either have to be moved that often in most circumstances. Perhaps I'm wrong?

Tom

 

[danrush]

I'm wondering why there is a perceived need for a contiguous horizontal support on the Kapex Extensions.

If you look in the image below, all four items attached to the aluminum extrusion that forms the main profile of the extension are movable, easily movable and virtually along the entire length of the profile.

Can someone please explain the issue because I honestly don't understand it. Is it that it isn't beefy enough because there is always a trade-off between mass and portability.

[attachthumb=#1]

Thanks,

Tom

Tom,

For me, solid supports are necessary because I routinely cut crown from 96" to 2" and back to 96", etc.  ( particularily on cabinet jobs with a lot of castles and build-ups). 

True, the supports you've shown are easily adjusted, but in my case, I'd have to move them dozens of times a day.  A couple of seconds here, a couple seconds there, and time builds up.  If I forget ,  JUST ONCE,  I may well face a dangerous kick back when the stock falls the wrong way, to say nothing about a botched cut in very expensive material.  Full support also allows for clamping as needed for the times when one is trying to cut a bowed piece of stock.

I will never use a cutting station without full support for the stock, on both sides of the blade.

Dan

 

[tbellemare]

I see what you're saying, now, Dan. I have made the mistake before of letting the stock dip after the cut and it gets pretty hairy.

I could see some value in having multiple horizontal supports but I can also see your point relative to safety without a continuous support.

I also think seconds repeated many times add up over the day or week so having to move the support isn't optimal.

Tom

 

[ajones]

I think with your explanation, there is perhaps less need for me for the full support.  However, I do like the idea of different lengths of wood being supported without me having to think about sliding a support bar under a different length piece of wood than my last cut.

The new stand looks great. It appears that, unlike power tools which are NAINA and which run on different voltage, there would be no such reason that the new stand wouldn't work with a North American Kapex. Has anyone here in the US purchased one from overseas? What's a good country to buy from?

Hi the Uk would probably be the best option english speaking and vat@17.5 lowest in europe at the moment.

 

[jonny round boy]

I think with your explanation, there is perhaps less need for me for the full support.  However, I do like the idea of different lengths of wood being supported without me having to think about sliding a support bar under a different length piece of wood than my last cut.

The new stand looks great. It appears that, unlike power tools which are NAINA and which run on different voltage, there would be no such reason that the new stand wouldn't work with a North American Kapex. Has anyone here in the US purchased one from overseas? What's a good country to buy from?

Hi the Uk would probably be the best option english speaking and vat@17.5 lowest in europe at the moment.

Footstool,

There are several EU countries with VAT rates lower than ours, however that would be irrelevant since VAT isn't charged for export orders. A buyer in the US would not pay any VAT, just their own local import taxes.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm wondering why there is a perceived need for a contiguous horizontal support on the Kapex Extensions.

If you look in the image below, all four items attached to the aluminum extrusion that forms the main profile of the extension are movable, easily movable and virtually along the entire length of the profile.

Can someone please explain the issue because I honestly don't understand it. Is it that it isn't beefy enough because there is always a trade-off between mass and portability.

Thanks,

Tom

I'll add to what Dan posted.  I tend to use my miter saw stand/extensions as a general work station.  I do I ton of layout on my stock, both big and small pieces, while it's on the extensions.  There is always tools like a square, pencil, or nailer, laying on the extension as I assemble If I didn't have pieces.  In short, they are makeshift work tables.

 

[tbellemare]

Brice:

If I'm not mistaken, you have the SawHelper, don't you?

If you do, are the extensions aluminum?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I will echo what Dan and Brice said I like full support of a piece as well.

Tom-the saw helpers are an aluminum extrusion.

How does that support bolt to the bottom of the extensions?
I really hate the fact of buying an expensive tool such as the extensions, that I have to spend more money and time modifying.

I have more important things to do then make my own tools.

 

[tbellemare]

I thought they'd be aluminum.

How does that support bolt to the bottom of the extensions?

It's a typical t-track connection with a knob.

I have more important things to do then make my own tools.

I'm thinking about an added value option... It shouldn't be too difficult to add the platform as an upgrade. I'll work on it.

Tom

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I thought they'd be aluminum.

How does that support bolt to the bottom of the extensions?

It's a typical t-track connection with a knob.

I have more important things to do then make my own tools.

I'm thinking about an added value option... It shouldn't be too difficult to add the platform as an upgrade. I'll work on it.

Tom

That is what I have been thinking to do with the extensions.  I just can't get my hands on any to play with.

No dealer around here carry's those things in stock.

 

[tbellemare]

I try to keep them in stock. I have to admit they aren't flying off the shelves but maybe I can change that.

Tom

 

[fshanno]

I try to keep them in stock. I have to admit they aren't flying off the shelves but maybe I can change that.

Tom

I try to keep them in stock. I have to admit they aren't flying off the shelves but maybe I can change that.

How?  $700 on top of $1300?  At some point the concept of diminishing returns has got to come into play even for the well heeled.  My local dealer has sold exactly two Kapexs, both to rich hobbyists.  He has never sold a set of extensions or the Kapex MFT. 

I'll tell you how to move those extensions.  Throw a complimentary set and I'll place an order with you for a new Kapex and Kapex MFT tonight. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I try to keep them in stock. I have to admit they aren't flying off the shelves but maybe I can change that.

Tom

I try to keep them in stock. I have to admit they aren't flying off the shelves but maybe I can change that.

How?  $700 on top of $1300?  At some point the concept of diminishing returns has got to come into play even for the well heeled.  My local dealer has sold exactly two Kapexs, both to rich hobbyists.  He has never sold a set of extensions or the Kapex MFT.  

I'll tell you how to move those extensions.  Throw a complimentary set and I'll place an order with you for a new Kapex and Kapex MFT tonight.  

I hear you, with my kapex, the kapex mft/3, CT-22 and a 36mm hose, I drag out $2600.00 worth of tools just to cut some trim.

700 dollar extensions, plus more $$$ for a full length support and I have 3500.00+ in tools to cut trim.

Don't get me wrong, these things make me money everyday when I get them out but, that is a hefty price tag for a trim cutting set-up.

I forgot to add the cost of the crown stops, a pair, and the 400.00 bucks worth of blades I have for the saw.