Kapex Extension set

[EcoFurniture]

Couldn't find any review about them... Does anyone have them and if yes, could you post the + and - points? Maybe even a video?

I know they are very costly for what they are... but I could see myself getting some--maybe...

Thanks!
Andreas

 

[mwhafner]

I don't have the extensions, but do have a little experience with them.  It is a very unique design.  The measurement system is really cool. 

 

[score0matic]

Andreas,
you may want to look into these as well.  They are Kapex ready
http://www.sawhelper.com/sawhelper_ultrafence.php
Craig

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I got a set of them a few years ago and I like them a lot. As a matter of fact, I pushed pretty hard when Festool told me they initially decided not to bring them to the U.S. I doubt that I was the cause for them changing their mind, but I would like to think that I had an impact on that decision.

I really like the telescopic ends, which is not that big of a deal, until you realize that the tape gauge also telescopes with it. That is cool. The stops are very nice too, and that is the primary feature I use them for, aside from the extended support. I wish I could explain more, but when I moved my Kapex into a 30 foot permanent cutoff workstation, I put the extensions into storage until I need to use the saw for portable use. As with any of the Festool stuff, it takes quite a while to realize how many little features are hidden in the design, and I know I hadn't gotten around to learning them all before I relocated my saw.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I saw a set of the Kapex extensions yesterday.
I was very impressed with them after seeing them in person. They have a lot of nice features as Rick stated.
They are also light weight & compact for times when the extensions need to be transported to a job site.
I do not own a Kapex yet, but I do have the Saw Helper extensions that Craig posted a link for. They are also nice, but are very heavy & bulky.
The only time I use them is when I am going to have a saw setup on a job site for a long time.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I do not own a Kapex yet, but I do have the Saw Helper extensions that Craig posted a link for. They are also nice, but are very heavy & bulky.
The only time I use them is when I am going to have a saw setup on a job site for a long time.

Sawhelper offers different size extensions ranging from 50"-100". I have the U55 set with two 50" extensions to make the system more compact and light weight. The advantages of the Sawhelper system is it sets up quickly, but the biggest advantage is the extensions are continuous giving work piece full support. This is where the Festool extensions fall short.

Does anyone know if Sawhelper is up and running again?

 

 

[mwhafner]

Does anyone know if Sawhelper is up and running again?

It doesn't appear so.  I emailed Tim earlier in the week, and haven't heard any response. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

As far as sawhelper goes, I have a feeling they wont be.

Just a fyi, the MFT/3's are the same height as the kapex on its table.

I think there is not enough support on the Kapex extensions.
I like to have a wider base.  

 

[gkeas]

I think I'd like the Sawhelper better, too, but I've been waiting for production to resume for about 6 months, and so far, no dice.  I don't think I'll get the festool version.

 

[richard.selwyn]

I bought the extensions when I bought the Kapex.  I echo the comments about the stops and the rulers and they are handy to take to site.  BUT I have a big problem with them in that the slightest touch knocks them out of line.  As the feet stick out it is easy just to touch them and skew everything - very annoying.  I have a six foot aluminium section handy to realign them, but it is a frequent PITA.  My old set up with a permanent bench (like Rick Christopherson?) and a Kreg guide was much better.

 

[Spike]

Sawhelper is out of business.

 

[mwhafner]

Sawhelper is out of business. Sad

Is that confirmed, or speculation?  I know they are currently out of production, but didn't know they had officially shut the doors.

 

[Tom Ryan]

Their web site is up and running and they're sending out price lists.  I hope they come back.

Tom in Central PA

 

[rnt80]

I bought the extensions when I bought the Kapex.  I echo the comments about the stops and the rulers and they are handy to take to site.  BUT I have a big problem with them in that the slightest touch knocks them out of line.  As the feet stick out it is easy just to touch them and skew everything - very annoying.  I have a six foot aluminium section handy to realign them, but it is a frequent PITA.  My old set up with a permanent bench (like Rick Christopherson?) and a Kreg guide was much better.

I'd agree with Richard and Rick.  I've never used the Kapex extensions so I can't speak to their use.  However, I built some extensions for mine based off of Gary Katz's design and they've worked great.  I used the Kreg fence system and couldn't be happier.