Kapex Fence Enhancement...

[darita]

Now, I know I may get flamed for this, but this simple mod has helped me with all my miter saws, so I figured, why not share...
I found out a long time ago, that one of the main reasons people get inaccurate cuts on their miter saw is because, as you make the cut, the wood moves.  Most manufacturers , like Festool, fix this by giving you a clamp to clamp down your work.  Unfortunately, I was always one of those that never used that clamp.  Someone suggested this fix that really works and I've used it ever since.


What it is, is a safety strip for stairs.  It has a sandpaper-like surface, with a sticky back.  It's easy to apply and sticks very well.  Since using this stuff, I've never had a problem with the wood creeping, causing a bad miter cut. Also, it does not effect the accuracy of your miter cut.
I have not yet cut all the holes and slots that the original fence has, but I'll do that as I need to.  If you see a big problem with doing this on the Kapex, please speak up.  I can always remove the strip if I have to.  Thanks for looking...

 

[builderbob]

I see nothing wrong with that!  You didn't modify the tool...you only enhanced it!  Seems like it could really help!

 

[PeterK]

I did basically the same thing with adhesive backed sandpaper to my Domino to prevent it from moving.

 

[Paul G]

I'm going to give it a try, thanks!

 

[darita]

Thanks!  This stuff is really non-slip and won't wear out.  It's made for walking on, so it won't compress or loose it's stiction either.

 

[festooltim]

Could be something to install on a zero clearance fence if someone didn't want to stick it directly to the saw.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

This is a pretty cool idea...thanks for posting! 

Scot

 

[Stokely]

That's griptape for skateboards. Been using it for years, but on not on tools. You can use off cuts to sand down what you put up. It helps to smooth the really sharp abrasive points, with still leaving the grip.

 

[Stokely]

Jessup griptape is the best.

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Great idea, what about when cutting pre-finished materials? I guess you would just keep good side of material away from sand paper or use masking tape to protect it.... I'm gonna try it with skateboard grip tape.

 

[Wooden Skye]

This is a good idea, may have to try this.

 

[darita]

Great idea, what about when cutting pre-finished materials? I guess you would just keep good side of material away from sand paper or use masking tape to protect it.... I'm gonna try it with skateboard grip tape.

Actually, I've never had a problem marring stock.  This non-skid stuff is kinda like sandpaper, but not.  It grabs so well, that things don't slide, so it doesn't scratch.  The skateboard stuff might be the same stuff, just rebranded. 

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Great idea, what about when cutting pre-finished materials? I guess you would just keep good side of material away from sand paper or use masking tape to protect it.... I'm gonna try it with skateboard grip tape.

Actually, I've never had a problem marring stock.  This non-skid stuff is kinda like sandpaper, but not.  It grabs so well, that things don't slide, so it doesn't scratch.  The skateboard stuff might be the same stuff, just rebranded. 

is the 3m safety walk real rough or does it have a rubber coating?

 

[darita]

Great idea, what about when cutting pre-finished materials? I guess you would just keep good side of material away from sand paper or use masking tape to protect it.... I'm gonna try it with skateboard grip tape.

Actually, I've never had a problem marring stock.  This non-skid stuff is kinda like sandpaper, but not.  It grabs so well, that things don't slide, so it doesn't scratch.  The skateboard stuff might be the same stuff, just rebranded. 

is the 3m safety walk real rough or does it have a rubber coating?

It's rough, but it does have some kind of coating, but it's hard to describe.  Now that I think about it, it seems rougher than skateboard stuff, but less sandpaper like, if that makes sense.