Kapex: Festool Seeking Member Feedback

M

Matthew Schenker

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
2,619
Everyone,
We've already been discussing the Kapex in various threads here in the forum, such as this one... and this one... and others.

But let's have a discussion for member feedback, just as we did recently for the MFT3, the OF 2200, and the MFK 700.

This can be a place to collect your various questions, comments, concerns, hopes, or anything else about the Kapex, so Festool can see it clearly and respond.

Thanks everyone,
Matthew
 
For those who have not yet taken the opportunity, please check outhttp://kapex.festoolusa.com for nearly six minutes of video and a complete feature walk around of the Kapex.  This is the easiest way to learn about the unique features of the Kapex.
 
One feature that I find really attractive is its compact size and the fact that you can now integrate an SCMS into your permanent bench/cabinet  installation without taking any more space than a CMS.

After my recent battles with my Bosch, I'd like to see more regarding adjustment for truing the saw.  Measurements flexing and deflection during use would be welcome as well.  Being the proud owner of two MFT-1080's I'd like to know how the new Kapex MFT3 would work in conjunction with them.  I assume that they wouldn't be tall enough and some sort of user jig would have to be devised in order to align the surfaces with the Kapex.

 
      I'd like to know what type of other accessories we will see for the saw.  I'd like to see some zero clearance insert plates (not usually ever seen a a CMS or SCMS but for me it would be useful.  I work with a lot of small moldings and they tend to break and snag if I don't back them up with a sacrificial piece of wood under them. 

      I'd like to hear from Festool about what they are doing with the apparent issue of the sliding fences that appear a gall or stick.  Was there a tolerance issue or material issue that is now corrected? 

      I'd like to hear about Maintenance requirements.  Don't know myself if it's in the manual or not but what should be put on the sliding rails.  Does the rotating fence (turret) ever need to be lubed/cleaned and with what?

      A big one for me that I'd like to see with any tool but lets start with the Kapex is calibration procedures.  I know that there may be special equipment in the shop, but how about showing us users how to check and adjust to get everything squared up and co-planer. 

Chris...

 
Hi,

      I was looking through  the catalog today and noticed that the crown support extensions are attached to a V groove on the Kapex. Is this the same as the V groove on the MFT/3?

Seth
 
as a ME i have to agree with Rick about the kapex. i see one and used it.......and i am left wondering how this problem is manifesting itself? i have to admit i would love to see one of these defective machines. does anyone have good pictures? thoughts
 
Sorry Rick.

But in regard to the stuck fence I mentioned, how much more of a full story would you like!!!!

Mark
 
      Actually Rick now that I went through the PDF file, I really only get out of it adjusting the miter which is the part that's easy to figure out (I do like the compounding error routine you included).  What I am more looking for is adjustment for bevel lock, adjusting so that both sides of the back fence are 90 degree's to the blade, and both sides including the sliding extensions (that may or may not stick) are 90 degree's to the bed.  I've never seen one but since you have had one for quite some time I'd just like to see all the adjustments that can be made. 
 
Chris...
 
Does it come in some sort of jumbo Systainer that can transform into a bench ;D? What are its cutting dimentions and what are its phisical dimentions too? Thanks. I have a Dewalt 12"csms and although it works great, it's too big.
 
Bill Wyko said:
Does it come in some sort of jumbo Systainer that can transform into a bench ;D? What are its cutting dimentions and what are its phisical dimentions too? Thanks. I have a Dewalt 12"csms and although it works great, it's too big.
Click to expand...

Bill, no jumbo systainer I'm afraid...  ;)

Here are the answers to your other questions:

Cutting Depth 90/90 Degrees
12" x 3-15/32" (305 x 88 mm)

Left/Right 45/90 Degrees
8-15/32" x 3-15/32" (215 x 88 mm)

Left 45/45 Degrees
8-15/32" x 2-1/8" (215 x 55 mm)

Right 45/45 Degrees
8-15/32" x 1-3/8" (215 x 35 mm)

Special Cutting Depth
4-23/32" x 3/4 (120 x 20 mm)

Crown Nested Capacity
6-5/8" (168mm)

Maximum Bevel
47/47 Degrees

Miter Range
50/60 Degrees

Dimensions (W X D X H)
28" x 19 3/4" x 18 1/2" (713 x 500 x 470 mm)

Weight 47 lbs
(21.5 kg)

You can find this and other specs on page 75 of the 08/09 catalog.
 
plywood said:
Will the Kapex accept standard 10" blades or only festool blades?
Click to expand...

Ply, the Kapex takes 260 mm (a little under 10 1/4") blades with a 30 mm arbor. So here in the US that means, for all practical purposes, only Festool blades will work. I expect that will change, by next year I bet other US companies will have blades to fit the Kapex.
 
Bill Wyko said:
Does it come in some sort of jumbo Systainer that can transform into a bench ;D? What are its cutting dimentions and what are its phisical dimentions too? Thanks. I have a Dewalt 12"csms and although it works great, it's too big.
Click to expand...
I got mine last year and I got 2 Systainers no. 1 with it. That's handy: the hight of the 'table' of the saw is as high as such a Systainer, so you can put your working piece on it if it's too long for the 'table'.

I'm working with it some half year now and I'm oh, so happy with it! I only just found out that there's a great accessory for it: an extension (to the left or right) with a 'stop' and centimeters on it (sorry for my poor English). That's what I really most certainly will buy to make several pieces of exact the same size!
 
Well, this is a little tangential.
I just ordered a 10 inch Forrest Chopmaster 80 tooth blade from Forrest.  You can call them at 800-733-7111.

They charge $9.oo to bore a nonstandard hole  (in this case 30 mm).

The total with shipping was $146.70.  Delivery time is 2 weeks.

I'm gonna be ready.

Joe
 
markcoutinho said:
an extension (to the left or right) with a 'stop' and centimeters on it (sorry for my poor English). That's what I really most certainly will buy to make several pieces of exact the same size!
Click to expand...

I have them. They kick ass. Combined with a laser tape they are so accurate you sometimes have to put slop back in, or framing stuff will be too tight. They are fiddley to set up, and I wish there was a bag to carry them both in. But they rock.

(hmmm. maybe I need to check calibration on the laser  ??? )
 
Our Kapax Demo just arrived for our store today and I had the privalage of setting it up for Demo. I watched the video and did quite a bit of research on features and benefits so I was quite anxious to get hands- on experience. I put the Bosch 10" right next to it and compared the apples and I have to say it is every bit worth the investment. Smooth cutting action, Smooth easy set up, minimal saw kerf, and the lasers give exact precise cuts. I highly recommend it.
If your in the Fort Collins, Co. area Drop by Sears Trostel Hardwoods at 1500 Riverside Ave. (970) 482 - 1928, Ask for Matthew and I would be happy to give a demo.

 
whats is a "laser tape" the best laser measurer i have seen go to the mm,,,,not accurate for tight work i think.  should say that i have the Bosch laser measurer that i accurate to the 16th or mm, which i love. i just think you would need better resolution for the tight work the kapex is meant for.
 
Yes, what is a laser tape?  I had never heard of one until reading Eli's post.  Are you talking about those laser "range finders" that you point at a wall and get the distance from where you are standing?

Dave R.
 
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