Kapex for rough carpentry

[delpi767]

I want to replace my Dewalt 12" CMS with a Kapex but I am a bit concerned about using the Kapex for rough carpentry.

Unfortunately, I don't have enough room in the garage for both saws.

The vast majority of what I will be doing will be building cabinets and doing trim work.  However, I will need to ocassionally do some rough work with 2X4s, 2X6s and maybe a 2x8.

I get the impression that the Kapex is designed for accuracy and not for rough work.  Can I be comfortable it will handle my needs?

Thanks,

Dave Davis

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Yes, it can be used for 2x and other rough construction use. What gives you the impression otherwise?

 

[Deansocial]

If it can cut large hardwood crown im sure it will manage a bit of soft wood

 

[Davej]

Surely you want your rough timber cut accurately !

 

[Wuffles]

I can see where the question originated in the OP's mind. People looked at me funny when I ripped down lumps of rough sawn with a TS55, the tools seem associated with accuracy and finesse. In a good way.

 

[ScotF]

I use mine for everything and it is nice to get super accurate cuts on rough construction material.  The Kapex is rugged and accurate...

Scot

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sorry if my post came across as critical in any way. I was sincerely wanting to know if there was something that he had read, seen or experienced that might have given the impression that the Kapex would handle the job. Just learning, that's all.  [wink]

 

[peter halle]

I throw everything at the Kapex.  Wet / dry / framing / finish.  It doesn't care.  I don't either.

 

[ccarrolladams]

For a few years before I built my current custom cabinet shop I used my Kapex to cut lumber up to 2x8" without any problems.

I did switch from the finer tooth blades I use with thinner hardwood. Also I feed the Kapex slightly slower when cutting 2" pine and fir.

For my new shop I bought more Kapex and also a radial arm saw with a 7.5hp 3 phase motor and a 550mm blade. That now cuts the construction lumber and up to 125mm rough hardwood, some of which is too wide for the Kapex.

 

[BMH]

I use my Kapex on 2x material regurlary. The major advantage is I a not breathing all of the pressure lumber dust in. I use the TS 55 all of the time for the same reason on 2x material. I wish Festool made a 32 inch rail for my shorter cuts I just can't bring myself to cut one of my rails for that yet.

 

[Integrity_Construction]

Use mine all the time for rough stuff.....takes everything I throws at it !! I was cutting some super wet 2x10's today and the water was flying  [big grin]

There made to work, just gotta get past wanting to baby them 

Dave

 

[Deansocial]

I use my Kapex on 2x material regurlary. The major advantage is I a not breathing all of the pressure lumber dust in. I use the TS 55 all of the time for the same reason on 2x material. I wish Festool made a 32 inch rail for my shorter cuts I just can't bring myself to cut one of my rails for that yet.

The 800mm is 31 1/2 surely that's close enough

 

[jmbfestool]

I use mine about 50% first fix(rough) 50% second fix (trim)

Mine bounces about along the floor when I pull it along with its UG-stand with its super hard wheels.

 

[delpi767]

Thank you gentlemen,

The Kapex is on its way.  Don't tell my wife [laughing]

 

[sancho57]

In Europe festools are construction tools. My good buddy who does high end remodels has a couple of them for his crew.

In the state  Im guess due to the price etc, people think of them as high end finesse type tools that are to be confined to the shop.

They are far beyond that.

So to answer the OPs question yes....

 

[ifit]

In Europe festools are construction tools. My good buddy who does high end remodels has a couple of them for his crew.

In the state  Im guess due to the price etc, people think of them as high end finesse type tools that are to be confined to the shop.

They are far beyond that.

So to answer the OPs question yes....

The only problem with that is that i bought one to use for rough construction and finish work but usually at the rough construction stage there is no power available so i use a generator but the 110v capex will not run on a generator

I cannot understand why festool would not think to make them work as it must be a common problem and not one ive come across with any other manufacturer

 

[lovemytoys]

In Europe festools are construction tools. My good buddy who does high end remodels has a couple of them for his crew.

In the state  Im guess due to the price etc, people think of them as high end finesse type tools that are to be confined to the shop.

They are far beyond that.

So to answer the OPs question yes....

The only problem with that is that i bought one to use for rough construction and finish work but usually at the rough construction stage there is no power available so i use a generator but the 110v capex will not run on a generator

I cannot understand why festool would not think to make them work as it must be a common problem and not one ive come across with any other manufacturer

how big is the gen. your gen might be to same.also what voltage is it putting out?

 

[jmbfestool]

In Europe festools are construction tools. My good buddy who does high end remodels has a couple of them for his crew.

In the state  Im guess due to the price etc, people think of them as high end finesse type tools that are to be confined to the shop.

They are far beyond that.

So to answer the OPs question yes....

The only problem with that is that i bought one to use for rough construction and finish work but usually at the rough construction stage there is no power available so i use a generator but the 110v capex will not run on a generator

I cannot understand why festool would not think to make them work as it must be a common problem and not one ive come across with any other manufacturer

how big is the gen. your gen might be to same.also what voltage is it putting out?

Well put it this way.  A generator which requires a two man lift was used on a job I was working on and every single power tool worked on it perfectly fine apart from festool tools. I had to borrow my mates DEWALT!!!!!!  [scared]

So if you are going to suggest a bigger generator or something that's not the point.

The point Ifit is making is non festool tools are able to run on small generators which you can often find on normal small sites in the UK. Which is what we in the UK consider rough work

 

 

[sancho57]

In Europe festools are construction tools. My good buddy who does high end remodels has a couple of them for his crew.

In the state  Im guess due to the price etc, people think of them as high end finesse type tools that are to be confined to the shop.

They are far beyond that.

So to answer the OPs question yes....

The only problem with that is that i bought one to use for rough construction and finish work but usually at the rough construction stage there is no power available so i use a generator but the 110v capex will not run on a generator

I cannot understand why festool would not think to make them work as it must be a common problem and not one ive come across with any other manufacturer

Dont know about useing it with a generator. I use mines w/ CT with a 3.3 tranny

 

[Kodi Crescent]

Dont know about useing it with a generator. I use mines w/ CT with a 3.3 tranny

They version those operations now?  Who knew!