Kapex issue, gone or going

[dooer]

I've had my Kapex for about 4 years, though it was purchase under the refurbished program. 

The motor and blade speed started to stutter, gradually the blade slowed to a crawl.  I replaced the brushes and the speed picked up a little bit, but no where near enough to cut wood.  I never noticed or smelled smoke.  Any suggestions?

I've retired and cannot afford to send it back to Festool.  I'd rather take my chances on a cheaper saw.

 

[Harvey]

Festool will give you a quote before any repair work. I would encourage you to send it them for an estimate. If you decide it's too expensive for you to fix, ask them to send it back with the written estimate. That way, you can sell it with the new owner knowing what repairs are required.

 

[peter halle]

Call Festool and talk to them.

Peter

 

[dooer]

Unfortunately, I'm assuming the shipping costs will be prohibitive and there are no dealers near me.

I did talk to Festool and they suggested the brushes, so I ordered them and replaced them.  No luck.

 

[tiralie]

I did talk to Festool and they suggested the brushes, so I ordered them and replaced them.  No luck.

Sell it as is then. Someone will buy it. They are good saws, with some repair it will be a good saw for someone.
Tim

 

[Doug S]

Quite often none working kapex saws come up for sale on eBay in the UK and I am always amazed how much people pay for them.

Doug

 

[Flentz56]

Something to look at, if you can look at the commutator, this is where the brushes rub against. As the brushes wear the dust they leave becomes a short between the contact pads, that's what it sounds like you're having. I've never taken a kapex apart, you may be able to spray a contact cleaner in there and clean it out.

 

[dooer]

A update.    We measured the voltage at the brushes.  Upon startup, it read around 70 volts, and then settled down to 17 volts.  The speed dial had no affect.

I passed this info on to Festool service and all they could say is send it to them.

 

[DB10]

That's what any tool manufacture is going to say in this situation.
unfortunately know one is going to be able to fix this one over the phone.
But if it's out of warranty, you might be able to find a local guy who know's his stuff who could repair it for you.  Good luck.