Hi all,
I bought a slightly used, semi-new Kapex 120, manufactured in July 2024 (stamped “Made in the Czech Republic”). I’m honestly disappointed given Festool’s reputation and the price. This saw cost ~10× my old WEN, yet the WEN’s fence is perfectly flat (I can’t slide even a 0.0015” feeler under a straightedge), so I expected at least comparable flatness here.
Findings (straightedge, square, feeler gauges):
I have attached photos and short videos documenting these issues and can share the serial number as well.
Questions:
Dust collection is really great so far, and I know most of these issues could potentially be solved by adding auxiliary fences, but at this price point, I would expect something much better to start with. At this point, I'm debating if I should keep the Kapex and work around its issues or better sell it and stick to my old, cheaper WEN.
I'm sorry for the rant, but it's been really frustrating finding out these issues with such an expensive tool.
Anyways, thanks for any guidance provided
- Emmanuel
I bought a slightly used, semi-new Kapex 120, manufactured in July 2024 (stamped “Made in the Czech Republic”). I’m honestly disappointed given Festool’s reputation and the price. This saw cost ~10× my old WEN, yet the WEN’s fence is perfectly flat (I can’t slide even a 0.0015” feeler under a straightedge), so I expected at least comparable flatness here.
Findings (straightedge, square, feeler gauges):
- The fence is concave toward the center (at the split). Max gap: 0.008–0.009”. Also, looks like it's not 100% coplanar.
- The fence is not perfectly 90° to the table: with a machinist square, I see light gaps at the top or bottom, more noticeable with the movable fence sections installed.
- The table is not coplanar: the rotating center section sits slightly proud of the fixed sides/extensions (visible with straightedge/feelers around 0.007 to 0.010").
I have attached photos and short videos documenting these issues and can share the serial number as well.
Questions:
- What are the acceptable flatness/squareness/coplanarity tolerances on the Kapex? Are these numbers out of spec, and would Festool typically correct/replace parts?
- From Mexico City, what’s the correct path to request warranty/service on a semi-new unit? Who should I contact? Is it even possible?
- Any known differences between Czech-made units and earlier German ones, or is this likely just my sample?
Dust collection is really great so far, and I know most of these issues could potentially be solved by adding auxiliary fences, but at this price point, I would expect something much better to start with. At this point, I'm debating if I should keep the Kapex and work around its issues or better sell it and stick to my old, cheaper WEN.
I'm sorry for the rant, but it's been really frustrating finding out these issues with such an expensive tool.
Anyways, thanks for any guidance provided
- Emmanuel
