Jiggy Joiner
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2018
- Messages
- 1,103
Hi all, well after nearly a week of owning the Kapex KS 120 REB, and almost constant use, I thought I’d give my thoughts so far.
As a long time tradesman I’ve had all kinds and makes of mitre saws, from 150mm (6”) to 300mm (12”) saws, mainly from the Elu, Makita and Dewalt’s ranges. I may of been lucky but, have never been disappointed with any of them, in fact quite the opposite.
Up until very recently, I/we didn’t need another mitre saw but, had heard many great reports about the Kapex 120, and unfortunately a good few not so great reports regarding motor issues, smoking and failures.
I found out through meeting other trades that these failures were more than just rumours, and very recently met another unfortunate owner who told me his story but, the fact that he went on to say he was not put off in any way, and would stick with the Kapex spoke volumes for me.
It seems an unfortunate fact that a small percentage of these saws have failed but, a lot more have proved to be very durable. I just hope mine is one of the more durable variety.
Ok, due to various reasons, we found ourselves needing a new bandsaw and mitre saw. The bandsaw was a done deal but, I was still doubtful of what mitre saw to buy?
Then because Festool had released a new Kapex 120, I was again drawn to it, after getting some advice mainly here and in the trade, I decided on the KS 120 REB SET-UG.
As I mentioned the first saw turned up badly damaged, and was quickly collected and replaced.
Since then it’s been constantly used for cutting mainly 4” x 2” and 6” x 2” and 18mm and 12mm plywood. It’s been a revelation to be honest, as other owners know it has some great features and touches that make using a mitre saw, a lot easier.
I calibrated the measures on the side extensions, and they are spot on. The saw was cutting square and true out of the box. The lasers were fine but, I fine tuned them for my way of working.
The UG cart and extensions are very easy to set up and take down, and makes mobile or workshop use very quick, easy and accurate.
I nearly just bought the saw and was going to plant it on a station in the workshop but, I’m so glad I listened to advice and went for the UG set.
The dust extraction at first, even with a 36mm hose wasn’t quite as good as I was expecting if I’m honest but, after reading up on reviews etc, I adapted my old habits to mimic suggestions that I’d read, and saw a marked improvement instantly!
I am now actually very happy with the extraction even with a 27mm hose.
The cuts, both cross cut and mitre, and bevels are superb! As smooth as a baby’s bottom so to speak.
Yesterday, I did lots of trench cuts and was very impressed, so, so easy.
The angle finder is a nice touch that will get a lot of use, as I’m getting older and more lazy.
So, so far, so very good, I am honestly very pleased with it, and have already got a bit possessive with it haha!
The variable speed although not new to me with miter saws is very welcomed. A great range of angles and bevels will cover nearly any situation.
I love the easy to read scaling, and the positive locking of the miter and bevel facility, and the fine tune bevel adjuster is great. Another welcomed surprise is the relatively low weight for this size of saw, very manageable.
The footprint of the saw is more than acceptable to me also, especially when space is limited.
I think it’s reassuring that for the most part, the latest design isn’t too far removed from the previous version. I like the slide out base extensions, these will come in handy when the full stand and extensions aren’t needed, they are easy to slide out and lock, and another nice touch.
I think I’ve briefly covered most points.
No real criticisms but, maybe a work light might of been handy? Not a problem though.
The other thing I can’t get used too is the sound of the motor, especially on lower speeds but, when I removed the blade it was almost gone, so I guess it’s like a speaker effect.
It’s like a grating noise that I’ve noticed in many videos, and figured it wouldn’t sound like that in the flesh but, it does.
However, I have always thought the same about the TS55, they all sound that way too. A characteristic of these type of motors I’m sure.
Anyway, I love the saw and am glad I went for it, and advise anybody considering one, to go for it, you won’t be disappointed, I’m not and I’m known for being fussy.
Today a new work piece clamp arrived from direct Festool to replaced the damaged one, so that’s good and sorted out now.
I did email Festool UK with photos of the delivery damage, six days ago now but, as of yet, have not heard from them? I would like a reply, even just as an acknowledgement. Fingers crossed.
I’ll update my review on the Kapex when it’s seen some more action.
[thumbs up]
As a long time tradesman I’ve had all kinds and makes of mitre saws, from 150mm (6”) to 300mm (12”) saws, mainly from the Elu, Makita and Dewalt’s ranges. I may of been lucky but, have never been disappointed with any of them, in fact quite the opposite.
Up until very recently, I/we didn’t need another mitre saw but, had heard many great reports about the Kapex 120, and unfortunately a good few not so great reports regarding motor issues, smoking and failures.
I found out through meeting other trades that these failures were more than just rumours, and very recently met another unfortunate owner who told me his story but, the fact that he went on to say he was not put off in any way, and would stick with the Kapex spoke volumes for me.
It seems an unfortunate fact that a small percentage of these saws have failed but, a lot more have proved to be very durable. I just hope mine is one of the more durable variety.
Ok, due to various reasons, we found ourselves needing a new bandsaw and mitre saw. The bandsaw was a done deal but, I was still doubtful of what mitre saw to buy?
Then because Festool had released a new Kapex 120, I was again drawn to it, after getting some advice mainly here and in the trade, I decided on the KS 120 REB SET-UG.
As I mentioned the first saw turned up badly damaged, and was quickly collected and replaced.
Since then it’s been constantly used for cutting mainly 4” x 2” and 6” x 2” and 18mm and 12mm plywood. It’s been a revelation to be honest, as other owners know it has some great features and touches that make using a mitre saw, a lot easier.
I calibrated the measures on the side extensions, and they are spot on. The saw was cutting square and true out of the box. The lasers were fine but, I fine tuned them for my way of working.
The UG cart and extensions are very easy to set up and take down, and makes mobile or workshop use very quick, easy and accurate.
I nearly just bought the saw and was going to plant it on a station in the workshop but, I’m so glad I listened to advice and went for the UG set.
The dust extraction at first, even with a 36mm hose wasn’t quite as good as I was expecting if I’m honest but, after reading up on reviews etc, I adapted my old habits to mimic suggestions that I’d read, and saw a marked improvement instantly!
I am now actually very happy with the extraction even with a 27mm hose.
The cuts, both cross cut and mitre, and bevels are superb! As smooth as a baby’s bottom so to speak.
Yesterday, I did lots of trench cuts and was very impressed, so, so easy.
The angle finder is a nice touch that will get a lot of use, as I’m getting older and more lazy.
So, so far, so very good, I am honestly very pleased with it, and have already got a bit possessive with it haha!
The variable speed although not new to me with miter saws is very welcomed. A great range of angles and bevels will cover nearly any situation.
I love the easy to read scaling, and the positive locking of the miter and bevel facility, and the fine tune bevel adjuster is great. Another welcomed surprise is the relatively low weight for this size of saw, very manageable.
The footprint of the saw is more than acceptable to me also, especially when space is limited.
I think it’s reassuring that for the most part, the latest design isn’t too far removed from the previous version. I like the slide out base extensions, these will come in handy when the full stand and extensions aren’t needed, they are easy to slide out and lock, and another nice touch.
I think I’ve briefly covered most points.
No real criticisms but, maybe a work light might of been handy? Not a problem though.
The other thing I can’t get used too is the sound of the motor, especially on lower speeds but, when I removed the blade it was almost gone, so I guess it’s like a speaker effect.
It’s like a grating noise that I’ve noticed in many videos, and figured it wouldn’t sound like that in the flesh but, it does.
However, I have always thought the same about the TS55, they all sound that way too. A characteristic of these type of motors I’m sure.
Anyway, I love the saw and am glad I went for it, and advise anybody considering one, to go for it, you won’t be disappointed, I’m not and I’m known for being fussy.
Today a new work piece clamp arrived from direct Festool to replaced the damaged one, so that’s good and sorted out now.
I did email Festool UK with photos of the delivery damage, six days ago now but, as of yet, have not heard from them? I would like a reply, even just as an acknowledgement. Fingers crossed.
I’ll update my review on the Kapex when it’s seen some more action.
[thumbs up]
