Kapex KX120 vs. KX88

[festoolviking]

Hi everyone.

This question is for European users mainly since the KX88 is NAINA. Is there anyone of you that got the Kapex 88, and if so do you regret not getting the 120? The main difference seems to be the laser, fine adjustment on the mitre, angle finder and the lock for 168mm skirting boards in upright position.

For all users: how often do you use the laser. Would you manage without it?

The reason for asking is the price which is about 3/4 of the price for a KX 120

All input on this topic is appreciated

Festoolviking

 

[Kev]

We have the option of the 88 in Oz. Honestly, if saving on features that provide additional functionality an accuracy is a serious consideration, maybe don't look at the KAPEX at all.

Here it's already a premium product, so the price is a secondary consideration, making the choosing the KS88 a bit of an enigma at best[big grin]

The lasers are very handy - I also like the angle finder (though I haven't use it yet).

 

[Timtool]

Hi everyone.
For all users: how often do you use the laser. Would you manage without it?

The reason for asking is the price which is about 3/4 of the price for a KX 120
Festoolviking

I use the double laser at pretty much 80-90% of the cuts, and it's the most useful feature of the saw IMO, the angle finder is a gadget, but a pretty darn handy one IF you need it.
I don't see why anybody would want the KS88 really, the lasers can't be that much of an expensive feature. it's like they removed it to worsen it on purpose.

 

[festoolviking]

Hi

I've been thinking in the same way like you. It seems like it will be worth saving up for the 120 because I would probably miss some of the features not available on the 88. I also wonder why they brought out the kx88 ??

Thanks for your advice.

Festoolviking

 

[Laminator]

Without the lasers I don't think the Kapex 120 would be worth it at all.  It is THE feature that I find the most useful for my limited uses of the saw. 

 

[Stone Message]

I bought my Kapex 120 nearly 2 years ago. I spent a lot of time doing market research as I was considering all the possibilities (ie even non Festool). I looked at the smaller Kapex and I felt that the larger machine had so many advantages that it was clearly the better choice.

The lasers are really useful, particularly as you have one on either side of the cut. You do need to do a bit of housework and keep the laser lens clean but I only need to do that about every 6 weeks. I work to 0.1 mm with most of my work and so I only use the lasers as a guide. However, they make life so much easier as quite a large proportion of cuts need not be quite that accurate.

I would not swap the Kapex for any other saw on the market today. I paid the full price for mine and couldn't even negotiate a free box of sandpaper! Things have changed and so your dealer should sweeten the deal!

The only very small niggle I have, and it does not keep me awake at night, is the trenching accuracy. In order to do repeated trenching cuts one has to concentrate on applying the same amount of pressure on the saw otherwise the trench ends up with a rough bottom.

If you need any more convincing take a look at Rick Christopherson's brilliant supplemental manual - I have used it many times to check/adjust the setup, including the lasers - if he were a Brit he would have been knighted by now!

Peter