Kapex lacking power when connected to ct26

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Hi All
Just wondering if anyone has had an issue of there kapex seeming to lack power when connected to their ct vac?
I have been cutting a lot of oak lately with my kapex and it has been getting bogged down and the blade drawing to a halt at times when cutting some 90x90mm sections, it almost seems the vac can not give the kapex its full power requirement while the vac is running, if I connect the saw to a separate power outlet the saw runs as it should without issue.Any ideas guys?

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I see you are in the UK. Is this a 240V Kapex? My Kapex is also a 240V version and permanently wired through a modified CT-mini. You shouldn't be seeing a decrease in power. So you may want to look at whether anything else changes in the connection beside just running through the CT-vac.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Hi Rick, no my kapex and ct are both 110v ran off a 3.0kva site transformer, I used my of1400 off same ct with no issue and as said when the kapex is not connected through the ct today and it runs no problem. But when plugged into the ct and set to run on auto it is struggleing.

 

[bobfog]

Have you tried a different socket. I'm no elastictrickery expert, but it sounds like the socket your transformer plugged into might not have enough power to sustain the current draw from the CT and the Kapex running at the same time.

 

[GarryMartin]

You really need a 5kVA transformer for the Kapex and CTL at the same time. It's not because you're running it through the CTL, it's just that the transformer needs to be bigger.

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
Have you always run from a 3kva? ...
rg
Phil

 

[Phil Beckley]

You really need a 5kVA transformer for the Kapex and CTL at the same time. It's not because you're running it through the CTL, it's just that the transformer needs to be bigger.

......we crossed messages Gary  [smile]...that was the next question 5kva is the recommended way due to one machine receiving more 'juice' than the other
rg
Phil

 

[rizzoa13]

If the transformer had two outlets try running them separately from both outlets. If they run fine would should be able to confidently say it's the vacuum. If they run poorly then it's yor transformer.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Hi
Have you always run from a 3kva? ...
rg
Phil

Hi Phil
Yes I have only ever ran it on 3kva but have only noticed the issue this last few weeks when I have been cutting a lot of oak

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
Have you always run from a 3kva? ...
rg
Phil

Hi Phil
Yes I have only ever ran it on 3kva but have only noticed the issue this last few weeks when I have been cutting a lot of oak

....I guess you move from site to site or same area? If same place then the power supply could be first place to look. Next two days I am running training but give our service guys a call to see if they have a suggestion
rg
Phil

 

[GarryMartin]

It's possible that it's always been slightly underpowered but you've not noticed previously because of the material being cut.

IIRC, a 3.3kVA transformer can only deliver about 1.65kVA continuous.

Are you doing anything else differently? Perhaps using extension cables where you haven't before? If you're using extension cables, keep the 110V ones as short as possible. If you have to use an extension, use it on the 230V side.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

If the transformer had two outlets try running them separately from both outlets. If they run fine would should be able to confidently say it's the vacuum. If they run poorly then it's yor transformer.

Hi rizzoa
I have tried this and they work fine when not connected together, I could get hold of a 5kva but there a bit of a beast to be lugging about [scared] lol, might hire one for a day and try it out then if it works fine it's down to the transformer not being big enough to power both machines, if not it may be a vac issue.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Hi
Have you always run from a 3kva? ...
rg
Phil

Hi Phil
Yes I have only ever ran it on 3kva but have only noticed the issue this last few weeks when I have been cutting a lot of oak

....I guess you move from site to site or same area? If same place then the power supply could be first place to look. Next two days I am running training but give our service guys a call to see if they have a suggestion
rg
Phil

Will do Phil thanks  [smile]

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

It's possible that it's always been slightly underpowered but you've not noticed previously because of the material being cut.

IIRC, a 3.3kVA transformer can only deliver about 1.65kVA continuous.

Are you doing anything else differently? Perhaps using extension cables where you haven't before? If you're using extension cables, keep the 110V ones as short as possible. If you have to use an extension, use it on the 230V side.

Hi Garry
All the kit is the same I've always used but good tip on the leads although can't always run 240v leads on some of the sites I visit but will give it a go plugged direct into the transformer tomorrow and see if there's any difference if not I'll give the 5 Kva option a go, will also give festool service a call too as Phil suggested
Cheers for the help guys  [wink]

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Hi Rick, no my kapex and ct are both 110v ran off a 3.0kva site transformer, I used my of1400 off same ct with no issue and as said when the kapex is not connected through the ct today and it runs no problem. But when plugged into the ct and set to run on auto it is struggleing.

OK. So the bottom line is that you are overpowering your transformer. It's not that running the Kapex through the CT that ist the problem, but that your transformer can't really handle both tools at once.

 

[rizzoa13]

Hen said he has run them both off the transformer at the same time but not plugged into each other and it works well. Leads me to beleive its the vac don't you think?

 

[Holmz]

One could measure the voltage and current both at the transformer and at the tool.
One would assume if the transformer could supply the vac and tool through two separate outlets, then the transformer has enough grunt.
One would need a lot of loss through the vacuum's cord and then the plug it lead to pull it down, but if the current draw is high maybe it is enough?
Hard to know exactly without numbers.

 

[mwildt]

Interesting to know if the transformer has one outlet or two for the test and if they are separate windings etc.

 

[ajones]

It is possible it could be the transformer, I have been told they can be damaged through misuse or wear. eg running site lighting off a transformer can damage it to the point of being fit for the bin.

If you have been cutting oak the blade can lose its edge quite quickly

or your kapex could be about to pop.

 

[ifit]

I run the same setup and find turning down the power right down on the extractor helps and it still extracts ok, also if you are doing loads of cuts, leave the extractor switched on as the cut is often made before the extractor has chance to cut in