Kapex lasers

[Tutorwood]

Hi Guys,

I've just posted an image on my blog site, www.tutorwood.com, which shows how badly wrong things can go when you play with the laser adjustments on a Kapex KS 120.

As all Kapex owners know, it's possible to perform minor tweaks  to the lasers by  adjusting the screws on the left hand side of the Kapex  just below the handle.

I'd recommend caution if you want to try this as there are 3 adjustments for each laser so you have 6 chances to bugger it up.

If your 110% confident, give it a go but otherwise it's a simple fix for a trained Festool service agent.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Cheers

Bryan

 

[jmbfestool]

Never adjusted my lasers but its nice to know that you can mess them up!  So if I ever need to do any adjustments ill be extra careful NOT to just turn them randomly.

I assume it cant be to hard to get them back in place again no?!?!?

JMB

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Bryan

The thing that really got me about adjusting the lasers on my Kapex 120 was the need to break through the (paper?) membrane, with the Allen key, for the first adjustment. I had to think long and hard... 'Do I really want to make this hole in the side of my Kapex? - Why has Festool closed off the route to the adjustment screw? - Should I be doing this?

I had to make some adjustments to get mine just right. I followed the US Supplemental Manual (a brilliant piece of work - well done Rick Christopherson) and it was not at all difficult. If anyone is worried about tackling laser adjustment then do make sure that you read the US Supplemental Manual.

Now with all woodworking machinery remember...when you have finished for the day, count your fingers, count your toes and make sure that you pull out those splinters before bed time.

Peter

 

[hockey_magnet]

Hi Bryan

The thing that really got me about adjusting the lasers on my Kapex 120 was the need to break through the (paper?) membrane, with the Allen key, for the first adjustment. I had to think long and hard... 'Do I really want to make this hole in the side of my Kapex? - Why has Festool closed off the route to the adjustment screw? - Should I be doing this?

I've wondered the same thing. I can only assume it's so that when you buy your Kapex new you can be sure the lasers haven't been adjusted by the dealer for some reason. It would also be an indicator to Festool that the lasers had been adjusted if you send it for service. Maybe Shane has the definitive answer. While I haven't adjusted mine the process outlined in the supplemental manual seems simple enough and I wouldn't be afraid to tackle it.

Chris

 

[nclemmons]

Hey Bryan

Was just on your blog and read Parts 1 and 2 on the OF1010 Router.  Really nice writeup.

Not sure if it had been mentioned on FOG before but a worthwhile read for sure!

Thanks for writing these up!

Part 1

Part 2

neil

 

[ccmviking]

Who in the heck told you guys that you had to poke holes through the sticker?  You can just peel the sticker up, adjust, and lay it back down. 

Chris...

 

[sancho57]

Both end user classes that I took, the instructor Steve Bace, instructed us on how to adj the laser.

He also pointed out that there were 2 adj to never mess  with.

If you messed with them you'd jack up the laser pretty bad.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Who in the heck told you guys that you had to poke holes through the sticker?   You can just peel the sticker up, adjust, and lay it back down.   

Chris...

Dont have it in front of me but I believe the manual says to poke holes

 

[bevans]

Bottom of left column on page 17....Pierce the points (22.1 to 22.6) on the sticker using the Allen key screwdriver to reveal the adjusting screws located underneath.

Yea, I foolishly followed the manual directions too to slightly adjust the lasers....damn!

 

[Stone Message]

Both end user classes that I took, the instructor Steve Bace, instructed us on how to adj the laser.

He also pointed out that there were 2 adj to never mess  with.

If you messed with them you'd jack up the laser pretty bad.

Hi Sancho

I have adjusted ALL of my laser adjusters...which ones whould we avoid touching?

Peter

 

[sancho57]

To be perfectly honest, this should be a Shane question as

I dont remember exactly which 2 they were.

Id hate to give bad info out.

I just remember Steve pointed out 2 adj and told us not to mess with them.

 

[sancho57]

Peter,

I sent a email to Steve Bace, the End user instructor at the Las Vegas location.

Here is a cut and paste him me to him and his reply along with your question.

Both end user classes that I took, the instructor Steve Bace, instructed us on how to adj the laser.

He also pointed out that there were 2 adj to never mess  with.

If you messed with them you'd jack up the laser pretty bad.

Hi Sancho

I have adjusted ALL of my laser adjusters...which ones whould we avoid touching?

Peter

>>The top screws and to the left of each side.

Steve

Sent from my iPhone please excuse the brevity and any errors.

Steve Bace

On Jun 10, 2012, at 4:43 PM,

Steve,

There was a question on FOG about adj the lasers on a Kapex. I mentioned that there were 2 adj that you told us not to play with. Someone asked which ones.  I for got :>D

So which ones were they ,

I know you heard this before but I am sending you the wood filler this friday when I go to the PO to send my stuff (one more time).

Anyway thanks for any info you can give me on the lasers

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Ron..

 

[Stone Message]

Many thanks Ron - I will keep an eye open for the answer.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Peter heres what Steve said

>>The top screws and to the left of each side.

Steve

 

[hockey_magnet]

Peter heres what Steve said

>>The top screws and to the left of each side.

Steve

 

[sancho57]

Thats my story and Im sticking to it

 

[waynelang2001]

I have never, ever touched or adjusted the laser on my Kapex..........Most likely because I dont own one............. [embarassed]