Kapex leaking?

[J.C.]

Anyone ever have a problem with their saw leaking oil?  It doesn't always do it but recently it's been shooting oil onto the board when you start the saw up.  There's also a nice spray pattern over the blade guard and laser cover.  Would it be an easy thing to fix or take a little extra effort?  Thanks

 

[Kevin D.]

I think a call to Festool service is your best move.  I suspect this is a sign of a problem. [sad]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I sent your a private message, J.C. and would be happy to make sure we get this issue addressed for you.  I believe this is just an issue where a little too much grease was applied at the factory.  But, the guys in the service department are definitely best equipped to help you out.  The number's below in my signature.  As a precaution, I would recommend that you stop using the saw until you speak with them.

 

[J.C.]

Happen to know if anyone from the service department will be down at the IWF?  I'm going to be down there a few days and can stop by to see what they say. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Booth 5829 at IWF, ask to speak to Rick Bush.  He's our product manager and should be able to help you out.

 

[J.C.]

Thanks, I'll see what he thinks. 

 

[Ted Miller]

Yes my new Kapex had quite a bit of oil on the blade guard on the left side of the arbor as well as a few drops on the insert.

I did wipe it off yesterday and I will see how it looks today...

 

[Tim Sproul]

A few months into it's life, my TS75 start spraying a small amount of lightweight, clear oil onto the work.

There was a faulty seal that was replaced by Festool service.

 

[Ted Miller]

A few months into it's life, my TS75 start spraying a small amount of lightweight, clear oil onto the work.

There was a faulty seal that was replaced by Festool service.

Yup same here on my TS55, leaking oil from day one. I don't remember who I spoke with @ Festool but they sent me a replacement saw a few days later.

Glad I saved both boxes for the Kapex...

 

[nickao]

I wonder if this is caused by changing climate conditions from production through the supply chain as the items are shipped to different areas. I know some items on certain tools in my shop get tight or loose depending on temperature and humidity. Abl's are one thing I know are very prone to it. Maybe the seals are expanding and contracting until they get to a breaking point and finally loose their ability to contract enough(or just weaken) to maintain a seal.

 

[Ted Miller]

Good point Nick, here in Southern CA we have had a heat wave the last two weeks, close to 100. It's been really cooling off the last two days and now we are 20 degrees below normal.

When I get back to the shop in a little while I will check to see if anymore oil is visable.

Been using the saw daily for about 2+ weeks...

 

[J.C.]

I figured I'd give everyone an update.  I spoke to Rick and he said they had a problem with a few of the first saws leaking and have since changed to a thicker oil/grease and there would be no problem with them taking care of it.  He also said, if there was any other updates that my saw didn't have, they'd take care of those too.  They faxed over a return label, I packed it all up and a week later the saw is back. 

So far no more oil leak and it looks like they did change a few other parts.  A couple of the things I know they changed were the spring plate and lever, although, I've never had a problem with mine even though I know it was the old design.  The thing that really surprised me is they changed out the black dust shoot in the back that moves up and down.  Several months ago, somehow it got chewed up a little by the blade and I forgot all about it until I looked through the service list and saw that they fixed it.  They also have a couple other things listed (Roller Set, Swivel lever) but I'm not sure what they are and they also changed out the laser window. 

One thing is for sure, you'd have a tough time finding better tech and warranty support.  It sucks having a $1300 saw break after only a couple years of service but you sure can't complain about a company that actually stands behind their products and I'd buy another one in a heart beat.