[quote author=TylerC said:Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and concerns.
Based on the concerns mentioned in this thread, we’ve done some research, and this is what we have found. In the U.S, the Kapex does have a somewhat higher repair rate than the rest of our tools. However, it is still a very low percentage, based on the number of tools in service. We attribute this slightly higher than average repair rate to the relative complexity of the tool, rather than any inherent design flaw or other issue.
The anecdotal claims of issues mentioned on the FOG simply do not, in our opinion, create a reason to think that there is a widespread problem. We are confident in the overall quality and performance of the Kapex, and believe that you should be as well.
TylerC said:bobfog said:I don't want to cause more arguments, but your assurances are meaningless without more detailed information to back it up. What does "somewhat higher" mean in numbers?
To be blunt, we're not going to be publicly releasing this kind of data. It's not because we have anything to hide. It's because that's not how this is done.
To be blunt: If Festool is gone use arguments like "that's not how this is done", then you shouldn't expect us to be any more factual. It sounds like a politician trying to twist out of any responsibility, but I guess it's a way of saying that we don't want to give you this information, and we don't want to tell you why. There's many things that can be said without giving out you're statistics, but when you hold your cards so tight to your chest, then you're not doing anything to correct what many of us are thinking and expressing here.
A chain is not stronger then it's weakest link. In this case that link is the motor, and even if the "overall quality and performance" is perfect, that doesn't help much. Statistics can be interpreted to say what you want them to, and the way they are presented doesn't convince me. There's much you can say to enlighten us without giving up you're statistics, but I'm sure the safest action is to silence this matter to death.
I think Festool's being cheap when you demand so much for repairing what (in my view) obviously is a design/component flaw. The least Festool should do is offer these repairs as cheaply as possible, and without any profit on the parts or the work. Many have mentioned that the price for this repair is half the price of the whole saw. I'm sure that the motor doesn't cost any more when Festool buy it as a spare part, then when bought to make new saws. I'm also sure changing the motor doesn't take half as long as making a new saw.
I think that many here is putting to much feelings into this. Make no mistake, Festool is here to make money on us, and we are here to get the best possible tools for the least amount of money. We don't owe it to Festool to accept a faulty product that we have paid a premium price for. I think it's stupid when some take it upon them self's to defend Festool. I feel much more responsible for nuancing the perfect picture of a faultless tool brand that many here are portraying in tool reviews on FOG, youtube, online stores, and elsewhere. New buyers deserve to know that the Kapex is prone to have the motor fail, that the repair is very expensive, and that Festool don't take any responsibility if the warranty is out. So I suggest that those who have had this experience write a review on online stores warning potential buyers about this, so that they can take an informed decision. If someone had done that for me I would have appreciated it, and steered away from this product. I don't think potential buyers will discover this thread. I have no intention of punishing Festool, but I will do what I can to steer them in the direction of taking responsibility for their products problems. I also want them to take a stance on whether they want to be a high quality brand, or a high volume (high profit) brand. If that's the route they are going I'll be looking at other brands from now on. Those who's uncritically defending Festool should reflect some more on their stance. I firmly believe that silently accepting poor quality is not good for Festool, but having demands and addressing problems in a proper way will.