Kapex life span

[oldie]

(Mod's - realise this is off topic.  Maybe new thread?) 

Politically, there is no such place as Britain. 

The "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" consists of: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. 
(http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/britain/uk.htm )
 
All of these 'countries' took part in the referendum as to whether or not to 'leave' the EU. 

The UK (United Kingdom) is, for now, still a member of the EU. 

Richard (UK) 

(Edit:  for full overview of the results of the UK referendum: http://www.theguardian.com/politics...un/23/eu-referendum-live-results-and-analysis )

 

[Rockne]

While ("whilst", for the Brits) on the phone with Festool regarding my Domino, TS-55 and MFT/3 Issues (all in a month), I asked them about the life expectancy of my Kapex.  Specifically, I asked if they had had any more Kapex issues than any of their other tools.  They said they had not, and said compared to their sanders, the Kapex issues were fractional.  I've had no issues with my (less than one-year old, and less than 400 cut) Kapex, but then again with such little usage, I had better not.  Given the pitiful lack of Festool Quality overall (I mean, piss poor quality), it'll probably be any day.

 

[bobfog]

While ("whilst", for the Brits) on the phone with Festool regarding my Domino, TS-55 and MFT/3 Issues (all in a month), I asked them about the life expectancy of my Kapex.  Specifically, I asked if they had had any more Kapex issues than any of their other tools.  They said they had not, and said compared to their sanders, the Kapex issues were fractional.  I've had no issues with my (less than one-year old, and less than 400 cut) Kapex, but then again with such little usage, I had better not.  Given the pitiful lack of Festool Quality overall (I mean,  poor quality), it'll probably be any day.

Seems like an odd thing to say! I'm sure more sanders go wrong because they're sold in greater volume, but on a percentage base I'm not so sure. Certainly very little talk of sander issues on FOG.

 

[live4ever]

Wonder if Festool is counting on the high percentage of hobbyists who don't use their saws as much to mask the problem.  I've had my saw for four, going on five years, but in terms of actual usage...let's just say if the motor burned up I'd be pretty peeved with the tiny amount I've used it - the thing is practically new...  But on paper it would be very easy for Festool or anyone else to argue that well, the saw is pretty old now...

 

[jmbfestool]

Wonder if Festool is counting on the high percentage of hobbyists who don't use their saws as much to mask the problem.  I've had my saw for four, going on five years, but in terms of actual usage...let's just say if the motor burned up I'd be pretty peeved with the tiny amount I've used it - the thing is practically new...  But on paper it would be very easy for Festool or anyone else to argue that well, the saw is pretty old now...

I agree.

Its not just about age of the tool. However its very difficult to know how much use a tool has had.

If they are aiming their tools at proffesionals then it should be noted that the tool will be used every day.

My TS was used ALOT I mean alot and it was old and only ever need brushes changing.
So when it broke down not so long ago I was annoyed but not with festool though.

 

[Kev]

While ("whilst", for the Brits) on the phone with Festool regarding my Domino, TS-55 and MFT/3 Issues (all in a month), I asked them about the life expectancy of my Kapex.  Specifically, I asked if they had had any more Kapex issues than any of their other tools.  They said they had not, and said compared to their sanders, the Kapex issues were fractional.  I've had no issues with my (less than one-year old, and less than 400 cut) Kapex, but then again with such little usage, I had better not.  Given the pitiful lack of Festool Quality overall (I mean,  poor quality), it'll probably be any day.

Based on what evidence? That is a really weird thing to say!!!

Generally (KAPEX issues aside) Festool's quality is excellent. You may have had issues and if your bad luck has been with multiple tools I'd say that's a shame, but you would also certainly be a statistical exception.

 

[Poppy1949]

[mad] [mad] [mad] I purchased a refurbished kapex in June of 2014.  This saw was used very lightly in a hobby shop.  Last week the motor burned up, I've sent it in for repair and I'm waiting to hear from Festool about repair costs.  I have talked to Festool and several dealers about this and they assure me that this is not a common problem.  I find this very hard to believe after reading the forums.  Does anyone have suggestions about another brand of saw?  I am looking for repeatable accuracy cutting segments for segmented bowl turning.  I am trying to decide weather to keep the kapex or sell it and try something else.  I have owned dozens of tools in my lifetime and all of them were used many, many times harder than the kapex, and I have never burned a motor out in any of them.  I would appreciate any help or suggestions.  Thank You

 

[jeh]

Dewalt has a new slider out in August that can be used corded or cordless.

 

[Alan m]

[member=38877]Poppy1949[/member] .
if you are only using it for segmented bowls I would use an incra mitre gauge on a table saw. it would be more accurate

 

[Poppy1949]

[smile] [smile] [smile]  I am very happy to report that my Kapex was repaired at no cost to me under warranty.  I suspect that this problem (burned out motor) is more common than Festool wants to admit but, they did the right thing for me.  I also own several other tools from Festool and they have been extremely good and a pleasure to use.  The saw was repaired and returned to me in four days from when they received it, excellent service.  I hope that they have resolved the issue with the motors but only time will tell. I sent an email the company and they did respond, this tells me that they care about their customers.  I believe that Festool is a quality company and they are willing to stand behind their products.

 

[rizzoa13]

You bought a refurbed kapex in 2014 and you got your motor replaced for free. I sent my kapex in a month ago and had to pay for the new motor. That's kind of uncool seeing as I waited 2 months to try and get some determination from festool on whether they were going to start covering the motors out of warranty. Waited for a response in this thread forever and now other people are getting free motors?

What seems like doing right by you is the opposite to those of us paying for the repairs!

 

[live4ever]

You bought a refurbed kapex in 2014 and you got your motor replaced for free. I sent my kapex in a month ago and had to pay for the new motor. That's kind of uncool seeing as I waited 2 months to try and get some determination from festool on whether they were going to start covering the motors out of warranty. Waited for a response in this thread forever and now other people are getting free motors?

What seems like doing right by you is the opposite to those of us paying for the repairs!

Rizz, how's your saw after the replacement?  You mentioned a while back it was acting up again?

 

[rizzoa13]

It's doing ok I'll be honest I needed to clean the blade which I did and it helps some. I haven't done any wide cuts since but I'm sure a clean blade helps not to strain the motor excessively.

 

[TomE]

Trend and CMT make very good blade and bit cleaners, all of my in-the-shop cutters get the 'treatment' after they're used for a production run or tooling change over before getting put away.

Jobsite bits and blades get the once over pretty much at the start of each relocation, sometimes during if build-up gets to that point.

Not only does it increase the cutter life, it produces higher quality of cut.

Back in the day, carpenters would grab a file and stones to touchup their tool steel blades/bits during lunch break, it's just part of the process.

I suppose it also helps with the 'tool life' thing too, never really put much thought into that part of the equation but can see the benefits of it.

 

[rizzoa13]

So I’m back from the job site early today because you guessed it, my kapex has burned up once again. Almost exactly 2 years later and I got the tell tale electrical smoke and the motor stopped working again.

At this point I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. If I were to treat a customer like this my reputation would make it so I’d never work in my area again. Its obvious it doesn’t matter what any of us say or do or we’d have had a determination years ago.

 

[jmbfestool]

So I’m back from the job site early today because you guessed it, my kapex has burned up once again. Almost exactly 2 years later and I got the tell tale electrical smoke and the motor stopped working again.

At this point I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. If I were to treat a customer like this my reputation would make it so I’d never work in my area again. Its obvious it doesn’t matter what any of us say or do or we’d have had a determination years ago.

Festool know they have the market in small portable chopsaw there is nothing out in the market which comes close to the kapex. 

So until some one brings out some competition to hurt festools pocket they are not interested.

 

[JFelchlin]

Sorry to hear that Rizz (Reply #574). Definitely not the way to do/keep business.
I’m talking about Festool - Not you. Unfortunately, you and your business are victims.
At one point I wanted a Kapex. I REALLY wanted a Kapex. [sad]
But... Too many problems/burned out motors/armatures... Continuing stories like this one.
That there are 12 Pages on this subject (to date) - Going back several years - Is a sad commentary... Really sad.
My 10 year old $600 Bosch 5412L 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw is still cutting straight and true - Day after day... After day...[smile]
A couple of years ago I “splurged” and put a Forrest Chopmaster blade on it ($150). Cuts even better.[smile]
I wanted a Kapex. I really wanted a Kapex.
But... I got over it. [wink]

BTW... Bosch’s newest model - Their 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD is currently $649.00 (Amazon Prime/Free Shipping) $682 with estimated tax.

 

[jacko9]

I have had my Kapex for a few years now but, I haven't been using it much (I guess I'm slowing down at my age).  I am concerned that Festool would let a product issue fester like this one "appears" to be without a recall to fix the problem.  Festool is a premium tool company and issues like this could ruin their reputation for their entire product line.  Somebody should be taking this issue seriously before the taint spreads.  I'm not sure that this is a wide spread issue or just a few vocal unsatisfied customers but, Festool knows and should be doing either damage control.  I do have a shop full of Festool products that I'm quite happy with but if my Kapex goes up in smoke I'll junk it and but a competitors product based on what I've read so far.  I hope to hear Festool does something.

 

[jacko9]

Bump - Sounds of Silence from Festool on this topic.  I understand liability laws, etc but where is the customer loyalty consideration?  Perhaps it's all in the repair section (I know they have done a fantastic job for me) but shouldn't we have more of a Festool response on  the FOG?  I know I'm relatively new on here but I'm just hoping for some of the feedback I used to see a few years ago on this site.  BTW - I don't know of any manufacturer that gives even a fraction of the support that Festool gives their customers, so we have that to be thankful for.

 

[Cheese]

I'm not sure that this is a wide spread issue or just a few vocal unsatisfied customers but, Festool knows and should be doing either damage control.

Oh Festool corporate knows about this issue, that's a fact. I talked with the local Festool rep 5 years ago and back then he said corporate was well aware of the problem and trying to come up with a solution. At that time they couldn't decide internally, if the motor was the problem or if it was the end user. 

Then about 2+ years ago on this very forum, Festool was soliciting feedback from Kapex users if they had issues with their saw. If the motor burned out they were asking all sorts of questions and were actively gathering information.

And then.........Radio Silence.