KAPEX - Looking for positive reviews before purchasing

[copcarcollector]

I would recommend that you try it out first.
Beat the crud out of it for a couple of weeks, then decide for yourself
If it's not for you, then send it back
You first post here about returning something that you have not even tried yet is concerning
Sure there are posts about issues, there are posts about how great others find the saw
Get yours and use it before you let someone else make up your mind.

 

[vkdebo]

Valid point. I've got 30 days to see what she's made of first... [big grin] I trust my buddy and he wouldn't point me in the wrong direction.  Sorry, I don't buy tools often and I just got a bit worked up when I came across all of these people on here bashing the Kapex.  Good news is that if it burns out, I'll just send it in to that AvE fella on youtube instead of festool and we can all find out what's really going on.

 

[Stone Message]

I just purchased a Kapex to replace my 20yr old makita based on a recommendation from a friend that is well respected cabinetmaker. The saw is due to be delivered this week and I came across this forum doing research on what blades are best for it, and am now very concerned...

Would the folks here recommend that I go ahead and return it? I don't want to buy a tool that isn't intended to be used as such. My mafell tools are tanks and hold up to abuse on-site, and I want the same level of quality out of my miter. I just want a tool that performs well and will last.

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. It is a great saw.

Peter

 

[antss]

WD40 is not really a good lubricant. 

It's really good at removing lubricant from a joint or pivot point , and great at removing water/moisture from parts.  But not so good at keeping a wear area free wheeling. 

Too high a concentration of mineral spirits or other solvent ,and too low a viscosity to be effective for that.

 

[semenza]

I just purchased a Kapex to replace my 20yr old makita based on a recommendation from a friend that is well respected cabinetmaker. The saw is due to be delivered this week and I came across this forum doing research on what blades are best for it, and am now very concerned...

Would the folks here recommend that I go ahead and return it? I don't want to buy a tool that isn't intended to be used as such. My mafell tools are tanks and hold up to abuse on-site, and I want the same level of quality out of my miter. I just want a tool that performs well and will last.

30 day "no questions asked return policy", combined with a rock solid 3-year warranty!

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

[member=63555]vkdebo[/member]  are you in the USA?

  I just want to comment that the 30 day return and three year warranty are "for real". There won't be any issue or BS  within those time periods.

Seth

 

[VW mick]

I really like mine

I've had it a couple of months now. It is the best mitre saw I've ever owned

I had a dewalt for about 20 years before. But the kapex is so much more refined

I'm sure you will love it

Mick

 

[Holmz]

...
I trust my buddy and he wouldn't point me in the wrong direction.
...

Who is he? And if he is so trustworthy then why ask further?

...
  Sorry, I don't buy tools often and I just got a bit worked up when I came across all of these people on here bashing the Kapex.  Good news is that if it burns out, I'll just send it in to that AvE fella on youtube instead of festool and we can all find out what's really going on.

My Pi$$-take sensor just triggered.

 

[vkdebo]

My friend is an old german redneck and has been working saws since the 50's. He doesn't use the internet, so apart from his personal usage of the saw and word-of-mouth, he wouldn't know any larger issues with the tool which is why I asked further.

It's been eating everything I throw at it so far with very clean cuts. Definitely liking it .... need to keep breaking it in though...

Thanks for the advice folks.

btw Holmz .. you need a drink

 

[Holmz]

My friend is an old german redneck and has been working saws since the 50's. He doesn't use the internet, so apart from his personal usage of the saw and word-of-mouth, he wouldn't know any larger issues with the tool which is why I asked further.

It's been eating everything I throw at it so far with very clean cuts. Definitely liking it .... need to keep breaking it in though...

Thanks for the advice folks.

btw Holmz .. you need a drink

You're right, but we've had the gastro for a few days, so I am off my game.
Hardly even any coffee either, which is the worst of it.

There are some theories on the 230v units being less prone to the motor burnout, but these have not been formally put into metrics. So your old German friend's experience may differ from current units or 110v units.

In any case getting more input is a wise decision.

 

[we_fit]

Kapex is one of the best saws on the market and very accurate

 

[jeh]

Pay no attention to the complaints on this forum. They represent a near 0% of those whose saw has never had any issues and works exactly as designed.

 

[kevinculle]

Pay no attention to the complaints on this forum. They represent a near 0% of those whose saw has never had any issues and works exactly as designed.

To pay no attention to a cluster of major failures in a very expensive tool would be foolhardy for a prospective Kapex buyer.  If your guess is accurate as to the failure rate I would expect Festool to make public such data to reassure their customers.  I have a Kapex and I'm very pleased with it but there's no way I'm ignoring these stories.

 

[TomE]

I've had mine going since 2010 and is the 120V US version, it lives primarily in the shop but has seen on-site time.

So far no problems other than it's a little under powered when compared to the several DW's and Makitas that have been in and out of the stable.

The other issues like flatness of table and fence surfaces, kickback and some of the controls stuff brought up in this forum has not applied to my unit.

The arbor thing is real and troubling but I've seen many continue to get them fixed and continue to use them so something must be right about them.

One fellow has had his redone something like four times, I assume all done while still under warrantee since the apparent fix out of warrantee approaches the cost of a new unit of another brand.
I've also seen some buy new Kapex saws while the old one is being repaired out of warrantee.

Festool has not been particularly forthcoming about the issue so those who've suffered the breakdowns are just a tad incredulous and are more than willing to display their displeasure vehemently and often.....cant' really blame them either.

Am I satisfied with my Kapex? Yes and it's a joy to work with over and above any I've used.

If mine should crap out with the arbor issue I doubt I would spend to get it fixed, I made do without it for decades so going back to a 'normal' saw is no biggy.

Is there concern about the longevity of the units? yes.

How many of the 'lemons' are out there?

We have no idea so it's hard to get a feel for the odds of getting one.

The sad part is that the lemons exist.

 

[ghostofhoward]

I've had mine going since 2010 and is the 120V US version, it lives primarily in the shop but has seen on-site time.

So far no problems other than it's a little under powered when compared to the several DW's and Makitas that have been in and out of the stable.

The other issues like flatness of table and fence surfaces, kickback and some of the controls stuff brought up in this forum has not applied to my unit.

The arbor thing is real and troubling but I've seen many continue to get them fixed and continue to use them so something must be right about them.

One fellow has had his redone something like four times, I assume all done while still under warrantee since the apparent fix out of warrantee approaches the cost of a new unit of another brand.
I've also seen some buy new Kapex saws while the old one is being repaired out of warrantee.

Festool has not been particularly forthcoming about the issue so those who've suffered the breakdowns are just a tad incredulous and are more than willing to display their displeasure vehemently and often.....cant' really blame them either.

Am I satisfied with my Kapex? Yes and it's a joy to work with over and above any I've used.

If mine should crap out with the arbor issue I doubt I would spend to get it fixed, I made do without it for decades so going back to a 'normal' saw is no biggy.

Is there concern about the longevity of the units? yes.

How many of the 'lemons' are out there?

We have no idea so it's hard to get a feel for the odds of getting one.

The sad part is that the lemons exist.

The first 2 times were under warranty.The last time I paid a respectable $345-$350ish to get it repaired. I have not contacted them yet about the latest burnout. I feel like it should be repaired free since it obviously has not been properly fixed at any point regardless of their proud assertations about the quality of their repairs.

 

[TomE]

I have not contacted them yet about the latest burnout. I feel like it should be repaired free since it obviously has not been properly fixed at any point regardless of their proud assertations about the quality of their repairs.

I think they should to, heck... having one crap out that many times should be a prime case study for their HQ QC dept. and offer a replacement so they can further dissect your saw. They should already have 'the book' on your saw as many times as it's been in.

 

[antss]

They have "the book" for ghost's saw.  German co.s are renowned for keeping records.

Kapex's issues whether real or perceived should not be dismissed by anyone considering purchase - if they care about their wallet.  We're talking about the most expensive saw on the market , not some Craftsman or Ryobi at $300 or less that people can quickly get over if /when it fails in three years or so. 

It would appear that Kapex's motor problems are more than an outliers or a couple of kooky woodworkers voicing displeasure that their saw crapped out.  I've read here of a few Kapex problems like bad paint job, or misaligned laser, warped table ect... But those are very rare and some I cannot recall hearing of a second instance.  Things like that I'd chalk up to bad luck, kooky user, ect....  But when multiple people come on here and other places and say they have a Kapex Motor Problem - then it would seem to be more than a few unlucky chaps.

What does this mean for the prospective buyer.  Nothing if you're swimming in cash and just want to roll the dice on a nice saw.  If you value your money a bit more then you have to assign some sort of value to the risk you're exposing yourself to by purchasing a Kapex.  Maybe you get one that works fine for seven or ten or more years with no cosmetic flaws amd it only ends up costing you $150 a year to own.

But............what if you're not that guy?  What if yours goes tits up in year one and you have to scramble to secure another saw to finish a job by a deadline. How will you feel?  Think Jim will loan you his to finish ? What if yours bites the dust 3 1/2 years in and your faced with scrapping it or a $4-500 repair bill ?  Will you feel the xtra $800-$1000 xtra you spent on Kapex will have been worth it at that point for the accuracy, portability, easy bevel and cool factor ?

I think most people are't as freewheeling with the dice and their bankroll and wouldn't feel this saw worth it if it dies in less than ten years.  Honestly, I've used it and it's not that much more  (if at all) accurate than other quality saws. The rest of Kapex's love fest is really starting to feel like a case of the emperors new clothes to me.

 

[Rollin22Petes]

Very well said sir.

 

[waho6o9]

Three strikes you're out of there, he earned a New Kapex.

Come on Festool step up to the plate.........

 

[Whatsupdoc]

I own 2 Kapex saws and love most of their features although I have had issues.  The compound dial is hands down the most practical I have ever used.  In my opinion, the accuracy is worth the extra cost combined with it's light weight.  The plastic handle on the back that you lift up to disengage the compound lock however, has it's drawbacks.  I have replaced 3 of the plastic hinges.  They always seem to break at the most inconvenient times like there really is a good time.  I keep a supply of no less than two on hand now for back up.  They are cheap and relatively quick to put on.  Now the bummer, I have had two motors go out.  The first was on a brand new saw less than a month old, the second was three days ago on that saw's replacement which was just over a year old.  I just boxed it up tonight to ship off.  My original saw is still going strong except for brushes replaced at just over 3 years old.  I purchased it in 2012.  I am hesitant to buy another because of the motor issue.  I routinely have 2 kapex's and one 12 inch Milwaukee scms set up on a trim job.  My guys will always default to the kapex unless they are cutting large crown or tall base standing up.  I have been doing high end finish work for nearly 25 years so I've got to use all the other colors of saws for reference.