Kapex miter and dust

[Drich]

I have spent the last 2 hours reading all the posts on this topic.  Sounds like it dose a good job but not great.  Today I installed some of that fake wood flooring that is made from mdf and a laminate top on it. My dewalt saw had so much dust in the garage my throat and nose hurt. It was crazy with all that fine dust. Before I go spending the big bucks on a kapex I would like to ask a favor of someone that lives in the twin cites area. I would be great full if I could stop by and see one in action with cutting the flooring I used today to see a comparison between the saws. If some one will let me know I'll take your out for lunch or something like that. Just did not want to spend the money and not be happy with it as I'm wanting to get a 1400 router. Thanks

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I live in Minnetonka but am working in St. Paul a lot right now, so I have both ends of the Metro covered! If you bring some scraps to my warehouse or job site I'd be happy to cut them with my Kapex so you can make an informed decision. Send me a PM or e-mail me at Tom@HeritageHomeRenewals.com

 

[jbasen]

As someone in another thread reminded me, you always have the 30 day return policy.  If you get the saw and and it doesn't meet your expectations you can just return it.

 

[erock]

Well you won't want to visit me.  It's a bit of a drive for you.  I will share this with you.

I installed similar flooring with the Kapex hooked up to the CT Midi.  All my cuts done INSIDE the house.  All the fine dust particles captured by the CT.  I even used the TS55 and Trion jigsaw in the house.

Nothing is going to give you 100% dust collection.  With the Kapex you will get some bigger chips around the saw.  But the fine dust particles will be sucked up by the CT's, instead of your throat. 

You may be setting yourself up if someone lets you test out the Kapex.......I think once you leave the guys shop, you'll be ordering a Kapex.    [tongue]

If you do buy a Kapex and plan on doing more flooring jobs with laminate flooring, make sure you buy the blades for laminate flooring.  I made the mistake of using the stock Kapex blade, and um.....well, I needed to buy a new blade.    [doh]

Eric

 

[Drich]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I'm going to take Tom up on his offer. I'm new to this forum and already feel at home with all you guys and gals. Such knowledge to be had here.  Eric your videos are great. I watched them a few times already taking notes and can't wait to make some Systainer carts. I took the first drink last month and ready for more. Can one use any 10 inch blade or is it a special size? I have some left over blades from my table saw. Also I see people adding wood to the fence. What does that gain you? It seems to be the same size. Thanks again

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi Dan! Got your e-mail, sent you a response with my cell #. Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow or Friday!  [big grin]

 

[Shopmonkey]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I'm going to take Tom up on his offer. I'm new to this forum and already feel at home with all you guys and gals. Such knowledge to be had here.  Eric your videos are great. I watched them a few times already taking notes and can't wait to make some Systainer carts. I took the first drink last month and ready for more. Can one use any 10 inch blade or is it a special size? I have some left over blades from my table saw. Also I see people adding wood to the fence. What does that gain you? It seems to be the same size. Thanks again

Kapex blades are 260 mm (10.25") with a 30 mm arbor.  I don't think your left over blades are going to fit.  The wood on the fence and throat plate are Zero clearance, it help prevents tear outs. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I had a few 10" blades bored to 30mm.

 

[Drich]

Back from my test drive this afternoon. A big thanks to Tom for taking time from his work to show me the saw and what it all can due. I was very impressed with the unit. The flooring that I cut was perfect and not much dust at all. So I guess Santa will have to bring me one over the next few weeks. Going to put the dewalt up on craigs list and put that towards the purchase. I did stop by the home depot to check out the other models and they just seem cheaply made anymore. I did see a few models having a small dust boot on them now. Not as big as the kapex but better than what I have on mine. I did find videos from Eric on making the zero clearance fence for it. Very nice job. Thanks again Tom. You have a very nice set up in your van.

 

[Just F Me]

3 words...30...day...return.  [big grin]

 

[Pixel]

Cutting of MDF with a power saw is dangerous and in most country's it is controlled because the fine dust is carcinogenic. In the UK you are only allowed to hand cut MDF to a maximum of 4" after which it must be cut in a controlled environment, so I am sure that this will be at least the case in the USA. Use of class H dust extraction was allowed and classed as controlled but still had to be assessed on a job by job basis.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Back from my test drive this afternoon. A big thanks to Tom for taking time from his work to show me the saw and what it all can due. I was very impressed with the unit. The flooring that I cut was perfect and not much dust at all. So I guess Santa will have to bring me one over the next few weeks. Going to put the dewalt up on craigs list and put that towards the purchase. I did stop by the home depot to check out the other models and they just seem cheaply made anymore. I did see a few models having a small dust boot on them now. Not as big as the kapex but better than what I have on mine. I did find videos from Eric on making the zero clearance fence for it. Very nice job. Thanks again Tom. You have a very nice set up in your van.

Hi Dan, it was a pleasure to meet you yesterday! As we discussed, the initial cost can sting a bit, but that quickly passes and you're left with a very well engineered, precision tool. Given that dust control is a major consideration for you, it's difficult to beat the Kapex. Remember to get the blade with the RED "ring" on the side, it should get you the best performance when cutting your flooring. Have fun and be safe!!  [big grin]

 

[Johnny5]

Just for comparison purposes, I spent last week cutting a ton of cabinet trim for a kitchen install with the Kapex.  I did all my cuts in the kitchen!  Used my midi for dust collection, and damn near filled the bag over the course of the week, which is impressive considering the CT really compresses the stuff in the bag.  I had to clean up about 2 cups worth of sawdust that escaped the vacuum, the majority of it was directly beneath the saw, and there was no coating of fine dust on anything nearby.

 

[darita]

When I was first reading about the Kapex and it's DC capabilities, I was expecting little to no dust or chips around the tool's work area.  After purchasing one and using it, I found that not to be the case.  Yes, there is less dust and debris than there was with my Makita 12" slider, but not a whole lot less.  I still find it necessary to vac up around the saw after a project or two.
At first I was disappointed, but after using the Kapex for a while, I find it's repeatability and compact size to be worth a little clean up. 

 

[Iceclimber]

Im with Darita.

I vacuum around my Kapex everytime the vac is fired up and once before i call it quits for the day without fail. Im also quite neat freak though and vacuum my whole 1000sqft shop everyday when I'm done working. I loath dust as much as i do unorganized tools or tools that kinda work.

Its better than any other saw i ever had for dust collection but its not magic like a Festool sander.

 

[oneeyesquare]

The Kapex still needs a good cleanup daily. It's much better than my DeWalt 780(which does a pretty good job hooked to the Midi). I'm coming off my first month with it on a new residential trim job, so it gets a nightly air "bath". My workspace was easily the cleanest of the bunch. I was running an old bag in the vac. Upon changing to a new bag, the DE was much better!

 

[Drich]

I was on you tube today watching videos on the kapex and who did I see on there? Tom. I did not know you were a star on the net. I should have gotten a autograph from Ya. Nice job on the videos. Thanks again

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Cutting of MDF with a power saw is dangerous and in most country's it is controlled because the fine dust is carcinogenic. In the UK you are only allowed to hand cut MDF to a maximum of 4" after which it must be cut in a controlled environment, so I am sure that this will be at least the case in the USA. Use of class H dust extraction was allowed and classed as controlled but still had to be assessed on a job by job basis.

This is unbelievable!  I would like the US to outlaw MDF but it's for the reason of it sucking to work with and finish product just doesn't hold up well.  The Kapex along with any other saw don't collect all the fine dust specially MDF dust!  All u have to do with the Kapex is make a few cuts without dust extraction and u will see how much it does collect.
Sean

 

[SoonerFan]

I bought a Kapex and just set it up this weekend.  It was square out of the box BTW.  Anyway back to dust extraction...  I made a few cuts and then made a few cuts without the CT turned on.  Its clear the DE is great when you see it first hand with and without DE.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I bought a Kapex and just set it up this weekend.  It was square out of the box BTW.  Anyway back to dust extraction...  I made a few cuts and then made a few cuts without the CT turned on.  Its clear the DE is great when you see it first hand with and without DE.

It is a bit amusing to see people squabble over whether the Kapex collects 80% or 90% of the dust produced. Ultimately, it does not collect ALL of the dust, but my experience has been that it collects MORE dust than any other miter saw I've worked with, by a significant amount. The most important thing is to manage expectations.