Kapex not cutting all the way through

[danmcph]

I am new to woodworking and I tried my Kapex for the first time yesterday.  It is cutting all the way through except for about a 1mm square piece on the bottom of the board on the back edge by the Kapex fence.  It is almost like the blade needs to be slide back some but I don't see how it can go any further back. 

Advice?

 

[TomE]

see if this will help, might have to zoom in on the pictures, apparently old post pictures uploads are lost amongst the realms of Asgard.http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/kapex-'depth-of-cut'-adjustment/

 

[neeleman]

Here's a picture of the screw on top of the armature where the cord comes out.
Turn the screw so that the blade/head moves a little to close the gap.

 

[TomE]

Nice picture, neeleman

danmcph... might also make sure that the depth limiter (an actual feature of the saw) is not engaged (the green control next to the adjustment screw as seen in the picture)

 

[roblg3]

Agreed. That knob/lever should be pushed all the way back unless you're doing a trench cut.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Also there is some anecdotal evidence here on the FOG that making this adjustment helps reduce the flying offcut problem.

 

[roblg3]

Cutting all the way through and completely back while waiting for the blade to stop minimizes errant flying pieces significantly. It's the turbulence of the teeth of the blade that pulls the cut off in. The smooth side of the blade doesn't have much wind.  Usually what causes a flying piece with that technique is a flaw in the materials. Either a weak spot or natural "bind" in the wood. Same as every other sliding miter saw I've ever used.

 

[Grasshopper]

danmcph, welcome to woodworking!

In addition to the advice everyone just offered, I'd recommend you spend some time with the dealer who sold you the Kapex to get it dialed-in.  Also spend equal time speaking to them to learn about safety.  There are many "rules" (such as don't clamp down both sides  of the cut to prevent binding, where to stand, how to hold the saw, etc.) that can make the difference of you having a great experience, or having an accident.

Good luck - -