Kapex on a generator

ifit said:
My issue is not whether it would be safe to run the kapex but to just get the bloody thing running
5kva is no good, it has to be a portable generator that i can carry 2-3kva
I have tried each and every generator I have come across on site and so far non have worked
I know people say you need a pure sine wave generator but there are non available in the uk that have 110v
So I'm just looking for someone who has a portable generator in the uk that will run a kapex or someone that knows anything about ripping the electronics out of the kapex so it runs like every other saw
Click to expand...

Ah, I see what you're saying! Just to clarify, when you say that the Kapex "doesn't work" on the generators you've tried, do you mean to say that the saw doesn't have any life at all, the saw runs but runs roughly,or the saw starts but the generator quickly quits?

I regularly run my Kapex on a generator that does not provide a pure sine wave.

The Kapex is rated as drawing 1600 watts. I understand that the Kapex has a delayed, "soft" start, but I expect that it draws extra watts on startup. For reference, my Bosch GTS1031 table saw, rated at ~1600 watts, draws 4400 watts on startup. If the Kapex is drawing 2000+ watts on startup, you're going to fry both the saw and likely the generator unless you're rocking a 4k or 5k watt unit.

Also, if you're running a dust extractor, then you're drawing another 1k+ watts.

Many of the Honda 2000 watt generators here in the USA have accessories that allow you to link the generators, essentially turning them into a 4kw unit, do you have anything like that available in the UK?

I definitely feel your frustration on this topic. I was VERY hesitant to invest in a 250+lb, 5,000 watt generator. However, after a fair amount of research and consultations with the sales staff at Acme Tools in Plymouth, MN, I was convinced that I would be unable to provide adequate power to my saws and equipment with anything less than a larger, wheel-barrow style generator.

I wish you the best, please let us know if you find a smaller generator capable of running your saw!
 
The kapex will not run - maybe the blade will move 1" then cuts out - lasers come on fine
I called festool before purchase and was told if my generator will run my ts55 then it would also run the kapex( based on the electronics as they both have the same)
Power wise my generator will run my dewalt 1650w saw fine even with other tools tagged on at the same time ( granted it will slow down if someone else is using something with a lot of power draw. it runs a 2200w router without a problem

The issue seems to be the electronics in the saw
 
ifit said:
The kapex will not run - maybe the blade will move 1" then cuts out - lasers come on fine
I called festool before purchase and was told if my generator will run my ts55 then it would also run the kapex( based on the electronics as they both have the same)
Power wise my generator will run my dewalt 1650w saw fine even with other tools tagged on at the same time ( granted it will slow down if someone else is using something with a lot of power draw. it runs a 2200w router without a problem

The issue seems to be the electronics in the saw
Click to expand...

ifit:

Are you using a step-down xformer between the generator and the saw? Or going direct? I assume you're going direct, but I'm just curious if a transformer would 'smooth out' the nasties in the waveform of the generator and allow it to be used.

I'm a little surprised that people haven't had good luck with the Honda Eu series, but I can see that by the time you add a DE to the load you might be pushing the limits? Which DE are you using?

Also, do you have anything else running off the generator at the same time that you could shed - i.e. disconnect as needed?

My only other thought is a hybrid system. Run a cheap generator of adequate size, but connect it to a computer server sized UPS and then plug the Kapex into that. Not necessarily light nor cheap, but it should solve the problem you are having with the Kapex since the output from the UPS will be 'better' quality power than you will typically get from the mains. BTW, you would need a true UPS to do this, not a "Battery BackUp' type because those don't filter the AC, they just switch over if the mains power goes missing.

If you have a way to try that I'd love to know how it works? I have a UPS that I could try my Kapex on, but not a generator. Well, I *do* have a generator but my generator is the backup unit for my house and shop - which is a 6-cylinder Isuzu diesel engine that delivers 60kw. The power from it is indistinguishable from mains power, so trying it would be pointless.
 
Is there any shops near you that sell generators that have different types available on the shelf. Without having to pre order
 
wrightwoodwork said:
Is there any shops near you that sell generators that have different types available on the shelf. Without having to pre order
Click to expand...

No unfortunately not. most places that sell them will not let you try them as they only have new stock
I think my only hope is the one I posted a link to, might have to bite the bullet and buy one

I dont really like the kapex much to be honest the only things i do like compared to my dewalt are the bevel adjustment and the cable tidy other than that it is underpowered, does not lock into non preset angles very well,and  the lasers are not as good as dewalts xps

The thing it does have going for it that I cannot buy for any other saw is the ug stand - easy to wheel around, nice flat beds, flip stops  an accurate scale  and it packs well into my van without taking up floor space like the dewalt stand
 
I do wish shops would have more demonstration equipment. The price of the generator don't look too bad I suppose compared to the likes of the honda eu. I'm thinking of getting a generator myself. It won't be purchased till next year. If you do get gthe inverter type let us know how it gets on. 
 
Hi ifit,

Now that you have had the generator for a wile what is your opinion of it? Will it run the kapex with as much power as connected to the mains and will it operate connected to the dust extractor at the same time without any drop off in power? I'm encountering more and more sites these days without power so looks like I'm going to have to invest in a pure sine wave generator.
 
We have a standby generator, admittedly 5.5kV and I have no qualms about running our computer equipment as it has a pure sine wave. Look at generators direct they are really helpful if you call them (I have no association with them other than as a customer). They have a large choice and will have something to fit your needs. Beware buying cheap or foreign imports. Buy cheep by twice!
 
FYI, Honda and Yamaha inverter generators can be wired together to double or triple the output.
 
D1llig4f said:
Hi ifit,

Now that you have had the generator for a wile what is your opinion of it? Will it run the kapex with as much power as connected to the mains and will it operate connected to the dust extractor at the same time without any drop off in power? I'm encountering more and more sites these days without power so looks like I'm going to have to invest in a pure sine wave generator.
Click to expand...

Yes it runs fine - it actually seems to run smoother on the generator than of the mains(110v 3300kva transformer), it seems more powerful
I don't always use my extractor but if i do i tend to leave it running on the lowest setting as i find by the time its kicked in I have finished the cut
 
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