Kapex or Track Saw for furniture cross-cuts

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I'm on the fence with buying the Kapex and wondering if I even need it.  (the expense is making me extra cautious.)  I build small pieces of furniture in my little shop.  Small tables, dressers, chairs, book cases, etc.  Also, I was wondering if users are getting tear out when cutting 1x8 hard wood on the Kapex.  I have been using the TS 75EQ...before the recall I used the TS 55REQ (which I liked more for what I do.). Which tool would you prefer for cross cutting wood for six drawers or table legs?  Any thoughts or advise is much appreciated.  Thanks ahead of time.

 

[barnowl]

I also build furniture far more than any other woodworking.

Oak and cherry mainly, and maple for drawers.

To answer your question briefly, that's the main reason that I got the Kapex.

My reply to your question in the other thread:

While the saw is capable, I'd suggest a zero clearance insert and zero clearance fence. I made mine.

Also, I was getting slight tear out on the top of the 3/4" cherry that I was cutting with the stock 60 tooth blade.

My 80 tooth Chopmaster saw leaves no tear out.

Unless you want to go to the trouble, a properly adjusted TS 75 with the fine blade is probably just as good, but you will get end tear out, unless you use a backer board.

That being said, the kapex is still far superior, once the zero clearances are installed, and the proper blade is used.

Case in point...I just did a project with 45* mitered corner rail and style frames, with raised panel inserts.

They were absolutely dead on using the Kapex.

Assembled with dominoes at the corners.

 

[semenza]

I'm on the fence with buying the Kapex and wondering if I even need it.  (the expense is making me extra cautious.)  I build small pieces of furniture in my little shop.  Small tables, dressers, chairs, book cases, etc.  Also, I was wondering if users are getting tear out when cutting 1x8 hard wood on the Kapex.  I have been using the TS 75EQ...before the recall I used the TS 55REQ (which I liked more for what I do.). Which tool would you prefer for cross cutting wood for six drawers or table legs?  Any thoughts or advise is much appreciated.  Thanks ahead of time.

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

  Kapex hands down.    Especially for multiple parts.  I build all kinds of stuff..... built-ins, furniture, small items. If the cut capacity of the Kapex will handle it I choose that first. Great quality cuts, ready to go, fast , and quick repeatability.  It has as much to do with it being a miter saw as it does being the  Kapex specifically.

Seth

 

[ScotF]

Yeah, I agree that the Kapex excels at these cuts and would recommend it.  I used a TS75 and MFT for a year or so before I got the Kapex and it did fine for many cuts.  The Kapex makes angeled cuts easier and more accurate and it is handy to have a quick way to cross-cut stock to length and make repetitive cuts.

Scot

 

[sancho57]

I used the TS and MFT for these cuts for a while.

Then I got my Kapex.

Its all I use for crosscutting and angle cuts for pieces 11" or less.

I am setting up a one car garage for a shop right now.

So space is at a premium.But because Im using (other then my delta 13" surface planer) all festools.

Im sure Ill be fine.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I'm on the fence with buying the Kapex and wondering if I even need it.  (the expense is making me extra cautious.) I build small pieces of furniture in my little shop.  Small tables, dressers, chairs, book cases, etc.  Also, I was wondering if users are getting tear out when cutting 1x8 hard wood on the Kapex.  I have been using the TS 75EQ...before the recall I used the TS 55REQ (which I liked more for what I do.). Which tool would you prefer for cross cutting wood for six drawers or table legs?  Any thoughts or advise is much appreciated.  Thanks ahead of time.

If the last question is most important then the Kapex is the answer.

It is  tiring to make numerous short cross-cuts with the TS75. You could sell the 75 and get an older 55.

You say space and money are tight so my advice would be to replace the 75 with a 55 and get an MFT.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Hey guys...just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to answer my posting.  Today, I ordered the Kapex.  It should arrive tomorrow.  The next task will be to find a workable set-up in this possibly tiniest workshop in the world. Cheers.

 

[leakyroof]

Hey guys...just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to answer my posting.  Today, I ordered the Kapex.  It should arrive tomorrow.  The next task will be to find a workable set-up in this possibly tiniest workshop in the world. Cheers.

  Once you get it settled in, take a picture for us as it's always nice to see how another person deals with a small workspace. Gives the rest of us hope, or maybe something to work toward. [smile]

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Hey Guys,
I just unboxed my beautiful-new Kapex (thanks to Toolnuts!)... It's ten days since I ordered it, no fault of theirs. Here's what I came up with in about 5 minutes (I had built this cart from scrap, in anticipation of getting the Kapex.)  please feel free to make any comments or suggestions...and, thanks again for your help on this thread.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

P.S. I wanted the CT26 to add weight and not have the wheels obstruct the nice wheeling action of the 4" poly swivel wheels, so I bungy corded it onto to cart...didn't want to make it permanent, in case I need to take it somewhere.

 

[semenza]

So have you fired it up yet ? ! What do think?

Seth

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Unfortunately, no. I had to go spend the day with my orthopedic surgeon. Tomorrow, is an all day birthday party for my eight yr. old daughter. So, it looks like I will have to hold off my enthusiasm until Monday morning.  I will let you know my impressions, thanks.  Also, I picked up a Tenryu Silencer 72 tooth blade made for the Kapex.  I will A/B it w/ the Festool blade.

 

[ScotF]

Congrats!!  Let us know how you like it...the cart looks great!

Scot

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thanks!
OK, just cut perfect table legs and aprons in about 5 minutes! First things that impress me are, obviously, the efficient rate of production and the repeatable accuracy.  Also, very impressive is the low noise volume of the saw.  I have read a lot of complaints about the two button system being unconfortable for some to use...but, maybe because I've used the track saw, I didn't find this an inconvenience.  Very happy that picked this up...well worth the wait.