Kapex problem Poll

[Hotwheels]

I just got done making a mobile station for my Kapex.  I attached the saw to the removeable top and locked the wheels to see how stable it would be.  I've used the saw a handful of times the last few weeks  without issue.  I tried to swing it today and it started scrapping.  It got so bad that I could barely move it.  This is my second saw and it looks like I'll be moving onto number three.  I called Festool and left a message tonight.  Like so many that have posted here regarding issues with the Kapex this whole thing is very discouraging.  I'm on the fence as to whether I should just send the saw back and move on and find something different.

Sounds similar to my post above .. I had only used the saw a little and when I put it to work, I had the scraping problem. Called my dealer (Bill at Festool Supply) and he contacted Festool and they sent out a replacement plate that took about 2 minutes to install. It seems to have solved the problem ... I intentionally left the saw out in 90 degree sun today while cutting some trim and all was well. I will continue to make sure there is no issue with the plate and heat, but I am a happy camper so far since the lazer is dead on, all of my cuts are accurate, and the dust collection is much better than my Makita 1013. It is enough of an improvement for me to satisfied with the saw.

Good luck with getting a saw that works.
JR

 

[rnt80]

rnt80,  where are you located?

where did you buy your saw from?  online. local store?

I live in Arizona and bought the saw online from Andrew at the Utterguys.  The initial saw that I received had scraping issues.  I contacted Festool and they sent me a new plate.  That didn't solve the problem so they ended up sending me a new saw, which is the one I have now.  The scraping with this one is worse than the first one.  This saw shipped directly from Festool.  Like I mentioned previoulsy I'm inclined to return the saw but in the same breath I don't want to get something else only to return to the Kapex after they've made changes (presuming that they do).  If they do make changes and I decide to stick with this saw I'm going to upset with myself for not waiting for the revamped version.  I"m really not sure what to do.

 

[Hotwheels]

rnt80,  where are you located?

where did you buy your saw from?  online. local store?

I live in Arizona and bought the saw online from Andrew at the Utterguys.  The initial saw that I received had scraping issues.  I contacted Festool and they sent me a new plate.  That didn't solve the problem so they ended up sending me a new saw, which is the one I have now.  The scraping with this one is worse than the first one.  This saw shipped directly from Festool.  Like I mentioned previoulsy I'm inclined to return the saw but in the same breath I don't want to get something else only to return to the Kapex after they've made changes (presuming that they do).  If they do make changes and I decide to stick with this saw I'm going to upset with myself for not waiting for the revamped version.  I"m really not sure what to do.

I was ready to send my saw back ... I was not a happy camper given that I was aware of the scraping issue and tried to delay my order until the problem was resolved. When I spoke to my dealer and to Festool, each indicated that with a "limited" number of saws there is a relationship between heat and the scraping. The problem did not emerge for me until it was very hot here ... Before you throw in the towel it might be worth getting just a replacement plate from Festool.  You might want to talk directly with David at Festool and note your location (Arizona = potential heat issue) and ask for a replacement plate that may solve the problem.

Best of luck
JR

 

[MiterMaster]

...I just got off the phone with Lester seconds ago and this  is true new - spring plate and handle.  No one hear as seen the new handle and spring though. My guess is that it will allow a tad more clearance, eliminating any scraping...

Bob

Bob, any update on this, is a new handle coming out?  And if so, any idea on why a new handle design was needed?  I know the spring plate provided more clearance eliminating scrapping issues, just a bit confused as to why a new handle is needed?

Mike

 

[mastercabman]

I just got done making a mobile station for my Kapex.  I attached the saw to the removeable top and locked the wheels to see how stable it would be.  I've used the saw a handful of times the last few weeks  without issue.  I tried to swing it today and it started scrapping.  It got so bad that I could barely move it.  This is my second saw and it looks like I'll be moving onto number three.  I called Festool and left a message tonight.  Like so many that have posted here regarding issues with the Kapex this whole thing is very discouraging.  I'm on the fence as to whether I should just send the saw back and move on and find something different.

That's what i did!!

 

[glass1]

I think the problem is more than just the spring plate. When I replaced my slightly bend plate with a new straight on the saw turned fine but the lock was not secure if it was not in a detente. It was especially easy to move if it was locked just outside of a detente. Kapex told me that the handle was going to be changed. I think that the bend plate is needed to lock the saw down but it needs to be pushed farther away when unlocked. I also feel that the metal piece that rides on top of the miter scale should be some sort of hard plastic like neoprene that is adjustable. Also the miter plate should be at least twice as thick and finally a detente overide should be lockable.

 

[b_m_hart]

Well, I bought one, and took it back after 30 days.  The inability to make fine adjustments on the turn table was a real killer for me.  It was impossible to get it to 1 or 1.5 degrees, it was just too stiff / tight.  The cut quality was nice and all, but after experiencing the issues that I did with trying to get an accurate cut, I decided that it just was not worth it.

So, if I could change my vote from waiting until the issues are resolved to not buying, I would.

I know I could have gone through the rigamarole of having it modified or fixed or whatever, but no.  After sales tax, the saw was over $1400.  As people have said other places, I don't expect it to make me a sammich and project the football game of my choice onto the wall in high definition - I do expect it to function absolutely flawlessly in every possible aspect intended.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

...So, if I could change my vote from waiting until the issues are resolved to not buying, I would.

You can in fact change your vote.  Take another look at the poll options!
Matthew

 

[richard.selwyn]

I just asked my local Festool reseller if he'd heard of any problems with the Kapex and he said no - but then he's only sold six since the launch last year - and they are about the only dealer in the region.!!

 

[nickao]

How the heck any dealer could not at least "hear" of the problems is unbelievable.

Even if he himself had no problems it just shows that a lot of dealers and workers in the stores have no idea about the products they sell and do not do research on the items they sell. Or like a used car salesman they do not talk about the negatives their products may have even if they know about them.

Anyone shopping and researching a kapex knows about the problems with many of the saws. I am sure Festool has sent notices to the dealers so how could he not know about the problem, again even if none he sold had the problems?

Nickao

 

[glass1]

i think the rah rah people supporting the kapex are misleading people. The tool store owner where I buy all my tools and festools told me that a festool rep and a vice president visited his store last week and the vp is just blown away by the problems with the kapex and cannot believe it. He was said that maybe its something to do with the different climates.  Can you believe that crap !  By the way I love all my festools except the kapex and next on my radar are the mft3 and 1400 router. If they didn't make at least one flop wouldn't that be even more amazing  just look at all the other companies bad tools.

 

[nickao]

Once I purchased and used the mft I could not live without. I know its only a table with holes, but definitely get that next for sure.

 

[MSgtRick]

I was at Rockler in Atlanta and they said they new nothing of the problems with the Kapex. I thought at first they were joking but were serious. I would think some one from Rockler's headquarters would have notified all of their stores of this issue.

 

[nickao]

Rockler is infamous for having poor employees. I know someone who works there and the turnover rate is fairly high on employee retention.

I order from them online but I no longer visit the Rockler stores as I have had three separate bad experiences.

 

[glass1]

just on a side note  i finally replaced my kapex with the new milwaukee 12" scms. besides larger size, weight, and bevel adjustment(the milwaukee's good just not as cool as kapex's bevel) the milwaukee is a better saw, in my opinion. The kapex koolaid might be organic but the milwaukee koolaid tastes sooo good.

 

[nickao]

I'll take a peek at the Milwaukee I want a new shop Miter saw so the additional size weight is a bonus for me.

I know the bevel adjustment carries a lot of weight for many people but I rarely use the bevel function on a miter saw anymore. My days of field work are over and I usually used the bevel mostly for crown molding.

Glass1 how is the miter function on the Milwaukee saw? Is it accurate, precise, easy to move and lock in on 1/4 angles, etc?

Nickao

 

[glass1]

turns like 'butta'  You can get the miter to lock just out of any detent or anywhere for that matter. I think you can do better than 1/4 degree.

 

[mastercabman]

I did get to check the new Milwaukee.Very nice!
The table is very smooth.
The one thing that is not so hot,is that there is no adapter from Milwaukee to hook up a vac.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I did get to check the new Milwaukee.Very nice!
The table is very smooth.
The one thing that is not so hot,is that there is no adapter from Milwaukee to hook up a vac.

Good news!! My understanding is that Milwaukee will be releasing a vac adapter, I'm just not sure when. If you have a good relationship with a local supplier you can have them call their rep to find out timing. Just wanted to brighten-up your day.  ;D

 

[Diver]

Wow, I haven't had time to keep up with the FOG these last few months, and thought my Kapex was the only one having issues, guess not.

Has anybody had bevel creep issues when using the 0-47 setting.  I was doing some compound miters with my bevel around 32 degrees, and though being careful not to induce any side force, after a few cuts I would find that it slipped 2 degrees.  They told me I needed to take apart the back spring assembly and clean the mating surfaces, check spring tension, list goes on.......  All I can say is how did this saw make it to market.

I think they should be recalled directly by Festool and refit with necessary parts and reshipped,  or replaced in whole.  I guess every company blunders at some point, but the fact that this saw has been in production for the European market for over a year it's quite surprising the US release has seen such a variety of issues.

Sadly their flagship has some holes in it and is going down.