Kapex questions

[hockey_magnet]

Is there any way of telling from a Festool serial number when a tool was made?

Is the "Supplementary manual supposed to come with the saw or is it just available as a PDF?

Is there onboard storage somewhere for the SMALL Allen key that is needed to remove the fences?

I'm assuming there is supposed to be a fair amount of lubricant on the rails when new? Should this be replenished at some point?

Sorry to ask so many questions. Thanks

Chris

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The manufacture date should appear on the same label as the serial number in the format of 02/12. I should mention that there have been no functional changes to the Kapex since its introduction.

The supplemental manual is available as a PDF, not sent with the saw. Here's a link ---

http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/kapex-ks120-supplemental-manual.pdf

No storage for the SMALL allen wrench. Not even sure I got one with my Kapex.  [huh]

There should be oil on the rails, not dripping but not dry. If you get to the point that the movement is not smooth, clean lightly and then apply a light machine oil, just a few drops should do. Then work it back and forth to distribute evenly.

Shane

 

[hockey_magnet]

Thanks Shane  - the supplemental manual is great  - I found the printed manual a little cryptic in some spots - A couple more final ( I hope) questions:

I noticed the slide is a little "rough" compared to other saws I looked at. I assume this will get a bit smoother with use? On the plus side - I compared the Kapex to a new Makita double slide - while the Makita was super smooth - (it continues to glide after you stop pushing it) - this seems to create some play with the Makita and I'm guessing will cause some accuracy problems.

Is the clicking noise when you stop the saw normal i.e. braking?

Like I said ,sorry to ask these questions but I have nothing to compare the Kapex to.

Chris

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Chris,

Ask as many questions as you need to. The head on the Kapex isn't going to keep sliding freely, at least mine doesn't. I suspect it is because of the very tight tolerances which is part of what gives the Kapex it's accuracy. Rick Christopherson, author of the supplemental manual could probably tell you the reason from an engineering perspective if you're really that interested in the how and why.

The Kapex does have a brake, so it may sound different to you that other saws.

If you have the opportunity, swing by your local dealer and have them run their Kapex if you want to compare the sound.

Shane

 

[hockey_magnet]

Thanks again. I did go by the dealer and the smoothness of the glide was the same as mine - there saw sounded a little different on stopping but I don't think there are any issues at all. Kind of like when you buy a new car and you're always listening for strange little noises . [smile] I can't begin tell you how superior the bevel adjustment and scale are on the Kapex compared to ANY other saw I tried. The mitre adjustment is excellent as well but some of the others are pretty good in this regard - it's the bevel capability along with the light weight and solid build that really sets this saw apart. Truly no comparison in that regard. I'm looking forward to using this saw for real this week.

Chris

 

[Kodi Crescent]

When will the Kapex receive an update?

 

[hockey_magnet]

When will the Kapex receive an update?

Since I just bought it, probably next week  [blink]

While there is always room for improvement, This saw seems to have it all. But nothing is ever perfect. I also think perhaps they would have a good market for a 12 inch - has been requested fairly often.

 

[Peter Fish]

Not wishing to go against Shane's thoughts but I feel sure my Kapex has an allen key storage slot, from memory it is at the back where the power lead can be coiled up, ( cunning these Festool guys )
It's dawn over here right now with 6" of snow on the ground otherwise I would leap out of bed and go take a photo for clarification, but will do that and post later, that's if I'm not having a bad dream !
Fishy

 

[agehall]

The allen key storage on the back is for the larger one (5mm?). The small one, used to adjust the lasers have no place for its storage. However, you can do what I did and throw away the packaging before you read the manual. Then chances are you no longer have the small allen key.

 

[Peter Fish]

Sorry, Well I was half asleep, best I go back under the duvet !!

 

[Kev]

The allen key storage on the back is for the larger one (5mm?). The small one, used to adjust the lasers have no place for its storage. However, you can do what I did and throw away the packaging before you read the manual. Then chances are you no longer have the small allen key.

Yep - that's standard procedure for me too ... hope it wan't made of gold!

 

[dbworkshop]

Take that Allen wrench and set the fence retainer screws all the way down.  Now you can remove the fences when needed  Next adjust the lasers. Then put it with the rest of your Allen wrenches. Haven't needed mine since.

 

[hockey_magnet]

There is a small silver coloured screw in the slot on the right side of the handle (when you're facing the saw). I can't see any reference to this anywhere and it does not show up in the pictures in the supplemental manual but it does show up in other pictures, It looks like it is to adjust something by moving it along the slot.  What is it for?

 

[Frank-Jan]

The purpose of that screw is to prevent the accidental removal of the clear plastic "lense" that protects the lasers.
If you want to remove that lense (to clean it for example), you first have to take out that screw, then press in the front part of the lense, it will then drop a bit and you can slide it out towards the front.

I think it's mentioned in the supplemental owner's manual at the start of the part that describes how to adjust the lasers.

 

[Laminator]

Two 1/8"x1/4"  super magnets will handily keep the small allen wrench attached to the big one at the back of the saw.

 

[MTRANGER]

There is a thread on this board somewhere, that came up with the idea of drilling a small hole in the end of the left rail, and storing the allen key there.  I did it and I just made sure it was snug fit.

 

[hockey_magnet]

The purpose of that screw is to prevent the accidental removal of the clear plastic "lense" that protects the lasers.
If you want to remove that lense (to clean it for example), you first have to take out that screw, then press in the front part of the lense, it will then drop a bit and you can slide it out towards the front.

I think it's mentioned in the supplemental owner's manual at the start of the part that describes how to adjust the lasers.

Thanks - I didn't see that

 

[hockey_magnet]

Two 1/8"x1/4"  super magnets will handily keep the small allen wrench attached to the big one at the back of the saw.

Thanks, magnets seem like a good idea. One of those things that you may not need but when you do....

 

[hockey_magnet]

Well I gave the saw a good workout today installing some tall baseboards. No comparison to my hitachi for bevelling, it's ideal for that and overall I love the Kapex!

I noticed something that's bothering me a bit though. When the bevel knob is set to 45/0 the final 2 degrees when moving the saw to the 45 position is quite stiff and there is some metal on metal grinding noise. It does go into that positon though. It does NOT do this when the knob is set to 45/45 - much smoother and no noise. It only happens on the last couple of degrees. Is this anything to be concerned about ?

 

[peter halle]

My advice:  Use the saw and see what happens.  Don't pay attention to noises when adjusting.  Festool has your back.

Peter