Kapex Quirks

[Warrior]

I have found that if you wait for the blade to stop before raising the head that the small cutoffs don't get thrown around.

IMO the accuracy and the many features on this saw that are just not available or not effective on other saws make this 1300.00 purchase a no brainer. I would pay double. It is worth it.

One example:
I was cutting some cheap import shop birch ply for my shop shelving and was getting a lot of tearout. I tried alot of things like slowing the feed rate and climb cutting the top layer to no avail. I was getting a bit disappointed but then had to cut up some styrofoam for packing up Mike's new woodrat. I turned the blade speed down to 3 to cut the styrofoam and then went back to cutting the ply for my shelves. Needless to say I forgot to change the speed back up to six but saw that I was now getting almost no tearout on the birch ply. SWEET ;D.  That ply was so cheap it will tear out if you look at it wrong . The adjustable speeds on the Kapex are an exclusive feature not available on any other CSMS.

Eiji

 

[Brice Burrell]

What is the max size of Crown the saw will cut.

Greg

Greg, the specs say 6 5/8", 170 mm.

 

[Eli]

My lasers were deadly accurate out of the box. I've got it in for adjustment right now, they went out somehow (transport or a ricochet) and I couldn't get them adjusted back to normal they were so far off. No clue what happened, I'll know next week. My miter table has never been hard to turn and the fence has not gotten stuck. I also have never had the 'grinding' of the bevel lock.

The one thing I'd add after having owned it for a while is that if you have the extension arms clamped to the crown molding wings, it is possible to scratch the slide housing on the (sharp corner!) extrusion if you're flopped all the way over to the right. Something to watch out for.  ;D DAMHIK

 

[GregH]

Thanks Brice!

 

[semenza]

" It is a very high quality saw the cut and accuracy is unbelievable the cuts are almost polished. Its well made in quality materials and built to last. If it?s going out to site in a truck or van it needs protection so make a box or get hold of one of Festools transport container. It is a precision instrument and needs some protection and looking after."

 
      Hi,

              Windmill, is there actually a case of some type made for the Kapex?

Seth

 

[jonny round boy]

      Hi,

              Windmill, is there actually a case of some type made for the Kapex?

Seth

Seth,

I believe there is a plastic systainer-like case for the Kapex, which is used by Festool to transport Kapex's sent for repair/servicing. It's not available for sale anywhere though.

JRB

 

[windmill man]

Hi All ,
Sorry for the lack of posts but have been away to london for the week end. such a lot happened since i left this post. will try to answer some stuff now.

thank you for the suggestion about puttting this in the review area. please dont. its not up to the standard of any FOG review i have read . i only wanted to post a "heads up ".

re transport case.JRB is correct. this case is a festool internal shipping case . large grey box with tie down straps inside. it does ok but is not generally avaliable. i managed to get one semi officially it cost me good money. please dont ask for photo`s i still cant use the VCR

Thanks Brice for suppling the answer to the cornice size. if you are ever in the uk come and see me and i will buy you a pint . i owe you for saving me lots of time and saving me making a few large mistakes with the L32jig. had a job a couple of weeks ago so got the L32 to do the job with.without your article i would have been up dicky`s meadow. thank you.

re the lasers yes my laser are out as much as Jerry works indicates. its no big deal to me . i am that used to them now that i can split the line. this is the second laser unit in this saw the first replaced under warranty. They could not adjust the first  unit.

steve 48. i have used dewalt bosch makita and lots of other cms this beats the lot. hands down the dust extract is very good on site and as you say the angle divider laser combination means your work is spot on and the joints tight . this means alot to me.

So did any one find out if festool are making the kapex in the USA?

sorry for the typing etc. thank you all for the interest you have shown. i promise i will not go away just after putting a post on FOG.

Regards John

 

[windmill man]

hi again ,
i know i should adjust the lasers but i have just become to accustomed to it now. one good point that has been made is about the speed control. dont just leave it on 6 . i found that a combination of lower speeds and different feed rate can make a hugh difference to the quality of the cut. its all about learning, getting to know your saw and the materials you work with . its what make the job interesting

john