Kapex See-saws when on MTF table

[jmbfestool]

I just bought a Kapex when I place it on the kitchen granite work top it sits on the four rubbers perfectly flat no see-sawing.

BUT! when i place it on the MFT bench in the holes then it sits on the metal lugs and see-saws. The bench is level and flat by the way

This to me isnt right

I have uploaded A VIDEO so you can see for your self

P1010107.MOV

 

[Rob-GB]

Have you put a straight edge on the saw table, top and bottom, as you obviously did to verify the MFT's flatness?
This might show up a casting defect that somehow got through QC.
I'm sure Festool will sort it if faulty and as the video shows, that doesn't look right to me either.
Rob.

 

[tbellemare]

It sure looks like the center's high on one or the other, almost like there's something stuck to the bottom of the saw.  [wink]

But seriously, I've used mine on an old MFT 800 for quite a while and now it's on the MFT/3 Kapex and it sits solidly. I don't normally clamp it down either (though I probably should). Something's really wrong with either your table or the casting.

Tom

 

[Mirko]

The Base of the Kapex is not designed right...
When the two bolts and the festool knobs are used to secure it to a bench, the base will flex and bend because there's no support tabs under the bolts.. I noticed this right away and put shims under it to prevent this bending action.
Maybe your saw twisted... did you secure it down the way I described?

Mirko

 

[Spike]

I set the Kapex on its rubber feet on the MFT, I don't use the holes in the MFT to drop the rubber feet into, I thought it was way to slippery and unstable. I put a screw in all four corners of the Kapex and just barely snug them down being very careful not to flex or distort the base.

 

[jmbfestool]

It sure looks like the center's high on one or the other, almost like there's something stuck to the bottom of the saw.   [wink]

But seriously, I've used mine on an old MFT 800 for quite a while and now it's on the MFT/3 Kapex and it sits solidly. I don't normally clamp it down either (though I probably should). Something's really wrong with either your table or the casting.

Tom

The Center sits high on both the back and the front of the saw on the two lugs.

 

[jmbfestool]

I set the Kapex on its rubber feet on the MFT, I don't use the holes in the MFT to drop the rubber feet into, I thought it was way to slippery and unstable. I put a screw in all four corners of the Kapex and just barely snug them down being very careful not to flex or distort the base.

I understand what you are saying because their is slight movement in the holes but my problem is that its showing something is bent because when it it placed in the holes it is still designed to sit flat and mine is not.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Have you confirmed the MFT is flat, I wouldn't just assume it is.

How does the saw sit on the MFT when not in the holes?

Did you ever clamp the saw down on the MFT with Festool F-style clamps?

This is the important question: Have you checked the saw top of the saw's table to see if it flat as Rob suggested? 

 

[jmbfestool]

Have you confirmed the MFT is flat, I wouldn't just assume it is.

How does the saw sit on the MFT when not in the holes?

Did you ever clamp the saw down on the MFT with Festool F-style clamps?

This is the important question: Have you checked the saw top of the saw's table to see if it flat as Rob suggested? 

I am not stupid! Ofcorse I checked I even made the table level so everything was spot on. I am a perfectionist so like things spot on.

When I got it out of the box I placed it straight onto the table into the holes and realised it was  see-sawing so I thought I must not have it in the holes correctly but I did and moved it and tryed different holes and still does the same. I never clamped the saw down untill I tested everthing and game to realise something is out. I placed it on my kitchen top which is granite and perfect flat I checked and its sits perfect on the rubbers. So i placed the chop saw on the bench not into the holes it sits perfect. Its just when the rubbers are in a holes and so sits on some metal lugs it see-saws.

 

[MiterMaster]

I would not even bother trying to rig up a fix for this, I would return it to your place of purchase for a replacement / exchange it for another one. 

Mike

 

[Brice Burrell]

I surely didn't mean to imply that you are stupid. When the saw is sitting on the rubber feet is the saw's table flat? This is the important question because that's what will effect the function. If the only problem is the lugs on the bottom of the saw are out then there really isn't much of a problem. But if you aren't happy just return it.

 

[jmbfestool]

I surely didn't mean to imply that you are stupid. When the saw is sitting on the rubber feet is the saw's table flat? This is the important question because that's what will effect the function. If the only problem is the lugs on the bottom of the saw are out then there really isn't much of a problem. But if you aren't happy just return it.

Its okay

When it sits on the MFT on the rubbers only it sits firmly with all 4 rubbers on the table. I have placed my level on the chopsaw top and it runs flat so if i was to cut a straight bit of wood it will sit flat with the base of the chop saw.  The turn table isnt as smooth as my makita but I dont know if thats just how it is but it mits be because their is a fault.  Any way the MFT bench is flat the chop saw is flat everything is flat apart from the metal lugs I can not test with a level because I would have to remove the rubbers and I tried and they are pretty tight on.

 

[MiterMaster]

...When the saw is sitting on the rubber feet is the saw's table flat? This is the important question because that's what will effect the function....

No disrespect intended Brice, but I disagree with that statement.  Yes, the rubber feet are critical when placed on a solid surface, however when used with the MFT table or the dedicated MFT/Kapex table - the rubber feet are not being utilized.  

If bolted down to the MFT table, since the saw in question is already see-sawing, there would need to be more pressure on one side to even this out.  I would be concerned with the eventual flexing of the base and an uneven table top.

A solution would be to utilize the rubber feet full-time by placing some ply on top of the MFT table.  However, the design of the dedicated MFT/Kapex table intended that the rubber feet be placed inside the holes - so none of this should be necessary to begin with.  Take the saw back and get a replacement.

Mike

 

[Brice Burrell]

Mike, the only reason to use the holes is the Kapex's table is designed to be the same height as the MFT/3 when sitting on the MFT/Kapex. If that is important, then I completely agree with you the saw should be returned. Other than to match the height of the MFT/3 I see no to use the holes and reason to bolt the Kapex down for that matter.

My concern is that the saw rocks so much it would seem to me something is way out of whack.

 

[mastercabman]

I would take it back.  Checking for flatness with rubber feet on top of granite is not easy.
Then again,maybe there is something sticking down that cause the problem .
You could try to use a pc of MDF and dill big holes where the rubber feets are going and check if it see-saw.If not it could be the top of your MFT.

 

[justinmcf]

hi jmbfestool. i see everybody has given you great advice with regards to fixing the problem.

but surely the easiest solution would be to contact your local festool dealer whom you purchased this saw from.......

regards, justin.

 

[Mirko]

I had a look at the video again...
The center of the saw has sagged, thats why it sits ok on the rubbers... have you checked the top surface of the saw with a straight edge to see if the side tables match up with the rotating part in the middle.

Mirko

 

[jmbfestool]

...When the saw is sitting on the rubber feet is the saw's table flat? This is the important question because that's what will effect the function....

No disrespect intended Brice, but I disagree with that statement.  Yes, the rubber feet are critical when placed on a solid surface, however when used with the MFT table or the dedicated MFT/Kapex table - the rubber feet are not being utilized.  

If bolted down to the MFT table, since the saw in question is already see-sawing, there would need to be more pressure on one side to even this out.  I would be concerned with the eventual flexing of the base and an uneven table top.

A solution would be to utilize the rubber feet full-time by placing some ply on top of the MFT table.  However, the design of the dedicated MFT/Kapex table intended that the rubber feet be placed inside the holes - so none of this should be necessary to begin with.  Take the saw back and get a replacement.

Mike

I have already spoken to the shop owner and he said Festool will ring me Monday and sort everything out. I agree I shouldnt have to modify or do ne thing to make it work not at ?1500 pounds!!!

 

[jmbfestool]

hi jmbfestool. i see everybody has given you great advice with regards to fixing the problem.

but surely the easiest solution would be to contact your local festool dealer whom you purchased this saw from.......

regards, justin.

I have contacted my dealer and awaiting a call of festool Monday!  I just like to discuss and find out if I am not the only person who has this problem but also let other people know about this problem so if they have the same problem they know it has happend before.

Also just incase i wasnt suppose to be placing the saw in the holes but I know now I was doing right.

Thank you all!

 

[jmbfestool]

I had a look at the video again...
The center of the saw has sagged, thats why it sits ok on the rubbers... have you checked the top surface of the saw with a straight edge to see if the side tables match up with the rotating part in the middle.

Mirko

Yes I did thats why it doesnt make sence because the top is straight  and like you said the bottom has sagged or is bent downwards causing it to rock. Thats what I have been trying to say its fine on the rubbers but the middle must be lower but the rubbers lift it high enough to stop it rocking. 

BUT yes I have checked the top surface with the rotating part and its flat. I did mention it above that I had checked it already.

Brett