kapex sticky sliding

[ck1]

two of our six kapi (kapexs) have become difficult and jerky to slide.  They get used a lot.  I am going to replace the slide bearings.  Has anyone out there done this?  I have done a lot of repairs and tune ups on these and plunge saws. 

 

[peter halle]

Perhaps this is a stupid question and I mean no harm, but have you tried lubricating the slides?

Peter

 

[ck1]

Yes. One of the saws responded well to multiple applications of wd40, I might try white lithium grease next. still not up to snuff.  Other saw no luck.  Other several saws smooth as silk.  These bearings should be non lube, so lubrication is a last resort.  When I receive  new bearings I will install them.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

I'm under the impression that WD40 tends to gunk up over time and that light machine oil might work much better. Maybe something like Marvel Mystery Oil.

 

[Gary in Texas]

I'm under the impression that WD40 tends to gunk up over time and that light machine oil might work much better. Maybe something like Marvel Mystery Oil.

My exact same thoughts.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

The linear bearings are of the recirculating ball type. It would be nearly impossible to wear them out in a Kapex in your lifetime unless you were cutting driftwood in the Sahara desert.  [big grin] Excessive lubrication may have caused the bearings to pick up dust from the rails and get impacted into the bearings.

 

[Kevin D.]

WLG is great to lube and avoid rust, but collects dust debris.  WD40 is what the WD means generally "Water Displacement" and while it always seems to offer an initial lube and/or stops an annoying squeak, it is not the right answer over time and has probably washed away/thinned out what lube was on the bearings.  I would think a light oil like a sewing machine oil instead.  Watch out for those compound oils/lubes like 3-In-1.  They are not always the answer although people seem to use them the same way others use WD40.  One type does not fit all situations when it comes to lubes and oils.

You should call Festool Service/Technical support and ask them.  Tell them what you've used so far as they may recommend steps to alleviate further aggravation if there is a need to clear away anything that is the clear culprit inside the assembly.  They should have the correct answer for you and may even provide other insightful info in regards to future maintenance of the glides.  I have to imagine they get the odd Kapex with the very issues you're experiencing.

You'd think they have something in the Kapex Supplemental Manual in regards to lubing the slides, but apparently they don't.  I imagine it is no different than lubing the slides on a Domino, but that may not be the case possibly.