Kapex - table surface not flat?

[Toolinator]

When chopping shorter (but wide'ish) pieces of wood I noticed that the Kapex top surface (let's call it the table on the machine) seemed to be out flat and the boards would have tiny amounts of wobble.

I broke out the Starrett ruler, and sure enough one side of the table (opposite of fence side) is 0.015" out of flat. How in the world is this possible on a $1200 saw?!

Anyone else experience the same? I just sent a note to Festool, I'll wait to hear if this is 'acceptable' manufacturing tolerances or not. I sure hope it isn't.

 

[copcarcollector]

Topics that may be of use to you, but the real test--- has this effected the quality of your cuts?
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...inally-picked-up-a-kapex/msg438440/#msg438440
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/kapex-left-outboard-table-wonky!!!/msg404117/#msg404117

 

[ear3]

Mine is about .012.

 

[Laminator]

Sloppy machining??? 

 

[mwahaha]

Seems to be just the way things are made these days.
My Hitachi is 0.009" out and my Dewalt is .039" out both dipped in the center of the table.

You just need to figure out if it affects the work you do or not.

 

[TomE]

The Magnesium alloy base of the Kapex was designed to be extremely rigid and durable yet very lightweight.

Magnesium vs. Aluminum

Imagine a car made entirely of die cast aluminum parts. Now imagine that exact same car made from die cast magnesium parts. The magnesium car would be 1/3 lighter in weight than its aluminum cousin. The magnesium die cast parts outperform aluminum ones in so many ways. The advantages include:
•33% lighter than aluminum.
•Similar or greater mechanical properties.
•Lower working temperatures extend die life and reduce energy consumption during production.
•Machining is faster and easier and machining tools last significantly longer.
•Superior thin-walled near net shape casting of larger, more complex parts so there are fewer components and less assembly required.
•Greater general corrosion resistance.

We can see the advantages, now if Festool could refine the process, be it assembly, casting , milling, packaging.... whatever.... to get closer tolerances consistently out of the box for the end user then we'd all be happier..

 

[Misteryez]

The Magnesium alloy base of the Kapex was designed to be extremely rigid and durable yet very lightweight.

Magnesium vs. Aluminum

Imagine a car made entirely of die cast aluminum parts. Now imagine that exact same car made from die cast magnesium parts. The magnesium car would be 1/3 lighter in weight than its aluminum cousin. The magnesium die cast parts outperform aluminum ones in so many ways. The advantages include:
•33% lighter than aluminum.
•Similar or greater mechanical properties.
•Lower working temperatures extend die life and reduce energy consumption during production.
•Machining is faster and easier and machining tools last significantly longer.
•Superior thin-walled near net shape casting of larger, more complex parts so there are fewer components and less assembly required.
•Greater general corrosion resistance.

We can see the advantages, now if Festool could refine the process, be it assembly, casting , milling, packaging.... whatever.... to get closer tolerances consistently out of the box for the end user then we'd all be happier..

Just don't get this Magnesium hot enough to burn! Tough time putting this type of fire out.