Kapex Up In Smoke

[jeh]

I realize there are other threads, but my burn up is a little different I think. Yesterday I installed a Betterly Zero Clearance Insert and as specified in the instructions I dialed the saw speed up to max from just slightly below (I rarely change the speed and was surprised it was not at full). I cut through the insert and saw some smoke and an unusual smell, both of which I thought could have been from the insert (phenolic). The saw never let off full speed until I released the trigger.

Next move was to cut through a 5/4 x 6 pine board. At the tail end of the cut I noticed a speed drop. Dry ran it and it was spinning slow enough to see the teeth and then nothing. More cycling and it was running around 1 or 2 RPM. Saw was purchased within a few days of its release in the US so I can’t complain about longevity.

Could the speed control be the issue? I am thinking not, but welcome opinions. I’m resigned to buying a new armature and brushes and the speed control if necessary. Was changing the speed before “the final cut” a factor or completely unrelated to the failure?

 

[peter halle]

I doubt the speed control change was the issue.  I would suggest that you take the time to call Festool and talk to the guys in the service department.  Maybe [member=57769]TylerC[/member] can coordinate timing for such a call. 

I hope that things can work out and you can once again use your 9+ year old Kapex again.

Peter

 

[Gregor]

After 9 years... could it be that the brushes were on their last leg and decided to finally wear out as a coincidence to installing the insert?

 

[jeh]

The saw still runs albeit at a few RPM, slow enough to see the teeth. Is this consistent with an armature failure or could this just be brushes as [member=53905]Gregor[/member] says.

 

[Cheese]

I’d pull the brushes and take a look. That’d be a good place to start.

 

[Doug S]

The saw still runs albeit at a few RPM, slow enough to see the teeth. Is this consistent with an armature failure or could this just be brushes as [member=53905]Gregor[/member] says.

That is exactly what mine did both times the armature failed.

With some Festools when the brushes get low the tool cuts out to avoid any damage being done, I was told the Kapex should do this so if it was the brushes I would expect it to not run at all.

Doug

 

[Gregor]

Sounds like armature failure (broken winding) to me too, after having thought a bit about it.

 

[TylerC]

I spoke with our service manager, and he suggests that you send it in. It could be a few things, but we can't really diagnose it until we see it.

 

[Jaybolishes]

Leaning toward armature. 10-1 odds

 

[parrish74]

While on the subject of Kapex, has anyone heard or seen a release date for the new Kapex in the USA? I apologize if this has already been discussed...

 

[peter halle]

While on the subject of Kapex, has anyone heard or seen a release date for the new Kapex in the USA? I apologize if this has already been discussed...

No date has been mentioned.

Peter

 

[parrish74]

Wonder if it would be worth waiting for, or taking my chances on the current one???

 

[bevans]

I think you would be taking a chance with either one.

 

[ChuckM]

Every minute (or second) you sit on the fence, it is every minute that you can't get to enjoy the Kapex. Do you prefer to wait (the duration of waiting is unknown as Festool has not announced any plans to have another new release other than the one coming out this year, which looks more or less the same as the current Kapex with some minor changes)? Only you can answer that.

 

[parrish74]

I think I will go ahead and pull the trigger on one. It's been long enough...

 

[AlexThePalex]

Wonder if it would be worth waiting for, or taking my chances on the current one???

With the bad rep the old one has I'd definitely wait for the new one and hope they have fixed the problem.