Kapex voltage question

[VW mick]

I will be buying a kapex

I live in the uk. I'm not going to be using this saw day in day out in a site situation
It will be in my shed

All my power tools are 110v

Do you think there is any difference between 110v and 240v for me

 

[Sweet]

Mick, do you have the funds to buy a dedicated 240v extractor too?

 

[bobfog]

Replies:

Part 1 (toeing the party line)

I would go with 240v, my experience is despite specs, marketing etc, 240v tools vs their 110v counterparts always seem to have a bit more oomph.

Also whilst it might seem anecdotal, I seem to remember someone saying a lot of the Kapex motor problems seem to be with 110v units.

Part 2 (my opinion)

A lot of the Kapex's appeal is its portability vs cutting capacity. If it's going to stay in your shed I'd consider the Bosch Glide 12" which has a fantastic cut capacity, power and accuracy, instead.

 

[VW mick]

Ah now you got me thinking

I didn't think of either of them points

But I would always like to think of being able to take on site if needed

And if I go for 240v I will need another extractor

 

[Sweet]

Keeping things positive, I believe Festool design (at least all current tool models?) in 240v first then adapt to 110v. So in my humble opinion if you don't need to take it on site, get the 3 pin version. They may have there detractors, but I think it's the best SCMS out there.

 

[Steve-Carpenter]

Replies:

Part 2 (my opinion)

A lot of the Kapex's appeal is its portability vs cutting capacity. If it's going to stay in your shed I'd consider the Bosch Glide 12" which has a fantastic cut capacity, power and accuracy, instead.

I looked at the Bosch but the problem with the Glide is the dust extraction sucks (or rather doesn't). The Kapex is the best in its class and the Glide certainly one of the worst. One extra thing to consider. Shame really as the glide system itself is a peach.

 

[Holmz]

The existing vacuum will work with the manual switch, so ther may not be a good reason to dedicate another vacuum.

 

[dalep]

I looked at the Bosch but the problem with the Glide is the dust extraction sucks (or rather doesn't). The Kapex is the best in its class and the Glide certainly one of the worst. One extra thing to consider. Shame really as the glide system itself is a peach.

I Bought the Glide, but changed it for the Kapex, the main problem with the Glide, with its dedicated stand, its the size of a small house ;-)

Its no where near as mobile as the Kapex and UG

Dale

 

[Ant]

Keep with 110, then you've got all bases covered. I use my 110v kapex day in day out & there isn't a issue with not enough power. I've used it daily for nearly 2 years without it missing a beat. I've also got a Elektra Beckum kgs 303 (240v) in the shed but would rather wheel the kapex out of the van to do any jobs at home. 

 

[woodsy]

I also live in the UK and bought my first festool about 3 years ago and it was the TS55 track saw with ctl midi extractor in 110 volts,and iam gutted ,the problem is this country in this day and age with circuit breakes and rcd breakers there should be no need for 110 V TOOLS anymore,its a joke. because I use a 3KV transformer which is a pain but to get the most from it they recommend a 5kv transformer ,have you seen those things are as big as a house and wheres the health and safety there trying to pick it up.
I always had 110 chop saws because of site retrictions and the power always suffered.when I bought my Kapex 120 I went for the 240v option thank god just gutted my first purchase ie the ts55 and extractor are 110 v ive got to the point where now I choose my own jobs and if 240v tools are not allowed iam not interested in the job.either way its just a big ball ache up yours health and safety.
now I have to buy an extractor for my kapex 240v.iam not the best at typing plus any mention of 110volts boils my blood