KAPEX workstation

[mattfc]

Here is my KAPEX workstation I built using alumium profile and plywood. The profile system is great, so much flexibility. I ordered it in the UK through KJN Profiles, you can order online and they cut the profile to length (http://www.aluminium-profile.co.uk/)

The drawer runners were simply fixed using the t-nuts that go in the profile channel, making height adjustment a breeze

I mounted the KAPEX using tbolts into the profile with hand knobs to tighten.

The whole KAPEX platform can move us or down as its suspended by threaded bar, and once at the desired height can be locked in place. You can see the threaded bar on the right, and the locking connector bottom right with the allen key head. There are 4 threaded bars, one in each corner

 

[woodguy7]

[thumbs up]

Nice, how much ?

 

[image132]

That is... Awesome!!

 

[mattfc]

[thumbs up]

Nice, how much ?

To buy off me or to build?  ;D  I used 3 sheets of hardwood 12mm ply, and then 10 drawer runners (so about 80gbp as they are softclose plus have a hold close mechanism), and then about 500GBP for the alumiun.. I have some left over, as I am building a fence to line up the the KAPEX fence, which will have a digital readout (you can spot it hanging off the left hand KAPEX wing)... I will post more on that as I go, but lets just say I think I have found a pretty cheap alternative to the sawhelper!

 

[ajones]

That looks really neat... could you add folding leaves to either end to extend the working area

 

[Neill]

Matt,

I really like the way the aluminum framework coordinates with the gray/silver portion of the Kapex.  Nice plan and assembly.

Neill

 

[image132]

I just noticed that the aluminium has grooves in it, does this allow it to be used with the Festool clamps? To me that would be a great idea so that you could just clamp longer wood down securely.

Again very well done.

 

[Corwin]

I just noticed that the aluminium has grooves in it, does this allow it to be used with the Festool clamps? To me that would be a great idea so that you could just clamp longer wood down securely.

This is one aspect of the workstation that I would have done differently -- the T-slots in the four aluminum profiles running from front to rear of the side tables are not accessible due to the way the front profiles cover the ends.  As is, the front profiles and end caps make the workstation look nice, but I would have run the four profiles all the way to the front without being covered to allow you to make use of those T-slots.  That would allow you to mount your fence using those T-slots too. 

 

[tbellemare]

I wonder if you could still rout a t-slot and not loose too much structural integrity?

Tom

 

[image132]

I just noticed that the aluminium has grooves in it, does this allow it to be used with the Festool clamps? To me that would be a great idea so that you could just clamp longer wood down securely.

This is one aspect of the workstation that I would have done differently -- the T-slots in the four aluminum profiles running from front to rear of the side tables are not accessible due to the way the front profiles cover the ends.  As is, the front profiles and end caps make the workstation look nice, but I would have run the four profiles all the way to the front without being covered to allow you to make use of those T-slots.  That would allow you to mount your fence using those T-slots too. 

I know this may sound like a waste but can't you still do that? The two that run from left to right look long enough to use from back to front, you would only then need to buy 2 more and some more plywood. Then all you need to do is rout a T-slot in the plastic end caps and you are sorted. I don't know how easy it would be to take it apart and reassemble it.

 

[woodguy7]

Guys, give the man a break  [blink]  He has just posted a lovely project that has obviously taken him some time & you guys are already pulling it apart.  For what he set it out to do, I'm sure it works perfectly.  I think it is great  [big grin]

Woodguy.

 

[Corwin]

Guys, give the man a break  [blink]  He has just posted a lovely project that has obviously taken him some time & you guys are already pulling it apart.  For what he set it out to do, I'm sure it works perfectly.  I think it is great   [big grin]

Woodguy.

Uhm...  I agree that the workstation is very nice -- maybe I should have made this clear in my first response, as I certainly didn't mean to degrade what he has constructed.  I only wanted to point out that he could have done things just a little differently to obtain a little more functionality.  And, the ability to utilize those T-slots would provide some added functionality and slightly improve his workstation.  Sorry if my intension was misconstrued.

 

[dltflt]

I think the workstation is very nice.
The other question is will the Festool clamps even fit in the slot?

 

[GPowers]

Aluminum profile make it look easy. Bet that they, the aluminum profile, help keep the cabinet square. very nice!

 

[mhoy]

Slick! Nicely done.

Mark

 

[mattfc]

A couple of points:-

• The workstation height in terms of the level of the KAPEX is designed to be exactly the same height as my MFT, which I can use as additional support for longer items.
• The Festool clamps do fit in the groove, although I used the profile with a 10mm slot, the 8mm slot is a better fit for the clamps, but I wanted the additional strength of the larger profile.
• I did think about switching the profiles such that the ends are open and you could slide the clamps in from the front, but then wanted the option to work with the clamps on the front edge for using it other than for cutting with the KAPEX. That said the way I have designed the plywood panels on the top side means they can be easily removed. They are fixed on the underside to wood battens, with a slot using the Domino to allow up/down height adjustment. The longer terms plan is the cut up an MFT mdf top, so I would have plenty of clamping holes.
• In any event, I have some M10 t-nut which you can slot and twist anywhere in the profile, so was planning to use some Veritas hold downs. That said, the KAPEX clamps works fine for me, and I don?t tend to find stuff moves at all when cutting with the KAPEX so am really not worried about clamping for the cut.. since my hands work just fine.
  On a final note, you will see some large profile leaning on the wall in the top left of the picture. I am planning to make a fence that runs the whole length, and am adding the wixey digital read-out which you can see sitting on the left KAPEX wing. Its off this that I will put the hold down clamps.
• Overall I found the aluminium profile system very rewarding. With 12mm ply, just a light touch on the router is needed and then you can slide the wood panels into the profile, making it all very rigid as each panel is held on all four sides.
  

 

[jmbfestool]

Nice job. 

I did notice a gap looking at the 2nd picture top draw hasn't got a end panel where the kapex sits so you can get dust and wood shavings in your top draw.  So an even more messy workshop! lol [poke]

 

[mattfc]

I did notice a gap looking at the 2nd picture top draw hasn't got a end panel where the kapex sits so you can get dust and wood shavings in your top draw.  So an even more messy workshop! lol [poke]

Yes.. you have a good eye for detail.. I have cut two panels, just haven't got round to getting some tool holder clips (funny U shaped things) to clip them onto the threaded bar

 

[Hicky]

Hi , I am a newbie here I thinking of building a portable mft
Using extruded aluminium from kJN
Can you tell me what size Chanel in the aluminium section fits the clamps etc  ?
Cheers

 

[mattfc]

Hi.. mine is made out of 45x45 but there is a bit of slop. I think the fit is better on the 40x40mm. KJN should be able to send you a sample