Kapex ??

[fcraven]

checking out the site does make me curious.  What's unique or different about Hoffman?

Haven't the foggiest.

I was just shocked and amazed at at 3000.00 mitre saw. Hoffman makes the butterfly connectors which have a certain alternative quality about them like many Festool products, and they also have a double doweling machine which seems to be "in the family group" with the Domino and bisquit/plate joiners. (I've noticed that a couple other companies have similar double dowel joiners in Europe).

Ever since I saw my first Garrett Wade catalog and the INCA line of power tools, I've had an interest in alternative, approaches, and Festool fits that niche quite well. Not that Festool thinks outside of the box (their insistence on UL approval indicates that they would like to be in the box too much...), but the festool tools and solutions -- systems -- are a great alternative to the brute force of most American designed tools.

I'm always looking for new innovative tools -- even if I don't need them (like the Hoffman mitre saw) My current top choice for cool tool has to be the Domino. Comming soon is the new Feign Multimaster with more power and a quick release. But, I have high hopes for the KAPEX. Assuming it does what's it's supposed to do very well with noticeably lower dust (like every other Festool product), I think it can be the first Festool tool in the US, to demonstrate how much better all the other company's tools can be. 

What I mean is that many of the Festool tools don't have a direct competitor in the US. E.g. Festool Circular Saws, An American construction worker wouldn't necessarily see a "circular saw" in the TS55 (although they would in some of the old Fest line, and in the current Protool line). Festool routers are way good, but they are odd, so they don't count either. Now, the Jigsaw (mine is due on my doorstep any minute now  ;D Really, it is  ;D.) IS like every other Jigsaw, and it gets nothing but great  reviews when compared to other jig saws(save for the lack of a blower). And it  appears that other companies are copying many of it's features.  But give me a Freaking good SCMS on a job site, and the flooring contractors will get all googly wiggly, builders will ponder the possibilities, and a few guys will complain that it's only 10".

But I digress, For now I continue to use an antiquated Delta 10" CMS, and My Trion is almost here....
>>>Trion PS300 EQ arrived a few minutes after posting

 

[Christian A.]

Hi folks,

the mitre saws offered by Hoffmann are actually made by Omga, an Italian company.
Most of the Omga mitre saws are not of that kind of portable SCMS that most people are familiar with. As far as I know, Omga saws are designed for picture frame applications in professional woodworking shops.
The T 55 300 SACA, for example, is equipped with a well designed hold-down system and a dust collector is incorporated in the saw’s stand. These and other features should justify the high cost of the Omga saw.

To my knowledge, the Hoffmann dowel tool is made by Mafell.

BTW, another company you might be intersted in is Graule. Graule produces some of the finest mitre/radial arm saws I've ever seen.

Hope this helps,

Christian

 

[mastercabman]

Hi folks,

the mitre saws offered by Hoffmann are actually made by Omga, an Italian company.
Most of the Omga mitre saws are not of that kind of portable SCMS that most people are familiar with. As far as I know, Omga saws are designed for picture frame applications in professional woodworking shops.
The T 55 300 SACA, for example, is equipped with a well designed hold-down system and a dust collector is incorporated in the saw’s stand. These and other features should justify the high cost of the Omga saw.

To my knowledge, the Hoffmann dowel tool is made by Mafell.

BTW, another company you might be intersted in is Graule. Graule produces some of the finest mitre/radial arm saws I've ever seen.

Hope this helps,

Christian

those miter saws are designe for production work ,factory work.they are wired for 3 phase service.very heavy duty!thats another reason why they're expensive.

 

[Christian A.]

Hi everybody,

a few minutes ago a stumbled across an interesting review (with lots of photos) of the Festool Kapex on a British woodworking board.
Kapex review #1
Kapex review #2

Greetings from Austria,

Christian

 

[Dan Clark]

Christian,

Many thanks for posting this.  It's an excellent review.

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. I've just nominated you for "Top Poster of the Year" award!  ;D

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Christian,
Thanks for posting those reviews.  It's great to see more about the Kapex, anticipating its eventual arrival on the other side of the Atlantic.

I have a feeling that when the Kapex does begin to circulate over here, it will be just as big as the Domino.  Well, it's already bigger in the literal sense, but I mean figuratively also!

By the way, I'm glad you are back posting more often.

Stay in touch,
Matthew

PS: Dan, what does Christian win for his achievement?

 

[Dan Clark]

...
PS: Dan, what does Christian win for his achievement?

Matthew,

Other than out undying gratitude, maybe Bob or Shane can cough up a slightly used Festool cap.  Hmmm... Have to think on that more! 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[T. Michael]

At an AFWS a few years ago, I stopped by to look, but fell in love with the OMGA Miter saw.  I was agast at the price; $2400 for the 14" cast iron table model.  So, I contained my lust for a while, then began searching the used machinery market.  I was able to get one for about $1150 plus considerable shipping from East coast to West coast.  Bought a few small parts to bring it back to like new condition, and had to buy a small 220 single phase to three phase converter another $300
The beauty of this beast is the solid construction, cast iron fence (with aluminum wing tips near the blade gap), tapered pin registration for 90, 45, 22.5 degrees, with an eccentric fine adjustment, three horsepower induction motor (relatively quiet), 14" blade with 1" arbor, so it matches my Delta RAS blade, it also is not a compound miter saw, which I consider a benefit, as it cannot be off of vertical.  Things it is capable of, which I don't use are to apply pnuematics for material fixing and to automate the action.
Dust collection is the usual difficult task, -- all in all, a very solid shop based machine.
However, when the Kapex comes out, I'll be looking closely.

Mike Ward

 

[Paul1200]

Hi to all good news I took delivery of my new Kapex saw today bad news im away for a week so can't play with it, but as they say good things come to those who wait. What a fantastic peice of kit, sold my 708 four weeks ago so its been a struggle waiting for it to arrive, but shall enjoy relaxing knowing what joy awaits my return. Paul ;D

 

[PeterK]

That is just cruel!!!!!!    :'(  How dare you tell us you have one and not be around to show pictures, give a review, etc!!! Get back home SOON and tell us all about it - PLEASE.
Pete

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Hi to all good news I took delivery of my new Kapex saw today bad news im away for a week so can't play with it, but as they say good things come to those who wait. What a fantastic peice of kit, sold my 708 four weeks ago so its been a struggle waiting for it to arrive, but shall enjoy relaxing knowing what joy awaits my return. Paul ;D

So Paul, we are all waiting to hear about the Kapex!  Have you had a chance to try it out?  What do you think?

Matthew

 

[Toolpig]

Can you imagine the size of the Systainer this thing must come in???????????

TP

Well thats just great!

I am in the market for a second miter saw, I need a second for when I do installs, I do a lot of built ins in some local condos and I am tired of humping my 12" Dewalt 708. All the apartments always seem to be as far away from the elevator as possible. I do have one of those Home Depot suv's for the saw, but people don't like me bringing it as it is so big!
So now the dilema, should I wait the 12 -18 months, or should I buy something else? I have been looking but none of the other saws seem to be that good.

Regards

Paul

 

[Toolpig]

I found this Kapex video on sawmillcreek yesterday...
http://www.festool.de/ipt_domino/kapex_intro.wmv

God help us!!!!!

TP

Forrest,
Thanks for tracking down that information.
As we all continue to watch for news of the Kapex, let's be on the lookout for shop pics, with the saw in action.  Everyone please feel free to post links, actual photos, or videos here in the forum!
Stay in touch,
Matthew

 

[bill-e]

We need some spy cams in Rick C's. shop to see if he's playing with one yet

 

[Dan Clark]

I found this Kapex video on sawmillcreek yesterday...
http://www.festool.de/ipt_domino/kapex_intro.wmv

God help us!!!!!

TP

TP,

This is part of Festool's IPT site:http://www.festool.de/ipt_domino/.  The site is a bit hard to navigate.

If you go there, click on "English", then click double-arrows on the right, then "Kapex KS 120".   Then, at the bottom, mouse-over "Details Kapex" and you'll see a menu pop up.  Click on each menu and sub-menu item.

Each menu item may have multiple pages and a good many of them have videos of details.   For example, click on "Details Kapex -> Operation -> Starting the Machine", and you'll see a fairly detailed video of how to set up the machine.

If you click on ""Details Kapex -> Applications", you'll see a  page with multiple thumbnail images showing different types of applications like "Framing Timber", "Crown Mouldings", "Window Frames", etc.   Click on the "Deck Construction" thumbnail and it brings up a page with text and a video of how to use the Kapex for cutting deck boards and deck posts (4X4).     I like this one also shows the smart bevel gadget in use.   (Under "Details Kapex -> Product Details -> Smart Bevel", there's also a detailed video of how to use the Smart Bevel.)

Great site.  But, it's not for children or the weak of heart.  That's some serious tool porn!  ;D

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Everyone,
There are a couple of other Kapex discussions going on in the forum, but I like this one as a spot where members can post photos.  Since no one in the US has one of these (at least I assume no one in the US has one of these) we need to see it and hear about it from European members.

So, anyone in the Old World who has one of these, please post a project picture or perhaps some action shots!  Tell us how the Kapex has worked for you, or whatever else you think is important to know about it.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Joe Jensen]

What do you plan to use a Kapex for?  I have a fully equipped shop already.  Rarely use my miter saw for any cabinet making work.  I hate my miter saw, even for trim carpentry work.  I'll buy a Kapex just to get a miter saw that will be awesome for trim carpentry.  It's likely good enough that I could use it some for cabinet making too.  What are others planning to use Kapex for?...joe

 

[Brice Burrell]

  I'm looking farward to the dust collection abilities of the Kapex, I haven't given much thought about how well it will cut. So, I would like to hear from Kapex owners about the performance of the saw as compared to other SCMS.

 

[ccmviking]

      Most of our work is kitchen/bath cabinetry installation and full remodeling, so a a miter saw is our most used large tool when doing this work.  Our most used took day in and day out has to be our C12's.  We wouldn't be able to work without these awesome little drills.  My finish work comes out great right now but I do have some minor annoyances with my current CMS setup that I think would be addressed with the Kapex.   

 

[Forrest Anderson]

This is just a note to say that I have updated the Consolidated List of Festool Links with the following two Kapex reviews:

KS120 Kapex Review (Furniture and Cabinetmaking, July 2007) 

KS120 Kapex Review (The Woodworker, Aug 2007)

Forrest