Mishap with Kapex jammed blade and broke guard return

[djwong]

I was using my Kapex to make a 60 degree bevel cut on the end of a 1x3 stick of birch - the wood standing vertically on 1x side).  I made a few of these cuts, and I had the pieces always securely clamped down.  On one particular cut, the triangular shaped off-cut bounced back into the blade and was carried by the blade up under the handle area.  It jammed into the blade, and I immediately let go of the trigger.  I am not sure if the blade stalled or if it just stopped after I let go of the trigger. 

I had to take the blade out to clear the jammed piece of wood.  The blade seemed fine, but the blade guard was no longer retracting when the head was tilted down.  I found that there was a bearing attached to a sheet metal arm that seemed to be swing loose inside.  I tried various positions to reattach it to the blade guard and seem to have it working again.  I attempted to unscrew the head cover to inspect, but I could not get it apart.  I finally loosened the screws attaching the blade guard to the arbor area, and slipped the bearing into position.

Can someone confirm that I have the bearing arm in the correct position on the Kapex blade guard.  Enclosed is a picture with the bearing circled.

Thanks,
David

[attachimg=#]

 

[jmbfestool]

I'll have to check put pretty sure it looks like its in the correct position from memory

Jmb

 

[davee]

I just looked at mine at it appears to be in the same position.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

David, I'd recommend you contact our service department. They can help troubleshoot what's going on with the blade guard. Of course, you will want to refrain from using the saw until the guard is properly working.

Edit: Looked you up in our system and as long as we have a good number for you, you should receive a phone call today from one of our tech guys.

 

[djwong]

Edit: Looked you up in our system and as long as we have a good number for you, you should receive a phone call today from one of our tech guys.

Not 10 minutes after I read this post, did Festool service contact me.  Another example of the excellent customer service Festool provides.  We discussed how I made my fix and how it was done properly.  Loosening the screws around the arbor that hold the guard and slipping the bearing back into position.

One hint I was given was how to adjust the depth of cut on the Kapex.  To the left of the slider locking knob, is a recessed silver hex bolt.  Turning that bolt fractionally, will change the depth of cut.  The Kapex is factory adjusted to be at zero depth when executing a 90 degree cut.  An angled cut may leave uncut material in the very lower corner of the workpiece, which is what was happening to me.  Having the off-cut hang-on and break, may have contributed to the piece bouncing back into the blade in my case.  I will definitely try to adjust this today.

A big thank you to Shane and all the folks at Festool.

 

[tim]

Not sure whether i should resurrect this or start a new thread but I have had a similar problem today.  I undid the arbor and put the link arm back (and the spring) which had also come out) but now when I push the head down as if to make a cut the guard only partially retracts. 

I am wondering whether the linkage arm is bent and therefore not doing its full job or if there is some other spring or mecahnical link that is damaged or not working properly.  Everything looks fine and all the parts that are shown on the ekat drawings are where they should be (afaik).

I have attached a pic to show.  All help gratefully received. 

Thanks

Tim

 

[harry_]

I am inclined to think that the link arm is not in the correct spot. A picture from the other side of the saw would be helpful.

 

[tim]

I would agree but I'm also now not sure its all as it should be.  Ive never really paid attention to the guard position before but I don't remember it sliding on the deck when making cuts (But perhaps it does?)

Pics from other side and link arm when the blade is fully lowered plus guard when blade is fully down.

Thanks for help.

 

[harry_]

I just went out to the truck and checked mine. That's exactly how it is.

 

[tim]

Well you are a star. Many thanks for your help.