Miter Saw selection

[shed9]

I hear all the plusses on low weight with mitre saws however as a stationary user this is very much a negative in my opinion. I understand that if your mobile you need something light but the heavier the better for me.

 

[Dan1210]

Ive had a few saws and still own and use a kapex, its a great saw although not for every task, great for light trim work.
I have the ug stand which is great most of the time.
I am doing framing at the mo and i cant get my kapex up to the first floor without major hassle, i bought the small milwaukee which is great although i need the dewalt stand i used to have to make it truly great.
Kapex is great but not neccessary you can get great results for much less.

 

[Ant]

Thanks to all your views on here when I had the chance to have a go with a kapex I knew what to look out for. I've ordered the saw, ug stand & CTL midi. I was having trouble justifying the cost but I've got quite a lot of work to do in a university & keeping the site clean & tidy & relatively dust free is quite important. Also the ash frames I have to make have a lot of masons mitres & the kapex gave the best finish on a trenched cut. I'm new to the forum but have already benefited from the wealth of knowledge on here thanks again.

 

[Just F Me]

I hate to want to ask this...  I know power tools are suppose to be used...but do you guys think owning a Kapex to do stuff like framing and building things out of 2x4 is a waste?  I've been looking at the Kapex (need to spend all the profits so I don't get taxed like a mother) and I'm just a hobbyist.  Maybe some crown molding for the house, base boards, picture frames, fix the fence in the back yard...etc 

I have a $179 Ridgid CMS right now and I like it a lot (I had a Ryobi before so... [crying]) as it does what I need.  Still...I was thinking I live without the Kapex and buy a Domino 500 and CMS router table instead of the Kapex.  I don't know....1st world problems

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I think in your situation I would go for the domino simply as it gives you another way of working from what you have all the kapex will add is a bit of luxury to what you have yet not really achieve any extra only difference being more accurate

 

[jools]

I have had the kapex and ug with wings for a month. In that time it has framed a dormer window, built a small deck, 50 metres of skirt and architrave, cut a load of kitchen base board and trim plus other stuff. All done with little dust or fuss and dead on accurate. The only adjustment out of the box where the wings to make the tapes dead on. Laser and mitre where spot on. I work on site and it travels in the van. In 5 minutes I have an accurate mitre saw set up that can cope with anything on site. If not it goes on the MFT. Festools are designed for work and the ability to set up a system in short order saves time and money. Yes I used to work with a dewalt and Makita saws and they did the job but it was a struggle to transport and set up and not as accurate. So much so that I left them on site and hoped they would still be there in the morning. The Kapex is the solution to my set of circumstances and whilst a huge amount of money I don't resent a single penny of it. It's not till you mitre 150mm that you realise the true accuracy of cut as they go together seamlessly. At the end of the day it's brushed off and secured back in the van.
With regular maintenance and a modicum of care it will serve for a long time.
The only improvement I can make is to purchase a 36mm hose for better dust control and use a thinner pencil lead!
Regards
Jools

 

[pjblues]

I recently purchased the Kapex and even though it is extremely expensive compared to others, it is worth it. The accuracy is amazing and the dust extraction is unmatched.

 

[carlb40]

I hate to want to ask this...  I know power tools are suppose to be used...but do you guys think owning a Kapex to do stuff like framing and building things out of 2x4 is a waste?  I've been looking at the Kapex (need to spend all the profits so I don't get taxed like a mother) and I'm just a hobbyist.  Maybe some crown molding for the house, base boards, picture frames, fix the fence in the back yard...etc 

I have a $179 Ridgid CMS right now and I like it a lot (I had a Ryobi before so... [crying]) as it does what I need.  Still...I was thinking I live without the Kapex and buy a Domino 500 and CMS router table instead of the Kapex.  I don't know....1st world problems

I asked that question not so long back and had a few replies  [smile]

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/a-few-kapex-questions-inc-motor-issues/

 

[Dan1210]

I hate to want to ask this...  I know power tools are suppose to be used...but do you guys think owning a Kapex to do stuff like framing and building things out of 2x4 is a waste?  I've been looking at the Kapex (need to spend all the profits so I don't get taxed like a mother) and I'm just a hobbyist.  Maybe some crown molding for the house, base boards, picture frames, fix the fence in the back yard...etc 

I have a $179 Ridgid CMS right now and I like it a lot (I had a Ryobi before so... [crying]) as it does what I need.  Still...I was thinking I live without the Kapex and buy a Domino 500 and CMS router table instead of the Kapex.  I don't know....1st world problems

Kapex is overkill for framing defo, i would get something thats powerful with at least a 60 degree mitre for roofing cuts.
Although the kapex cant beat beat for trim.
If i was doing mainly construction work and framing i wouldnt even consider festool, its too expensive. Tools get abused far more in construction.
Although most of my kit is festool but my trade kitchens and trim. Currently im doing framing and construction and would prefer different kit for these tasks.
Ps. You mean framing as in timber frame builds i assume?

 

[chris s]

I am glad for this question. I mentioned in another part of this forum that I am considering  the new Bosch 12 inch glide saw.I should mention that I have had a Kapex for Approx 6Yrs. In addition I use it primarily for remodeling my own home and occasionally take it out on a job. Having used the saw for framing to to cutting teak for a hatch for a boat. I have to admit it is a good saw. The only gripe I have is the metric blades. IE I can't use any ten inch blade. In addition I have noticed that after a few sharpenings the dust collection seems to be poorer and poorer with each sharpening. My sharpening guy is the best in my area. When the blade was brand new I did a laminate floor and had the saw in the room with me. The dust problem was minimal. Just the other day I did some inside trim and ended up taking the saw outside. Nothing has changed except the number of sharpenings on the blade. I n fact I even cleaned the Mini and installed a new bag in it before I started
    All that said, in the long run is the Kapex really worth the the premium? I am beginning to have my doubts.

 

 

[City Properties Inc]

Hmmmm    I Just Read This...

EDIT:  Weight is not a concern.  In fact I want it heavy.

I went through this a while back and bought the Kapex because I'm always on the move. If your saw is sittin around in the shop check out the Milwaukee 12" slider. It is the best miter saw out there with regards to capacity, accuracy and dust collection. The DC  is with in a few percent if not equal to the Kapex. I know because I had two and two 12" delwalt's when we were doing large reno jobs where we were set up for 3-12months at a time.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/milwaukee-6955-20-12-in--dual-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw/miln6955-20,default,pd.html?start=11&cgid=miter-saws