Need some insight on possible purchase

[IQlightness]

Hello, FOG

I am going to set up a little cabinet making workshop, starting from scratch, really. I want to begin with getting my hands on the essential tools I will need to get started (first of all making the storing system for the tools, and a workbench, etc.). Now I wouldn't start by buying a miter saw, and very likely wouldn't get the KAPEX 120 - as it is, well, out of my price range at 1400 EUR - but I just got a nice offer - almost half for an almost NEW machine.
As I have never owned a Kapex (or even tried one) I am here to ask your professional help to decide whether I should get the saw or not. The price is right for me, but I'm a little confused as it seems a bit too low for a new machine at 850 EUR.
Have you ever heard of FESTOOLs being replicated, or can you spot any flaws telling from the photos attached?

I appreciate every insight.

Thank you very much in advance,

Barni

 

[IQlightness]

Does the thing look legit to you? It would be a super buy for the price.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm sorry, but right now, we'd have to give a negative buying advice on any 110v Kapex. The forum is rife with complaints of people's precious tools burning out.

 

[IQlightness]

The seller says it runs on 220-240v. Where i live we have 230v everywhere normally - so it should be good, right?

It's a shame I can't review it in person, as it currently is 300km away from me, and i will only have a short period to make sure it works as it supposed to, before i will have to pay for it. So I would like to know as much as i possibly can, from you guys who are familiar with them.

 

[Holmz]

...

Could this be some form of an IQ test?

 

[IQlightness]

It might seem like one my friend, but I can assure you I'm taking this seriously. And I'm asking for real help here.
The solution doesn't seem so easy to me, like it is to you apparently ^^ so if you can find the time and effort, please do explain. Does it look like a genuine Festool Kapex to you, and is it worth getting it for way less than the retail price? It is supposed to be the 2016 model - I'm currently waiting for a photo of the little sticker with the general info about the machine. I am a little suspicious TBH.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It could be wise to post from which country you hail so we can give advice according to your local market.

The Kapex looks real enough in your pictures, and not so much problems reported about 220v models.

Half price for a 2016 model seems a bit suspicious to me though. I know there are cheaper ways to get Festool stuff, like foreclosure auctions, but it is always good to scrutinize here. Who's the vendor, what's the source of the Kapex, is he a longtime member of the site/paper you found the ad, does it have paper work, original receipt, etc, etc.

 

[ear3]

Not sure if they do it in other countries, but in the states you can call up Festool with the serial number to dbl check the purchase date.  I did this once when buying one of the more expensive Festools on the secondary market -- any legit owner would be happy to provide this info for you.

 

[IQlightness]

I am from Romania, and the seller is active member of the page, namely OLX, since 2013, and with lots of other active offers.
The price is 850 EUR, and the Romanian MSRP is around 1450 EUR. The machine is the one from the pictures, and the seller will provide me with a photo of the little sticker of technical data, also showing the serial number.

 

[Birdhunter]

I would first check with Festool to see if the Kapex is listed as stolen. If it's not listed as stolen. I'd want to check the following in person.

Will it swing smoothly left to right and back. Will the head tilt smoothly left to right and back. Do the lasers work. Bring some 1X6" oak with you or even better 1X8" oak. Bring a true 90 degree square and a true 45 degree square with you. Make a 90 degree test cut in the oak. Test it with your square. Look for burning on the cut. Make two 45 degree test cuts .... one going left and one going right. Test those cuts to be accurate and no burning. Make two 45 degree bevel cuts. Test those to be accurate and no burning.

Look for grease coming out of the motor housing. Feel the motor for exceptional temperature.

Other responders may suggest other tests, but the above tests are a good start.

 

[ear3]

From what I understand, you will not be able to test the machine in person, so you'll be going on faith when you buy it.  I assume Festool Romania operates the same as Festool USA insofar as the warranty is attached to the machine and not just the original purchaser.  So if you purchase it and find an issue you should be able to get it serviced within the normal three year window.

 

[IQlightness]

Thank you guys  for the constructive answers. I will definitely check out the saw. Will try to come to on arrangement with the seller, for me to have a wide enough window of time to make the above mentioned test cuts, and everything else you advise to - and in the end if i'm disappointed, I can send it back.
I suppose it wasn't originally sold by FESTOOL Romania, and don't know if these products have international warranty.
If it's a "fell from a truck" saw, or let's say stolen then I'm not interested in buying it. I will contact Festool and have them check the serial number.

 

[Holmz]

It might seem like one my friend, but I can assure you I'm taking this seriously. And I'm asking for real help here.
The solution doesn't seem so easy to me, like it is to you apparently ^^ so if you can find the time and effort, please do explain. Does it look like a genuine Festool Kapex to you, and is it worth getting it for way less than the retail price? It is supposed to be the 2016 model - I'm currently waiting for a photo of the little sticker with the general info about the machine. I am a little suspicious TBH.

Usually when deals like this look too good to be true, then they are...
That is my gut reaction.

It would be nice to know if the picture provided, is the picture for that same saw.
And if the seller is also who they say that they are.

What does your avatar name signify?

[edit] 40% off for a gray market saw might make sense. You will want to understand any warranty issues, and search "Kapex dead" or "smoked" on here.

 

[IQlightness]

Oh that...it's nothing but an insignificant, old and dusty internet nick name ^^ - but describes me well from time to time, when I keep storming ppl with my dense questions.

This sure seems to be too good to me too, that's why I will make sure that everything checks out just fine before paying a dime for it.