Please consider a revised design for the Kapex handle on the next version of the saw. I find the handle/trigger lock configuration EXTREMELY uncomfortable - a horizontal configuration would be far more ergonomic for me personally. The ultimate solution would be an adjustable, multi-position handle, as on the Bosch 5412. If it's any incentive, I'd buy a new Kapex with a horizontal handle in a heartbeat... Anyone with an opinion, please chime in!
New Kapex Handle
- Thread starter monomoit
- Start date
Mono,
It's designed this way for many reasons including the use of a left or right hand person. I really like the handle the way it is and have never had any problems.. So what exactly do you not like about the handle trigger lock? I don't think it can get any easier and I'm trying to think of how it could possibly be uncomfortable. I'm not saying its not because everyone is different but I'm just curious.
It's designed this way for many reasons including the use of a left or right hand person. I really like the handle the way it is and have never had any problems.. So what exactly do you not like about the handle trigger lock? I don't think it can get any easier and I'm trying to think of how it could possibly be uncomfortable. I'm not saying its not because everyone is different but I'm just curious.
The main reason that I find it uncomfortable is that I have to bend my wrist at a fairly acute angle to depress the trigger lock, and then slide my hand down the handle slightly to lower the saw - an awkward and uncomfortable two-step process (I do remember reading somewhere that others had voiced this same concern). The Bosch 5412 has a very elegant adjustable handle, with four separate positions between horizontal and vertical, satisfying individual preferences. Right and left handed users are accommodated by thumb-actuated trigger locks at either end of the handle. It's a great design.
Are you a small build or have small hands? I'm trying to picture this in my head how I use it... I see what you are saying, because the triggers are at the very top end of the handle you do have to grip it like that.. Unfortanetly there is no way around this issue to help out with the comfort level without effecting the safety features of the saw.
When I first got the Kapex, I didn't care much for the handle at all. But, I grew on me. It is like second-nature now. It would be awkward for me to go back to the contemporary handles now.
Maybe it'd be like me moving to England and having to drive on the left on side of the road...ugh!!! Or even better, referring to soccer as football.
The handle works for me now. But I see your point.
Welcome to the forum.
Rey
Maybe it'd be like me moving to England and having to drive on the left on side of the road...ugh!!! Or even better, referring to soccer as football.
The handle works for me now. But I see your point.
Welcome to the forum.
Rey
Brice Burrell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
Rey Johnson said:When I first got the Kapex, I didn't care much for the handle at all. But, I grew on me. It is like second-nature now. It would be awkward for me to go back to the contemporary handles now.
Maybe it'd be like me moving to England and having to drive on the left on side of the road...ugh!!! Or even better, referring to soccer as football.
The handle works for me now. But I see your point.
Welcome to the forum.
Rey
Monomoit, I happen to prefer the vertical handle my problem was the awkward motion needed to turn the saw on. Like Rey it's an unconscious action. Really I couldn't describe my technique, it just happens all on its own without any thought.
The bad news is you may be waiting a long time for new features/next generation of the Kapex. The latest version removed features to lower the price so adding features/cost seems unlikely in the foreseeable future.
hi monomoit, dont worry mate, you are not alone with the handle issue!
when i first bought my kapex last year, it took me at least a week to get used to the handle. i had been using the makita dropsaws for so many years, they felt like an old pair of shoes.
the kapex seemed awkward at first, and had me worried about my AU$1700 investment, but it does grow on you, and eventually as brice has stated, it does become second nature.
i still struggle to find the laser button, maybe this could have been on the front of the motor housing, rather than on top. but i cant complain, it is a beautiful piece of machinery, and a joy to use.
regards, justin.
when i first bought my kapex last year, it took me at least a week to get used to the handle. i had been using the makita dropsaws for so many years, they felt like an old pair of shoes.
the kapex seemed awkward at first, and had me worried about my AU$1700 investment, but it does grow on you, and eventually as brice has stated, it does become second nature.
i still struggle to find the laser button, maybe this could have been on the front of the motor housing, rather than on top. but i cant complain, it is a beautiful piece of machinery, and a joy to use.
regards, justin.
WarnerConstCo.
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- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 4,205
Like said earlier, it is meant for ease of use for both right and left hands.
Also, you are pushing straight down and back into the cut, not applying pressure to the side of the saw head like most other models.
Also, you are pushing straight down and back into the cut, not applying pressure to the side of the saw head like most other models.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
WarnerConstCo. said:
Absolutely correct.
The Kapex was created to be the most precise SCMS on the market. Great attention was given to ensure that the saw was designed to minimize blade deflection as much as possible. The larger diameter rails, larger arbor diameter, etc. One of those considerations was how the user interfaces with the tool because that can influence deflection as well. By incorporating the vertical handle, your arm, the rails, and blade all move in a linear motion during the cut. That reduces the chance of the user introducing lateral movement into the cut which would potentially reduce precision.
Also, Festool engineers now design all tools to be ambidextrous, if possible.
Stoolman,
Check this thread out
http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=7223.0
This should answer your questions plus more..
Then you can go to this website which has the complete list of differences and changes:
http://www.festool.co.uk/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=1191
Check this thread out
http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=7223.0
This should answer your questions plus more..
Then you can go to this website which has the complete list of differences and changes:
http://www.festool.co.uk/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=1191
monomoit said:
Monomoit,
I like your idea of having options however I do think that generally keeping your fist in a vertical position keeps your wrist in a locked, more rigid position. It does not "flop" around as much as if it was in a horizontal position.
As an example, do you make more precise and forceful hammer blows with your hand in a vertical or horizontal postion?
Now having said that, I know from playing a lot of golf, that everyone's arms can be set in different angles in relation to their body. Also everyone's hands can be set at different angles to their wrists. That is why I like the idea of having options.
Neill
