New Kapex

[fldange]

I see a number of posts alluding to an update to the Kapex (12", etc.)  Does anyone know when the new Kapex will be out?  I do not want to spend $1300.00 now if within a year a new model will be out.  I can continue with my current Hitachi till then.  Tks. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

I see a number of posts alluding to an update to the Kapex (12", etc.)  Does anyone know when the new Kapex will be out?  

You must have misunderstood the posts you are referrring to. There have been posts about a possible update, but they're all just wishes. No matter how good a tool is, there's always a number of people who will find flaws with it and there has been talk about what they would like to see in an improved future Kapex.

But I don't think there has ever been one post on this forum hinting to a new version of the Kapex being released any time soon. So don't count on it.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Let me confirm there is, at least to the best of my knowledge and I happen to be in the know, no intention of introducing any updates, changes or new versions of the Kapex in the foreseeable future. I would really be surprised to see a 12" SCMS from Festool. A large blade would go against our philosophy of precision and lightweight portability.

Shane Holland
Festool USA

 

[Captainwrinkles]

Not that I'm too concerned (since i already own a Kapex)

But is there any chance for the Kapex KS 88 hitting North America?

I believe its the financially cheaper version of the Kapex we have already, just without the lasers.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I doubt we'll ever see the KS 88 here. There are certainly no plans to beginning offering at this time.

 

[fldange]

Shane, thank you for your update ( everyone else as well). One other question. When you say foreseeable future does that mean at least 1 year, at least 2 years, etc ?  Thank you.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

At least a year but if I had to guess the Kapex won't see changes for 2-3 more years minimum.

 

[fldange]

Thank you. 

 

[Sean7a]

I see a number of posts alluding to an update to the Kapex (12", etc.)  Does anyone know when the new Kapex will be out?  I do not want to spend $1300.00 now if within a year a new model will be out.  I can continue with my current Hitachi till then.  Tks.   

I've gotta ask you guys, as I see these posts all the time as well.... where does the idea that a new Kapex is in the pipeline come from.  Forget the scaled down Euro Kapex, but the idea that a new one is coming soon, but has been kept hidden a la a skunk works Festool program.  It seems to always pop up and has been gathering steam lately.  What's it based off of?

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I see a number of posts alluding to an update to the Kapex (12", etc.)  Does anyone know when the new Kapex will be out?  I do not want to spend $1300.00 now if within a year a new model will be out.  I can continue with my current Hitachi till then.  Tks. 

I've gotta ask you guys, as I see these posts all the time as well.... where does the idea that a new Kapex is in the pipeline come from.  Forget the scaled down Euro Kapex, but the idea that a new one is coming soon, but has been kept hidden a la a skunk works Festool program.  It seems to always pop up and has been gathering steam lately.  What's it based off of?

I must be talking in my sleep!  [tongue]  [eek]

 

[fldange]

Sean, for me it came from the fact that I saw folks asking for a 12 inch, coupled with others mentioning the lasers moved and had to be readjusted followed by others alluding that this was corrected on later models. ( not sure if this is true ).  Then, the fact that the Kapex has been out for sometime led me to ask the question.  It never hurts to ask, and I have made purchases in the past without knowing that a new or update was coming out shortly.  I am speaking about purchases in general.  Anyway, Shane answered the question.  Thank you. 

 

[Sean7a]

I hear ya loud and clear.  Makes sense.  Was just trying to understand where the train of thought had been coming from.

 

[GPowers]

Hope there is not a new Kapex on the horzion, I just bought one (2/13/12). Waiting for delivery as the Kapex is on BACKORDER  [crying]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Hope there is not a new Kapex on the horzion, I just bought one (2/13/12). Waiting for delivery as the Kapex is on BACKORDER  [crying]

Greg,

You'll be fine!  The new Kapex uses Multimaster type blades which you probably won't find useful.  [scared] [big grin]

 

[GPowers]

Greg,

You'll be fine!  The new Kapex uses Multimaster type blades which you probably won't find useful.  [scared] [big grin]

I can see that now an oscillating blade hanging down on the Kapex rails.  The first sliding oscillating blade miter saw.  [big grin]

 

[Steve R]

[big grin] You guys are just being mean.  [scared] Of course there is an new Kapex coming.... from every dealer you order one from.... The Kapex just flat out works as is... Nothing to improve.... Well if it could read my mind and turn on the lasers when I just think of them being on that would save me...  .0007 seconds per cut... [doh]

Cheers,
Steve

 

[MrMac]

well I guess I can wait but I love my kapex! so much that I'm scared to take it into work. Too many rough guys coming into the house to cut wet/cement covered 2x4's.

If I could have a wish on the kapex? that they design a detent over-ride. It sucks that when I need 45.4 degrees, it slides backward into the 45 degree slot. Most other saws have some sort of mechanisim to do this!

and maybe a finger print recogniser, so I could take it to work and it wouldn't work for anyone  but me! bwahahahahaha

Other than that? nuttin its just so darn smooth! it's ruined me, cause we have old 8" single tilt hitachi's at work LOL

I hope it's a few years, cause then I'd sell my beloved kapex and get the new one.

edit: well here we are almost two years later. (Feb 6 2014) I still want some mod's on the kapex. I find that the scale on the left is hard to read, particularly in low light. The bed of the saw tends to block your view of the scale.

With regard to the detent over-ride. I know there's a procedure, but darned if it just sucks. Try out the Milwaukee, it has a detent lock-out and a knob that you can creep up on an angle quickly. My kapex requires three hands to do this when attempting to use the angle finder gadget.

I would suggest that the scale be marked with 1/10th degree markings. This would be quite easy (see the Mitutoyo round bevel protractor for an example of a vernier 1/10th degree scale) with a magnifier, on both scales.

The advantage here is that it would speed things up quite a bit. I guess I'm old school, I do the math when figuring out angles, and it's quite easy. The kapex angle finder works great but I can only do one corner at a time, and getting the saw to line up with the line takes too long - if you can see the laser. (some of us have issues with "red").

Lots of gadgets coming onto the market to find the right angles etc. Well that's fine if you know whats behind the gadget, you have to know the basic math. Gadgets don't solve problems, thinking carpenters do.

BTW I still love my kapex!!!! but like any Cadillac owner I want it to shine and go really fast LOL.

 

[Samo]

If I could have a wish on the kapex? that they design a detent over-ride. It sucks that when I need 45.4 degrees, it slides backward into the 45 degree slot. Most other saws have some sort of mechanisim to do this!

Note: When setting a miter angle very close to one of the miter stops (for example, at 45½° ), keep holding down the miter stop release lever until you fully engage the miter lock lever, to prevent the miter angle from jumping to the nearby miter stop position.

I didn't read my manual [sad] for longer than I care to say, until I found this.  If this is not the problem, please disregard.

Cheers, Sam

 

[peter halle]

and maybe a finger print recogniser, so I could take it to work and it wouldn't work for anyone  but me! bwahahahahaha

If you are on a job site with other trades, you can always use the Fastfix knob to disable the trigger while you are away from the saw.  Most people won't even notice.  That idea was passed on by another FOG member.

Peter

 

[Steve R]

and maybe a finger print recogniser, so I could take it to work and it wouldn't work for anyone  but me! bwahahahahaha

The more I think about this the more I like the idea!

Cheers,
Steve