no bevel detents on Kapex?

[Iwood75]

Adjusting my new Kapex – using Rick Christopherson's 4-cut mitre calibration method and his electronic calculator (Thanks Rick!) – I've got the 90 degree error down to -0.008. Close enough to perfect?? 

When tilting the saw to check the 45 degree bevel accuracy, I didn't find a detent (stop). And, really bothersome, no detent when returning the head to 90 degrees. So, every time I return to 90 degrees vertical – which is "accuracy crucial" to me – I'll need to recheck with a square and make test cuts, etc.? Or, am I missing something? Has anyone jerry-rigged your own 90 stop?

Also, I know that the 36mm vac hose is recommended, but since I'm in the 30 day trial period, I'd rather not invest in one yet. The dust collection with my 27mm is HORRIBLE. I have a new bag in my 1 year old CT26 and yes, I wait until the vac is up to speed, no stuck chips, etc. So, how will the larger hose – which will have less "suction"(right?) – improve the DC? Will someone please explain how/why the 36mm hose will markedly improve DC? I expected a drastic DC improvement over my 20 year old 12" Dewalt. So far, NOT.

Thanks for imparting your input/advice.  Joel

 

[peter halle]

Joel,

The Kapex does have detects for the 45 bevels as well as 90.  They work differently than most other miter saws.  I see they you have The supplemental manual.  Check out page 13.  Then try out the various settings on the green knob.

Peter

 

[TomGadwa1]

I have a KAPEX with a dedicated CT-MIDI and a 36 mm hose which has less RESTRICTION to the flow of the dust collection! A smaller diameter hose will REDUCE the flow to your dust collector. Also if practical having a shorter LENGTH of the 36 mm hose will also improve the effectiveness of the duct collection. Mine is about four feet in length. If you try these ideas I think you will see a notable difference in your observed dust collection abilities.
[attachimg=#1]
Picture of my CT-MIDI with the 36 mm hose ready to be placed on my modified UG cart.
[attachimg=#2]
KAPEX on the UG cart with the CT-MIDI conveniently placed on shelf below the saw for effective use of space in my humble shop.

 

[mastercabman]

They are stops for 45* and 90*
The big green knob on the back/top has 3 setting
1;  0-45 left tilt    you will get a detent at 90 and 45 left
2;  45-45  you will get detent at 45 both left and right but no 90
3;  you will get detents at 47* both left and right and no 90

 

[Iwood75]

Thanks Peter and Mastercabman. The green knob was in the wrong position. Now that I understand the "Festool way"... all's well.

Tom, I appreciate your comments about the 36mm hose's DC merits and will purchase it when my 30 days expire. Do I really need the AS version. Big price difference – $150 vs $90.

 

[Mauri Motti]

Regarding the dc,

I happily use the 36mm hose at the Kapex. It is a nice improvement over the 27mm and it also does a great job when using the OF1400 imho.
(I use a CT26)

 

[tbellemare]

This short video demonstrated the airflow difference between the 36mm and 27mm hoses using the Turbo-Suction Brush. That brush uses air to rotate the beater brush.

TurboSB.avi

You can hear the dramatic difference in speed of the beater brush due to enhanced airflow. The gray hose is 36mm the green is 27mm.

Tom

 

[skids]

This short video demonstrated the airflow difference between the 36mm and 27mm hoses using the Turbo-Suction Brush. That brush uses air to rotate the beater brush.

TurboSB.avi

You can hear the dramatic difference in speed of the beater brush due to enhanced airflow. The gray hose is 36mm the green is 27mm.

Tom

Nice illustration Tom! Very helpful.