Portable Mitre Saw. Kapex alternatives.

[tomba26]

Hi all,
I'm a carpenter/joiner by trade and recently have found myself fitting quite a lot of fitted bedrooms, offices and a few kitchens. I currently have a Dewalt DW712 that has seen a lot of use and until recently had been considering a Kapex as a replacement.
Just wondering if anyone is running a small, accurate, lighter-weight sliding mitre saw with decent dust extraction (for a MS) that could be transported around easily and moved up and down stairs. The Kapex would probably be ideal in all but portability but I suspect carrying it up and down stairs at times would wear thin.
Mostly it will be used for cornice, small mouldings and plinths and would be hooked up to my CTL Midi.

Thanks.

 

[tonylumps]

My 18V Dewalt is my carry saw for smaller jobs.It has it's limits on crown moulding nested.3 5/8" 45 degree is the biggest.It will not cut 3 5/8" 38 degree without a struggle.I go all day with a 4.0 AH battery. But I now use a 5 AH now just for insurance.The new Makita is another one to look at.But at twice the cost.

 

[DB10]

My 18V Dewalt is my carry saw for smaller jobs.It has it's limits on crown moulding nested.3 5/8" 45 degree is the biggest.It will not cut 3 5/8" 38 degree without a struggle.I go all day with a 4.0 AH battery. But I now use a 5 AH now just for insurance.The new Makita is another one to look at.But at twice the cost.

Have to agree, since I got my 18v Metabo mitre saw, I very rearly take the Kapex with me unless its large crown. The beauty with the cordless mitre saw is the lightness of the saw, 216mm blades are cheap compared to the Kapex blades and it can be hooked up to the midi extractor and one 5.2 battery will usually last all day.

 

[Kev]

I can't say enough good things about the Metabo cordless SCMS !!

.. plus the new 6.2Ah LiHD batteries last FOREVER [cool]

I've got the KAPEX with the UG cart and extensions. It's quite compact to wheel about and setup and not that heavy. I went from a nice little (but messy) Hitachi CFM8 to the KAPEX and it was a night and day moment, but the cordless Metabo has just spoilt me even more!

Not sure about the other cordless SCMS's .. this Metabo is actually one of the Chinese made Metabo tools, there's a couple of "average" aspects to the saw, but nothing that interferes with the output quality.

 

[Luzzy]

I was in the same boat and just bought the Metabo with the 6.2 amp battery. It gets its first test next week. The Kapex will remain in the basement shop as the Metabo weighs half!

 

[Nigel]

Makita 36v looks good if you're on the LXT platform.

 

[tomba26]

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like a lot of you are using battery saws which surprises me a little, the last one I tried the batteries seem to drain very quickly, I guess the latest Lithium battery saws must be improved.
I assume there is no way of getting the CTL Midi/dust extractors to work with an automatic start/stop function when you switch battery saws on and off and it has to be done manually?

 

[Nigel]

Well I am still corded. Always thought I would get the Kapex but all these negative posts have put me off so started looking at cordless and it seems they have improved a lot with the new batteries but like you say the automatic switching is a problem.

 

[tomba26]

Any suggestions for a 240v mains saw?
Wondered about the Makita LS0714 and Bosch GCM800, anyone used one?
Never had much to do with Bosch really other than jigsaws.

 

[tonylumps]

Well I am still corded. Always thought I would get the Kapex but all these negative posts have put me off so started looking at cordless and it seems they have improved a lot with the new batteries but like you say the automatic switching is a problem.

I use a remote start for the Vac.I have the start button near the trigger on the saw.

 

[Luzzy]

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like a lot of you are using battery saws which surprises me a little, the last one I tried the batteries seem to drain very quickly, I guess the latest Lithium battery saws must be improved.
I assume there is no way of getting the CTL Midi/dust extractors to work with an automatic start/stop function when you switch battery saws on and off and it has to be done manually?

I just ordered the fast cap remote outlet. 24.00 from amazon and the remote can go right on the saw's handle. If you watch any reviews on the Metabo 6.2ah 18V coupled with the Metabo miter saw....you'll be impressed. I don't think you do 250 cuts in a day trimming(at least I won't)

 

[Kev]

Just while we're on the topic of these compact cordless SCMS's I'll throw in that the blades are typically quite cheap and a sharp blade is good for both the finish of the cut and the performance of the saw.

I know it's obvious, but it's so easy to forget to have a spare blade on a day when you're facing a big job! For me any work gets done on a Saturday or Sunday and the sort of hardware stores that are open all weekend here typically don't stock the tools and accessories I need!

 

[DB10]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  I'm quite interested in the remote that Luzzy has mentioned, I'm not sure if it's something you've considered? Any thoughts on where one of these or a similar product could be purchased down here without going through Amazon. Thanks.

 

[Holmz]

I am flying to the states in a couple of weeks.
We could see if they have a 220v version.

The web site doesn't have any specs that I can see... like 100-240vhttp://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=45290

I sent them an email.

 

[Kev]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  I'm quite interested in the remote that Luzzy has mentioned, I'm not sure if it's something you've considered? Any thoughts on where one of these or a similar product could be purchased down here without going through Amazon. Thanks.

[member=42735]DB10[/member] There's lots of options down under ... even @Untidy Shop 's place ...
http://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-remote-control-power-outlet-_p4331239

Years ago I paid $1K for a 4 outlet pool version from Hurlcon [embarassed]

.. and if you want to use your iPhone and turn it on from Hawaii ..
http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/...673-F7C027AU?gclid=CPucw_bI5MoCFQR8vQod3CQF-A

 

[DB10]

Thanks [member=40772]Holmz[/member]  & [member=13058]Kev[/member] I'll take a look at that.
The Hawaii option looks a winner but unfortunately due to the falling Ausie dollar we can only holiday in Hawaii once a year now, so that won't be needed.

 

[Holmz]

Thanks [member=40772]Holmz[/member]  & [member=13058]Kev[/member] I'll take a look at that.
The Hawaii option looks a winner but unfortunately due to the falling Aussie dollar we can only holiday in Hawaii once a year now, so that won't be needed.

The bottom of that URL says "Plugs into any 120 outlet".
I do not believe I cannot afford to go to Hawaii every time I want to turn on the vacuum on.

They could market it as "truly sucks", or "Y, Fi, Yusuk"

 

[Kev]

[member=42735]DB10[/member] [member=40772]Holmz[/member]

Just ducked into Bunnings (will get some shots tomorrow) and picked up a few remote power switches to play with. The $13 ARLEC is a bargain. Grab it!!!

 

[DB10]

[member=13058]Kev[/member] [member=40772]Holmz[/member]  Did the same thing, bought the triple pack for $25. Works a treat.
Now what to do with the other two remote sockets? I'm thinking maybe the big oscillating fan would be nice!

 

[Holmz]

[member=13058]Kev[/member] [member=42735]DB10[/member] - Is this the one?http://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-remote-control-power-outlet-_p4331239

So can I then put this onto the outlet on the CT26 and put a small lamp on it to turn the vacuum on? or does it draw enough to start the vacuum, and I need to put the vacuum into it?