Problem with my new Kapex-- any suggestions

[JimReed]

So I finally bit the bullet and bought the Kapex I have been lusting over for so long.  Upon arrival, I quickly opened the box and drooled all over my new saw.  As a rare exercise of restraint, I actually took the time to quickly read over the Supplemental Kapex manual that Bob Marino now kindly includes with his tool orders so I actually had a decent idea of how the saw operates.  But right off the bat, I could not get the saw head to descend.  I checked and loosened all the necessary knobs and pushed the head release trigger but no matter what I did, the head would only descend about 1". 

So I called Festool and confessed that I must be an idiot but I couldn't get the saw head to descend.  After making sure I was doing everything right, the Festool tech asked me if I had just tried to "force it".  I told him, no, I didn't think forcing it was a good idea but he said, go ahead and force it.  So force it I did and down came the head.  Duh!  I asked if forcing it was normal and he said sometimes and that it would probably loosen up a bit over time. 

But now I have played with it quite a bit and I still have to force it with considerable force (so much force that I can actually see the sliding rods flex).  This just does not seem right and I wonder if anyone has a solution to this issue?  I have other Festool tools and all function smoothly so I can't imagine "forcing" a tool to function, is correct.

Any suggestions/advice would be GREATLY appreciated because I want to love this saw but having to force it to work is very frustrating.

Thanks, Jim

 

[peter halle]

Jim,

This doesn't sound normal to me.  You shouldn't have to force.  I would suggest calling again when you are in front of your saw.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Here are two things to check, but I would still contact Festool again.

I know that you read the supplemental manual, but check to make sure that this knob is pulled all the way out - towards you:

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Also check to make sure that this knob is in the disengage position - upright and fully pushed toward rear of the saw:

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Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Jim, you should not have to force it and I would advise that you discontinue use since it does not appear to be operating normally. Assuming you've checked the things Peter recommended.

Please coordinate with Bob or our service team to get a replace unit or have your current Kapex repaired.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

Shane

 

[TomGadwa1]

Make sure that the trenching is lever is fully disengaged. If it is not it will prevent the saw from fully lowering.

 

[JimReed]

Thanks for all the input.  Luckily, I had already done all of the suggested remedies so it just turns out a received a lemon Kapex.  The good news is that Bob Marino already contacted me and is making arrangements to ship me a new saw ASAP.  You have to love Bob's service!  [smile]

Jim