Problems with Kapex and UG and work arounds?

[Chris Hughes]

So I broke down and bought the Kapex, stand, and wings.  The setup was super easy and I like the ease of use, however I have found some initial flaws.  I am sure however that between the genius of my brother Festoolers and the awesome support from Festool USA that I will come to resolve all my concerns.

The first problem I have found is that the hose drags against the back of the saw making the draw forward choppy and at times pops the hose free.

The next problem need to resolve is regarding the alignment of the wings.  When I set up the UG and clamp down the wing they do not stay in line with the Kapex fence.  Normally this would not be critical for material support but I intend to use the flag stops.

I would also like to hear if there are any other issues and their work arounds.

 

[tbellemare]

When I set up the UG and clamp down the wing they do not stay in line with the Kapex fence.

Are the wings attached securely?

It's possible to attach them so that they are still loose. The attachment piece needs to be pushed all the way toward the saw before it is tightened. If it's in the correct position, the wings should be attached really securely.

Tom

 

[Chris Hughes]

Yeah, when I watch the Tool Nut video and saw the correct way to attach the wings.  My first attempt was off but I set up today and found it much more secure but when I used the flags for repeat cuts that my material was not in line with thee fences.

 

[ScotF]

I set the fence on the UG stands just behind the fences and have had no issue with the material not hitting the stops.

Scot

 

[Chris Hughes]

Material is hitting the stops but the wing fence trails away.  The setup I replaced the UG with was designed to cut accurately small stock at a miter for multiple square frame panels.  I need to figure out if I can set up something similar with this equipment.

 

[vwdave]

I keep the extensions slightly back from the saws fence, about 3/16". I also find the extensions stay inline with the saw fence better if before you tighten them they are close, if you just throw them on and tighten they don't automatically straighten out. I never have had a problem using the flag stops, I get great results. I do have a problem with the flip up stops on the extra part of the extension, the extensions need to be close to perfect to the saw fence. You can also adjust the extensions from the brackets from underneath with an allen key.

Now the hose will be easier in the future. Mess around where the vac is placed and how the hose fitting points on the saw. Plus I cut a 36 mm hose and I figured out my sweet spot. When someone else sets up my saw the hose always pops off, but when I get everything where I normally set it I have no issues.

Dave

 

[ScotF]

Hi Chris,

If I understand you the entire extension skews as you tighten it.  I found that you need to make sure it is seated well in the V groove of the saw base, slide the metal bracket and then tighten.  I have used a level or straight-edge to make sure the fence on the extension is inline with the fence on the saw.  You can move it back and forth a little as you tighten.  Once secure it is pretty rigid.  I have mine dialed in and I get dead-on, repeatable cuts.

Scot

 

[Chris Hughes]

So is it ok to adjust the bracket on the underside to get allignment?  If I loosen three of the bolts enough to pivot the scale should still be accurate, not that I actually use a metric scale for cut off setup.

 

[vwdave]

It's ok to loosen the screws to adjust everything that's what they are there for. If you plan on using the metric markings for the stops I would use a tape measure and tape off the saw blade to a marking on the extension. I don't use the tape on the extension, I break the saw down too much and I don't want to risk something getting bumped and I cut everything wrong. I just tape off the blade tooth and set the stop or mark my piece cut and set the stop for the remaining pieces.

Dave

 

[ScotF]

Hi Chris,

That is how you adjust the scale to get it calibrated to your saw.  When you loosen those bolts you can slide the entire extension closer to the bed of the saw or farther away.  I am not sure that you will get too much lateral play, but you can try it.  If your extension is angling away from your saw it seems like it is not seated in the v-groove.  I had to play with mine for awhile to get them set up the first time around and I had an issue with them not being level to the base of my saw for some reason -- I ended up shimming one side with business card stock and grinding away material on the metal plate on the other side to get everything perfectly level and flush.  Not sure if you could snap a few pictures.

Scot