Problems with Kapex height / handle

[godelescher]

I'm short and I have bad eyesight, for that reason, my chop saw station is built to cut at 36" from the ground. That's comfortable fuor me and allows me to see my marks easily. The Problem is, my arm just doesn't bend the right way to use the Kapex at that height. I ended up going back to a DW780 because it's ergonomically better for me than trying to use the Kapex when the handle is at neck level.

How do you guys handle it? Are you all much taller than me (I'm 5'-9")? Do you keep your chop saw station really low to the ground so it's more of a "shaking hands" grip rather than a "trying to pour water into a hanging planter" grip? Do you just not care and think I should toughen up?

Maybe I'm not a very good wood worker, but I think a nice thick Tenryu blade on a 780 with a comfortable grip gives me an easier and just as accurate cut at less than half the price. What do you think?

 

[ChuckM]

I'm under 5'8". My Kapex's turntable to the floor is 34"; workbench (handplaning, sawing, chiselling, assembly etc.) 35".

I don't see a problem for the saw at 36" given your height, but your assessment is what counts.

 

[deepcreek]

The most comfortable Kapex grip for me is to extend your index finger along the side towards the motor, use your thumb for the safety, and grasp the trigger with the other three fingers.

My stand is 32" AFF and I'm 5'8" tall.

 

[kevinculle]

I use my Kapex on the UG cart with extensions which places it at a working height of 35 1/2" (902mm) according to Festool specs.  I'm 6'-5" and I find that working height comfortable and have become accustomed to the grip required to operate the Kapex.  One thing is that I rarely cut to a mark, instead setting the stop on the UG extensions for cutting length, particularly for repetitive work.  This makes the whole issue of seeing the mark moot, instead the focus is making sure the workpiece is firmly against the stop.