Question to non pros that use a kapex or Bosch axial

[dlu]

Unreliable head return

It's a feature!  ;D

My Kapex does the same thing, the head doesn't spring back trying to hit you in the face, but slowly rises half-way or doesn't rise at all. I actually like it. It stays in the position if you lower or raise it.

I love an optimist  [laughing] - however I feel that this feature is not fully developed. There is no documented way (not even in the supplemental manual) to enable it or to adjust the speed at which the head raises.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip

[list type=decimal]
[*]Unreliable head return, and
[*]No local repair options.
[/list]

By "unreliable", do you mean sometimes going up fast and sometimes too slowly or not at all? Or the head does not usually go back up?

 

[ChuckM]

I remember seeing mark from the wood whisperer doing a video on the Bosch vs the kapex.  The highlights were good cut, ok dust collection, 1/2 the price of a kapex. 

I've commented on that review before, which, in my view, is too superficial, because the reviewer had not really used the Bosch long enough. His review was like many tool reviews including those published in magazines which are based on hours or days of use, not months and perhaps years.

When I am asked an opinion or two about a tool or machine I own or use, I always preface it with how much use I have had with it, or how much expertise I have in it. I have used the Kapex as well as the DF500 for years now, and so I am confident my opinion is worth gold (at least to myself), but I would not be equally confident if someone wanted my view on the TS75 which I once owned, but had only used it on and off for just a year. 

 

[dlu]

By "unreliable", do you mean sometimes going up fast and sometimes too slowly or not at all? Or the head does not usually go back up?
[/quote]

The former - the return appears to be done by a coil spring, I suspect that the spring either corrodes or gets sawdust in it and slows the return.

 

[Wooden nickel]

you guys gave up some good info. thank you.
i have been online but haven't been vocal for a bit on account i haven't seen too much change except the regular price increase.
i always listen to this group, there are knowledgeable people on this forum.
although we have some that swear Festool does no wrong and that is what gets exhausting.

back to the Kapex- there are some features that are attractive enough to me to make the plunge.
But i think serge0n might be right in waiting a little more to see if there is an update.
and i can mirror ChuckM's use of the saw.
i don't think i would buy used.
RKA, i know your right also, thats why i reached out to the light use Kapex owners to see if there was a nominal difference to make me commit.
but i like the feedback, it will help me make my decision easier.
hopefully more "light use" users will chime in though.

 

[peter halle]

Only speaking to the head that doesn't return - cleaning and lubrication is needed with any tool.  Sure the spring can become less weak over age but with limited hobbyist usage some spray lubrication will help.

Peter

 

[RKA]

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing.  I would fix it once and get on with life.  That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

 

[Paul G]

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing.  I would fix it once and get on with life.  That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

If that is written up here at FOG I then missed it. That does help matters to some degree.

 

[jeh]

I bought my Kapex soon after the US launch and had to replace parts for the binding miter adjustment issue. Since then, I have not had any problems. By professional standards, my Kapex use would be considered extremely light as it can go weeks between sessions with a dozen or 20 cuts.

However, my concern would be whether or not Festool or sub-contractor made changes at some point that lead to the motor issues. I am not sure I would buy a Kapex today given the motor issues. Has anyone tracked when these issues surfaced vs the launch dates in Europe and the US?

I had one of the very batch that arrived in the US and mine failed two weeks ago. I'm not really concerned given how old it is, but I am saying the old ones can still fail.

 

[RKA]

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing.  I would fix it once and get on with life.  That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

If that is written up here at FOG I then missed it. That does help matters to some degree.

Here you go...
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/help-find-kapex-armature-replacement-guide/

 

[ktb153]

I had the 12" glide and just sold it, the zero detent had play in it and the capacity was closer to a 10" saw so I just ended up buying the new makita 1019 which after setup is dead on accurate. I really wanted the kapex but couldn't justify the gamble at 3 times the price of the makita and if it did break it'd be closer to 4 times. I'm amazed at the cuts I get with it paired with a tenryu silencer blade so I would definitely recommend that saw. the glide wasn't for me but I'm sure that wood whisperer comparison posted here is worth watching if you're between those two since he used the kapex for years

 

[Cheese]

I have to admit, now that I know $170 in parts will fix the issue and someone has put together some DIY instructions, I’m a little less bothered by this whole thing.  I would fix it once and get on with life.  That’s an about face from what I thought about this just a month ago when I thought it was a $350 fix plus the cost of shipping a 45 lb box.

I’m with Raj on this one. After the “Master Kapex Mechanic” waded in on this issue and issued not only great detailed photos but also a detailed explanation of what was involved in swapping out armatures in a toasted Kapex, he has my vote for Pulitzer Prize winner for 2018.

Anyone can change out the armature in a Kapex, no big deal, and some of the more gifted souls on this forum can probably change out a Kapex armature blindfolded.

However Master Kapex Mechanic went the extra yard and fully documented the swap-out with photos and a lengthy text.  Kudos to him, I feel the need to find his original thread and thank him for his input. His post could have the largest impact on this forum as the smoking Kapex issue is probably one of the most talked about issues on this forum.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.
After the “Master Kapex Mechanic” waded in on this issue and issued not only great detailed photos but also a detailed explanation of what was involved in swapping out armatures in a toasted Kapex, he has my vote for Pulitzer Prize winner for 2018.

If anyone (JimH2?) would produce a video version of Master Kapex Mechanic's, he or she would win our vote for the Nobel Prize (Physics).  [thumbs up]

 

[dlu]

Only speaking to the head that doesn't return - cleaning and lubrication is needed with any tool.  Sure the spring can become less weak over age but with limited hobbyist usage some spray lubrication will help.

Extensive cleaning (but short of disassembly) doesn't help. I've been reluctant to spray something in there out of concern that the wrong stuff would only help with the gunking up process. Any suggestions on what to use?

 

[thudchkr]

I’ve had one for many years. Used both as a hobbyist would, while professionally at other tomes. Only issues have been the binding miter table of the early saws, and the blade guard not springing back into place.  The blade guard issue was resolved through cleaning, but is about due to be done again.

I would get one again if I were to lose mine despite all the negatives others have experienced.

 

[Cheese]

I had a perfectly good Milwaukee slider that I used to cut everything, including some brick, for 15 years. There was absolutely no reason to get rid of it except for one small issue...it weighed 60-70#. And those pounds were bulky pounds, clumsy pounds, off center balance pounds, gotta use two hands to carry pounds.

The only reason I purchased the Kapex was for mobility.

Now after 5 years of using the Kapex, it'd be difficult if not impossible for me to go back to a different miter saw. The accuracy, the dust collection, the cutting precision, the built-in clamping feature and the weight have all made a huge impact on me. 

And then there are all the small things like dual lasers, the trenching feature, limited space requirement, front bevel adjustment with a large visible scale, the +/- 1/4º miter adjustment. Even the Fast Fix feature becomes another convenience item.

 

[bevans]

I would definitely be considered a non pro kapex owner and have had my machine since 2012. About a year or so after purchase and with very light use (3-4 small projects) I had to send it in for repair due to a smoking motor. Since then I had to send it in (twice) for alignment adjustment because miter angles were off and live with a handle that no longer returns to a full upright position. I am one of those owners that would not purchase another kapex and would be reluctant to recommend one to a friend. I do like the dust collection, it's much better than my previous makita saw and many of the features already mentioned are a plus. The saw never leaves my shop so weight and mobility are not factors. If I purchase another SCMS it will be a Bosch, Makita or Dewalt.

 

[HandyDen]

Isn't a new model coming out soon? REB or something?

Sorry to go slightly off topic, but I can’t find the answer...what does “REB” signify?

 

[3PedalMINI]

I have experience with both. I’m an avid hobbiest but also used it occasionally on job sites (it’s how it got stolen) at the time I was buying a house so couldn’t swing another Kapex. So I did the Bosch Glide (axial) words cannot describe the despair and frustration I have for the glide. I literally dread using the thing. The ONLY thing that is holding me back from buying a new kapex is the recent issues in the last two years. Which makes me even more pissed off my now would he 6 year old kapex is gone.

No matter what I do to the glide it constantly has to be tuned. It never stays true and even using it gingerly I have to be extremely careful not to “deflect” it when it’s extended. This is the most trusting thing about it. Also the startup torque has ruined many cuts. Aside from the kapex I’m honestly thinking about just buying a basic Dewalt until festool can work the issues out on the kapex

 

[Sanderxpander]

Isn't a new model coming out soon? REB or something?

Sorry to go slightly off topic, but I can’t find the answer...what does “REB” signify?

All the letters stand for various small or larger upgrades over the years. I think R stands for just "revision", E for "electronic" as in electronically regulated constant power and B for "brake" signifying a motor break.