Spring for Kapex, or get cheaper GCM 8 SJL?

[Fredrick]

Hi!

The title sums it up I think.. Currently, the Norwegian dealer has a two-day offer on Kapex, where I can get it for about 1500$ or 2150$ with the stand (some small accessories included with both kits). I have no doubts that its a great mitre-saw, but I'm not sure I can justify the cost for my hobby-based woodworking.

The second option I'm looking at is the Bosch GCM 8 SJL, which will set me back 840$ with the stand. The difference being 1300$ I can almost get a Domino, or at least a fine blade and a CXS.

Can anyone convince me to go for the Kapex, or recommend the Bosch for the price?

 

[serlokas]

Hi. I dont do much of carpentry myself and kapex is seldom used but when it is im amazed every single time how well it performs and the ease of use. Lasers are a must for fine woodworking. Non of the makita or dewalt I used is near the quality feel kapex is.

Its same like buying fiat instead of mercedes.  It will get you from a to b but wont be any near comfortable as MB.
The only regret I have that I didn't buy UG set at the time.

 

[Kev]

I'm a home DIYer.

I went from a Hitachi to the KAPEX.

It's takes me five minutes to deploy the KAPEX and about the same to put it away. The clean up is almost non existent.

The Hitachi cut well, but it wasn't pleasant to use, noisy, messy and the clean up time was long ... then I had to change my clothes too. I'd only use the Hitachi if I had no choice and couldn't put things off any longer. The KAPEX is a pleasure to use and I look forward to it.

I can't put a price on a tool I just don't enjoy using v's a tool I love using, but I can put a value on my clean up time and particularly when the clean up time is enough to convince me not to bother starting the job in the first place!

 

[RC]

I've got a GCM 10 and it's ok, does the job well enough, but I still crave for a Kapex... The Bosch is just good enough to having a really hard time to cost justify taking a hit on selling the almost unused Bosch and then shell Kapex like money on top of that =(
I wish I had known about Festool when I bought my Bosch and I would have shelled the extra cash and just bought a Kapex straight away. Cheaper in the long run  [embarassed]

I'm drawn to the Kapex especially for the smaller dimensions when folded for transport, non-moving slider pipes i.e. you can have it against a wall, lasers and the front operated tilt control and well as quick lock of the angle control (just flop a switch vs. screw a screw on the Bosch) and of course Festool's staple dust collection (I hate my Bosch when I have my eyes and mouth full of saw dust even when the Bosch is connected to my vacuum with a 36mm hose and I have glasses on...

 

[shed9]

You don't need to justify it just because its your hobby - nothing wrong with taking your hobby seriously and getting the tools you want.

That said, the choice between a Kapex or a Bosch AND a Domino is not an obvious one, these are both superb options.

 

[Birdhunter]

You will eventually buy the Kapex. So, if you buy something else now, you will end up taking a loss when you sell it to buy the Kapex. My scenario says you will save money by buying the Kapex plus the cart.

 

[shed9]

Not sure I'd get the stand if your not mobile. If its a shop based use, build your own relevant to your own needs and put the extra cash towards a Domino.

 

[Kev]

I'm home hobby and I can't say enough good about the cart. Let's me set up anywhere round the house in minutes. To me it's a must!

 

[rrmccabe]

Cant speak for the cart but the saw choice is going to be dictated by the type of work you do. Of course

I just bought a Kapex and really was considering the 12" Bosch Glide.  I like the extra capacity of the Bosch but love the precision of the Kapex. Something the Bosch is not going to equal. Not to mention the dust collection on Kapex Rocks !

In my case my usage does not support a Kapex from a financial standpoint and the Bosch would have been just fine.  But I bought a Kapex anyway and regretted it  until I pulled the trigger and started cutting wood.  The Kapex is outstanding.

If I was going Mobile I would buy a FastCap Pro III or IV but its probably not an option in Norway.  My issue with the Festool UG cart is you cant run crown stops AND the extensions. Unless something has changed. Otherwise its a nice setup.

 

[AofD]

You will eventually buy the Kapex. So, if you buy something else now, you will end up taking a loss when you sell it to buy the Kapex. My scenario says you will save money by buying the Kapex plus the cart.

That's one of the wises justifications I've heard so far.  I'm one who fell into the trap and bought a Dewalt that worked fine but was VERY messy, then sold it two years later and bought a KAPEX.

 

[jaymon5]

I was on the fence between the 12" Bosch glide and the Kapex and ended up purchasing the Kapex.  All I can say is the saw is a joy to use.  The weight, lasers, bevel adjustment, dust collection, and ease of use is unparalleled.  Other than size limitations between the glide and Kapex, I have never wished that I had the Bosch.

You mentioning the Domino as an option, automatically puts you in the position to own both.

 

[Fredrick]

Wow, what an awesome response in this thread!

I ended up going for the Kapex, and skipping the stand for now, I just couldnt afford it, and as I wont be moving it around, I should be able to make something work

Now its just down in my car.. I wont be able to use it much before going home after the summer unfortunately

Thanks for the help everyone! I'm sure I wont regret it as I havent with any other Festools

 

[festoolviking]

Hi

I went for a Dewalt years before I discovered Festool.  When I was about to trade the Dewalt I looked at the Bosch for a while before money came my way and I took the plunge for the Kapex. I still got my DW and use it for outdoor work when DC isn't that important as well for pre-painted wood. My Kapex is always in my shop and I like to keep it there. I don't think you'll regret buying a bosch but before, you should look across the border. Currently a well known dealer in Sweden got an offer with the bench for free. And as you know it's a bit cheaper here. Converted to USD it's $720 for the GCM 8 SJL with the bench.

Festoolviking

 

[Fredrick]

Thanks for the tip, Festoolviking. I already made the purchase and wont look back now The Bosch is about 120$ cheaper in Sweden with the table it seems (5000 NOK on sale here).

I think the Kapex is the right choice, its cleaner, better built, has longer warranty, bigger capacity, some extra functions and "feels" better. The difference in price is big, even when adding a 180$ blade for the Bosch, but I doubt I'll ever regret it!