Swapping Kapex Extensions from Metric to Imperial

[Evan38109]

I've been going back and forth on the Kapex combo with underframe and extensions (#576863). Unfortunately, they only come in metric, and the rest of my shop is imperial. Buying the saw and accessories separately is an extra $400. I just can't justify that much extra scratch for a different measurement scale.

Is it possible to swap the scale from metric to imperial after purchase with a different tape measure or some such?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Since I work in metric...and don't honestly even use the scale on my new Kapex...it's not been an issue for me, but I suspect you will be able to convert the scale if you can find a stick on of the same or smaller width that fits into the channel. I don't think this issue is a reason to not consider the kit because it's a great value and I'm glad I bought mine at the end of last year. (The Kapex replaced the old 12" Delta CMS I've owned since the late 1980s)

 

[peter halle]

You can get the scales as replacement parts to swap, but in looking at the spare part catalog there isn’t any indication as to which are imperial or metric.  I would call Festool and ask for the part numbers for the ones you want, but wait to order them after trying yours out.  Like Jim I really don’t use mine.

Peter

 

[kevinculle]

I have a Kapex with metric extensions and I work in inch measurements generally.  I keep a couple cheap calculators around the shop with "25.4" in the memory.  When I take a workpiece to the Kapex I simply convert the measurement and set the stop on the extension.  I also keep a 400mm precision spacer handy for cuts that are shorter than the minimum setting for the stop.

 

[ChuckM]

If you're working with ok precision, the scale in metric or imperial on the Kapex extension will work. However, for exact measurements and cuts, you must calibrate whatever scale on your extension with your tape measure (that you use to make a measurement). Otherwise, your actual cuts might be 0.3mm or 1/32" off (as an example) from what you wanted.

Calibration is easier said than done in practice because neither the tape measure nor the scale on the extension is designed with that in mind. So I rely totally on my tape measure (any tape as long as it's the same tape used from start to finish for the project) when I use my Kapex and ignore anything else. (For multiple cuts, the stop block is used.)

When I do need to work with imperial measurements in fractions, the best phone app I found is fractionplus.

 

[Coen]

Since imperial is just a conversion layer on top of metric it would be most fitting to just tape over an imperial scale.

 

[pubsteve]

I was in a similar situation and discovered replacement scales (imperial) can be ordered for about $70US.

Festool KS 120 Imperial Adhesive Scale Set (10029808-10029810-10029811-10029812)
MPN:
10029808-10029810-10029811-10029812

 

[SoonerFan]

In the US Festool should do something like is done on SawStop where a dual imperial/metric scale is used. Then on the SawStop sliding table the scale has one slide imperial and one side metric. The scale can be slide out and turned over. A dual scale or the ability the flip the scale over to switch might be a helpful option. As someone that started in imperial and is mostly converted to metric, the SawStop setup has been great for me.

 

[Cheese]

I was in a similar situation and discovered replacement scales (imperial) can be ordered for about $70US.

Festool KS 120 Imperial Adhesive Scale Set (10029808-10029810-10029811-10029812)
MPN:
10029808-10029810-10029811-10029812

US Tool & Fastener offers something similar.

 

[pubsteve]

In the US Festool should do something like is done on SawStop where a dual imperial/metric scale is used. Then on the SawStop sliding table the scale has one slide imperial and one side metric. The scale can be slide out and turned over. A dual scale or the ability the flip the scale over to switch might be a helpful option. As someone that started in imperial and is mostly converted to metric, the SawStop setup has been great for me.

Agreed, dual would be nice. I have not installed the imperial scales and may not; until, I come up with a way to interchange the two. The imperial scales are adhesive backed; but, are steel (as are, probably, the existing metric scales) and maybe an adhesive backed magnetic strip installed first might be the solution (dual scale would be better of course). When making something new, I go metric. When making replacement items (imperial originals) I go imperial. My immediate solution was to get dual scale tape measures.

 

[prodriquez@msn.com]

Just buy some self adhesive imperial tape and swap over. I did it years ago and never looked back.