Thinking about a Kapex

[skids]

Hello FOG,

I've been thinking about a Kapex for a while now and have been thinking about how to support it.  Other than the obvious (the wheels), what should I be considering in trying to decide between putting it on the UG stand or the MFT/Kapex?  I'm a hobbyist and it will predominantly be used in a home shop.

Thanks in advance,

Andy

Run, run as fast as you can away from Festool. It's a total trap you will never free yourself from!  [big grin] [smile]

 

[Cheese]

It’s a sweet saw...2nd thought...it’s a really sweet saw. However that first whiff of white smoke emanating from the air vents will jack your jaw forever.  [eek]

 

[Harry1561]

Love the Kapex, regretted not getting the UG cart and wings with the initial purchase, so made the most of this 1/4 special offer and picked up the cart this week  [smile]

 

[Jaybolishes]

I made an inquiry three days ago on a used Kapex on Craigslist with 1.5 years left on the warranty.  The poster said it came back from service because the blade guard would hang up.  I emailed I would be interested in the saw if the motor had been replaced given the apparent issues with them burning up.  It was then the poster divulged the motor had been replaced as well. [unsure] so it appears it’s not only Festool hiding the motor issues.  I wouldn’t touch that $1400 lemon unless it sold for $300 new given that this saw will never be a dependable tool.

 

[kevinculle]

There is no reliable data but it is my sense that the more recent Kapexes are susceptible to the armature smoke release and I don't recall hearing of it on an older (>5 years) saw.  If you want a Kapex I'd hang in there for an oldie...I got my 2009 vintage KS120 with UG cart & extensions for $1300 about 3 years ago...I'd expect pricing to be better now with the armature issue widely known.

 

[Cheese]

There's a new Kapex in the wings for the US in 2019.  Unfortunately, we don't know yet what's new on it or more importantly, if they fixed the motor. [sad]

The new Kapex p/n is 575306.

 

[DeformedTree]

There's a new Kapex in the wings for the US in 2019.  Unfortunately, we don't know yet what's new on it or more importantly, if they fixed the motor. [sad]

The new Kapex p/n is 575306.

Probably will have improvements there. Not that they would ever say this, that would be admitting an issue on the tool.  It will just have improvements and they will focus on other stuff.  Now of course is the new one smoke..... well that won't be good.