To bite the bullet or not...

[sigmatango]

So, I've come to realize that I need a new miter saw. My old Delta is no longer accurate, so I only use it for cutting aluminum railings, Schluter, and metal stair spindles. I'll keep using that, but I need something to fill the gap when it comes to fine carpentry.
I went down to chat with the fine folks at GP Windsor Plywood, and after some back and forths in regards to the pros and cons of the Kapex, the fellow I was speaking to stated that he'd never recommend a Kapex for onsite work, and recommended that the Kapex be installed in a shop or garage.
Looks like I'm going for the DW717, as it's portability and ability to stand up to abuse are legendary. When I get my own shop space, where I'm the only one in, I'll get a Kapex for that. Are there any SCMS that come in around the quality of the DW717 I should factor into this? [unsure] [huh]

 

[Michael Kellough]

So, I've come to realize that I need a new miter saw. My old Delta is no longer accurate, so I only use it for cutting aluminum railings, Schluter, and metal stair spindles. I'll keep using that, but I need something to fill the gap when it comes to fine carpentry.
I went down to chat with the fine folks at GP Windsor Plywood, and after some back and forths in regards to the pros and cons of the Kapex, the fellow I was speaking to stated that he'd never recommend a Kapex for onsite work, and recommended that the Kapex be installed in a shop or garage.
Looks like I'm going for the DW717, as it's portability and ability to stand up to abuse are legendary. When I get my own shop space, where I'm the only one in, I'll get a Kapex for that. Are there any SCMS that come in around the quality of the DW717 I should factor into this? [unsure] [huh]

Why is that? The portability of the Kapex compared to other SCMSaws makes it ideal for on-site work.

 

[leakyroof]

So, I've come to realize that I need a new miter saw. My old Delta is no longer accurate, so I only use it for cutting aluminum railings, Schluter, and metal stair spindles. I'll keep using that, but I need something to fill the gap when it comes to fine carpentry.
I went down to chat with the fine folks at GP Windsor Plywood, and after some back and forths in regards to the pros and cons of the Kapex, the fellow I was speaking to stated that he'd never recommend a Kapex for onsite work, and recommended that the Kapex be installed in a shop or garage.
Looks like I'm going for the DW717, as it's portability and ability to stand up to abuse are legendary. When I get my own shop space, where I'm the only one in, I'll get a Kapex for that. Are there any SCMS that come in around the quality of the DW717 I should factor into this? [unsure] [huh]

Why is that? The portability of the Kapex compared to other SCMSaws makes it ideal for on-site work.

  I'm betting they were discouraging due to the cost of the Kapex over other saws. But it would be interesting to hear the actual reason.

 

[antss]

Lot of guys I know, and see on jobsites swear by Makita mitersaws. I'm not a fan personally for design reasons.  But many of the saws I see are old and well loved which tells me they ain't replacing motors or bearings on them.

Blades , brushes and power cords , yes. 

 

[sigmatango]

So, I've come to realize that I need a new miter saw. My old Delta is no longer accurate, so I only use it for cutting aluminum railings, Schluter, and metal stair spindles. I'll keep using that, but I need something to fill the gap when it comes to fine carpentry.
I went down to chat with the fine folks at GP Windsor Plywood, and after some back and forths in regards to the pros and cons of the Kapex, the fellow I was speaking to stated that he'd never recommend a Kapex for onsite work, and recommended that the Kapex be installed in a shop or garage.
Looks like I'm going for the DW717, as it's portability and ability to stand up to abuse are legendary. When I get my own shop space, where I'm the only one in, I'll get a Kapex for that. Are there any SCMS that come in around the quality of the DW717 I should factor into this? [unsure] [huh]

Why is that? The portability of the Kapex compared to other SCMSaws makes it ideal for on-site work.

  I'm betting they were discouraging due to the cost of the Kapex over other saws. But it would be interesting to hear the actual reason.

I believe his reasoning was that a Kapex replacement cost (2x regular price) vs replacement costs of other SCMS is a ratio of 1:3 -1:5. It makes sense to me to get a saw for onsite work that can do the work, while having the great functionality and other features of the Kapex in a shop environment.
Of course, it's always about perspective, and I'd bet that there's a very wide range of opinions on this.

 

[Alicurly]

I had a 12" makita ls1216l on riser stand and the really good ls0714 makita, but the wee saw was stolen and the big saw was too cumbersome.
I sold the 12" makita and bought the kapex in UG cart, I use my saw every day, cutting everything from 10x2 to oak facings/skirting and mdf cornice.
The saw is in and out of the van a couple of times a week, sets up really easily and is keeping its accuracy nicely.
It is the best of the 2 makia saws.
The kapex is about the same cost as the 2 makita saws, slightly more with the UG cart and wings, but well worth the money. And makes a really good allround site saw.

 

[sigmatango]

I had a 12" makita ls1216l on riser stand and the really good ls0714 makita, but the wee saw was stolen and the big saw was too cumbersome.
I sold the 12" makita and bought the kapex in UG cart, I use my saw every day, cutting everything from 10x2 to oak facings/skirting and mdf cornice.
The saw is in and out of the van a couple of times a week, sets up really easily and is keeping its accuracy nicely.
It is the best of the 2 makia saws.
The kapex is about the same cost as the 2 makita saws, slightly more with the UG cart and wings, but well worth the money. And makes a really good allround site saw.

Thank you. Thats very helpful to know.

 

[antss]

curly - is your saw a 110v version run off a transformer ?

 

[RJNeal]

REALLY....
The main reason I bought my kapex back in 07-08 was for site work because I got tired hauling my other yellow scms, aka boat anchor to and from the truck /site.
The saw is compact enought to sit on the back seat of a pick up.
Rick

 

[AIPDX]

The factor which was not mentioned is that Kapex was designed to be used with a dust extractor. It creates very little saw dust when connected to an extractor, but sprays the dust all over you if you use it stand-alone without a vacuum. Without a vacuum, Kapex does much worse than other brands. There were reviews from contractors who complained that they had to use a vacuum even if the saw was set up outdoors, to avoid being covered with saw dust. If you carry your saw to a job site, you would have to carry not only the saw, stand, and extensions, but also the vacuum and a vacuum hose. This increases space and weight requirements for the set up. This also drives the cost up to about $3k for the full set.

US contractors oftentimes drive pickup trucks. Somehow, Kapex fits better into an image of a German contractor in a tall Mercedes van, where every tool has a designated storage space... Kapex, in my mind, can withstand abuse, but I am not so sure about extension wings and to some degree dust extractor.

 

[Harry1561]

Never tried the Kapex,. I've used 2 Makita's over the last 25 yrs ,never let me down reliable and accurate.
Only updated to the newer model after a few young blokes saw the old saw and said "my Dad had one of those".....made me feel old
The "saw stand" l use is an aluminum plank and 2 trestles a couple of offcuts 70x35 and clamps to bring the work to saw level,no problems being left on the ute rack in the rain!!! I have no problem with dc when connected to my CT26.

 

[Alicurly]

The factor which was not mentioned is that Kapex was designed to be used with a dust extractor. It creates very little saw dust when connected to an extractor, but sprays the dust all over you if you use it stand-alone without a vacuum. Without a vacuum, Kapex does much worse than other brands. There were reviews from contractors who complained that they had to use a vacuum even if the saw was set up outdoors, to avoid being covered with saw dust. If you carry your saw to a job site, you would have to carry not only the saw, stand, and extensions, but also the vacuum and a vacuum hose. This increases space and weight requirements for the set up. This also drives the cost up to about $3k for the full set.

US contractors oftentimes drive pickup trucks. Somehow, Kapex fits better into an image of a German contractor in a tall Mercedes van, where every tool has a designated storage space... Kapex, in my mind, can withstand abuse, but I am not so sure about extension wings and to some degree dust extractor.

How many contractors don't routinely carry a dust extractor?

Where I am I'm sure the majority do carry vacs, I carry 2 most of the time and have a 3rd for shop use. I even know plumbers that carry vacs.

As you say the use of pickups for contractors maybe limits what they carry about. I thought tool trailers were popular in America?
I'm planning kitting out a tool trailer in the near future because of what I saw of Ron Paulks on YouTube, and it means I don't have to get a bigger van.

 

[rizzoa13]

Tool trailers are very popular here especially outside of the city limits.

The kapex and stand are really suited to setup and break-down and together they're perfect for site work. Only issue is the reliability of the saw and relative silence from festoon on it's mechanical short comings.

In a shop I'd probably try to set up a RAS or something more heavy duty like an Omga saw.

 

[Ryan Bos]

I would say the decision to buy a Kapex for onsite work would depend on what type of work you do.  If you're cutting a lot of pre-finished moulding and are doing piece work, then the speed and precision of the Kapex will pay for itself in a few months.  I ended up getting a Kapex a few weeks ago to replace a 10" Hitachi slider largely because of the increased capacity to cut nested crown.  I have not been disappointed...Although the stock blade is a little underwhelming.

cheers

 

[SS Teach]

I've got a 12 inch Bosch Axial Glide. It's very accurate, and hooked up to my CT about 90% of the dust is collected. But and it's a biggie, it is very heavy. Fortunately I do not have to move it. There are a lot of good SCMS's on the market these days at various price points. Before I got my Bosch I set a price limit, talked to a friends who had a Bosch, watched a lot of YouTube videos, read reviews of various saws, spent a lot of time on FOG, and had a clear understanding of were and for what purposes the saw would be used. If a Kapex fits your peramaters go for it.