Used Kapex

[JohnnyC]

Hello all. Im not familiar with the Kapex. Im looking at purchasing a used one. Is there or have there been any improvements or updates to this saw within the last four years?

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I would not buy it.  Buy a Dewalt or Bosch.  Search Kapex Motor failure on this site,  buying a Kapex out of warranty is not a good idea.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

By the way. Welcome to FoG!!!!

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the FOG. Although I don't work for FESTOOL a question closely related to yours was asked recently.  There have not been any improvements or modifications since its introduction.

Peter

 

[JohnnyC]

Thank you guys. I will do a search on the motor failures. Thanks again.

 

[live4ever]

It's the same saw - no updates.

Should your Kapex burn out outside of its warranty, the repair will cost between $300-400.  And you will have to ship it to Indiana.  So if you are getting a price on the used saw that allows you to account for this risk, then go for it.  It's a great saw if it doesn't burn up.

Note that there have been some users on this site who have reported that their motor burned up more than once.  It's not common, but there is the possibility a repaired saw could burn up.  I believe the repair is warranted for a certain amount of time but I'm not sure.

So you'd have to be getting a screamer of a deal on the used saw to justify the risk IMHO.

 

[ben_r_]

Check out the Bosch Glide. Its an awesome saw. Only two shortcomings it has is the dust collection isnt as good and the hold down clamp is slow and annoying. But it does have a much larger cut capacity in every direction and if you shop around you can sometimes get them for at low as $450 shipped during certain sales throughout the year.

 

[Jaybolishes]

Check to make sure the turret isn't lower than the side rests. A friend of mine works for  a University and teaches sculpting and art.  The kapex they bought had a low turret and the wood would bind so badly it was deemed not safe to use. It got sent for repair but was returned with the same flaw.  Put a straight edge across the bed before you buy it.

 

[kevinculle]

I bought a used (2009 vintage) Kapex with UG cart and extensions two years ago for about $1,000 less than the then new cost.  I've used it extensively since being careful to feed it from a 20A circuit in my shop, but I've also used it on site on a 15A dedicated circuit.  It's a pleasure to use and especially to transport as compared to competitive saws.  All of the "Kapexgate" motor worries arose subsequent to my purchase, but I figure if I become unlucky I can cover two or three repairs on the used saw savings.  YMMV!

 

[Cheese]

I would not buy it.  Buy a Dewalt or Bosch.  Search Kapex Motor failure on this site,  buying a Kapex out of warranty is not a good idea.

Hmmmm...well this sounds vaguely familiar as I've editorialized recently about the dramatic change in attitudes from long standing respected members of the FOG ...so once again...a respected member of the FOG turns state evidence...will this never end [member=57769]TylerC[/member] ?

Well of course it won't..........not until Festool Corporate does do-diligence and does the right thing. There are lots of options available.

The right thing could be a product recall...the right thing could be a Kapex product improvement/enhancement...the right thing could also be as simple as a response from Festool Corporate as to their findings on their Kapex investigation and their on-going investigation and what their recommendations are. All these things work and would be cheered by the Festool faithful, however...as of now, radio silence. That pretty much says it all.

Buyer beware.... [crying] [sad] [crying]http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-quality/msg511002/?topicseen#msg511002

 

[Birdhunter]

If you thoroughly check out the machine and it cuts true, you should be getting a great tool. There have been some motor failures. No one except Kapex knows how many. People who have experienced failures tend to be vocal and one might assume the failure rate is extensive. People who have not experienced failures tend to not post about their lack of problems.

I have greatly enjoyed years of trouble free use of my Kapex.

The machine does generate lots of debris and needs strong extraction. I run a dedicated Festool Vac with a shortened wide hose. I'd guess my dust collection averages 80 to 90 percent. Being able to back the saw against a wall saves my limited space.

Also, PLEASE let the blade come to a complete stop BEFORE lifting the head. Following this rule reduces the possibility of a kick back or a flying cut off.

 

[Gregor]

Also one interesting question is, when looking at a used festool, the age. In case it's